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NFL Nation, ESPN
Welcome to Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season.
The Kansas City Chiefs are the lone undefeated workforce, because the Minnesota Vikings sustained their first lack of the season to the Detroit Lions in Week 7. The New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns all fell to 1-6 with losses. In the meantime, the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles gained massive.
We have up to date the rankings and requested NFL Nation reporters to choose one younger riser for each workforce. We outlined a “younger riser” as a participant beneath 25 years outdated who hasn’t already established himself as a prime participant however is making waves this season. These 32 gamers are on the rise by way of seven weeks this season.
Let’s begin with the Chiefs.
Our energy panel of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluates how NFL groups stack up in opposition to each other, rating them from 1 to 32.
Earlier rankings: Preseason | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7
Leap to a workforce:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Week 7 consequence: Beat the 49ers 28-18
Week 7 rating: 1
Younger riser: DB Chamarri Conner
Conner, 24, has made plenty of performs as a slot nook, security and linebacker. Within the fourth quarter of what could be a one-point win over the Bengals, Conner recovered a fumble and returned it for a landing to offer the Chiefs a lead. He later sacked quarterback Joe Burrow on third down to finish Cincinnati’s last possession, giving the ball again to Kansas Metropolis for its profitable subject purpose drive. — Adam Teicher
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Vikings 31-29
Week 7 rating: 3
Younger riser: S Brian Branch
Department was a confirmed playmaker as a rookie in 2023, with three interceptions as primarily a nickel cornerback. However in Yr 2, Detroit’s teaching workers determined to modify the 23-year-old to security to permit him extra freedom to roam inside their system. Department is an early breakout star for the protection with 4 interceptions and 11 passes defended in 5 appearances this season. After the Lions’ victory Sunday, Department mentioned defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn was placing him in “positions to make performs.” — Eric Woodyard
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Titans 34-10
Week 7 rating: 6
Younger riser: CB Christian Benford
Since coaching camp, Benford has proven why he generally is a constant and robust long-term starter. He has given up 3.7 yards per goal as the closest defender this season, tied for the third fewest by a participant with 20 or extra targets, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Amongst cornerbacks with 200 or extra protection snaps, Benford, 24, has given up the second-lowest completion proportion as the closest defender (51.6%). “[Benford] is aware of what it takes, he works laborious on daily basis … like extraordinarily laborious,” fellow beginning exterior nook Rasul Douglas mentioned this season. “He research. He is simply locked in, he is targeted.” — Alaina Getzenberg
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Bucs 41-31
Week 7 rating: 5
Younger riser: OT Roger Rosengarten
Ravens common supervisor Eric DeCosta focused Rosengarten, 22, within the second spherical of this yr’s draft, and it is evident why. He’s the primary second-round choose to start out this early for Baltimore since offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele in 2012. After Rosengarten turned the beginning proper sort out in Week 3, the Ravens’ offensive line started to click on and helped Baltimore rank within the prime 5 in whole offensive yards. Rosengarten has excelled in opening up lanes for operating again Derrick Henry, rating second amongst proper tackles with a 83.3% run block win fee. — Jamison Hensley
1:34
Belichick impressed with what he has seen from Ravens
Invoice Belichick explains to Pat McAfee what’s working properly for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense.
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Texans 24-22
Week 7 rating: 8
Younger riser: TE Tucker Kraft
There are many younger risers to choose from given that just about three-quarters of the roster is 25 or youthful: Thirty-eight of the 53 gamers qualify. However in the case of somebody in that age group whose play has spiked, look no additional than Kraft. He caught his fourth landing cross of the season Sunday; in truth, all 4 of his TD catches have come up to now 4 video games. The 23-year-old is tied for the workforce lead in landing catches and ranks third in receptions (21) and receiving yards (264). — Rob Demovsky
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Lions 31-29
Week 7 rating: 2
Younger riser: PK Will Reichard
The rookie sixth-rounder has made all 30 of his makes an attempt this season, together with 18-for-18 on further level makes an attempt and 12-for-12 on subject purpose tries, essentially the most by any NFL kicker this season with out a miss. That features 4 makes of 53 yards or longer, and coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned he was ready to ship out Reichard, 23, for a 68-yard try to win the Vikings’ Week 7 sport earlier than a penalty pushed the road again 5 yards. — Kevin Seifert
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Packers 24-22
Week 7 rating: 4
Younger riser: S Calen Bullock
Bullock, 21, has been a pleasing shock in his rookie season. He leads the workforce in interceptions (two) and is tied for second in cross deflections (4). When opposing quarterbacks goal Bullock, they’ve a passer score of 46.9. The 2024 third-rounder has turn out to be a starter for the Texans’ protection and has a ball-hawk fee of fifty%, which is by far the best in comparison with the opposite defensive backs. There have been some rookie blunders when Bullock has been beat by receivers downfield, however the early returns have the Texans happy. — DJ Bien-Aime
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Jets 37-15
Week 7 rating: 11
Younger riser: CB Beanie Bishop Jr.
There’s loads of choices on a workforce as younger because the Steelers, but it surely’s laborious to decide on anybody apart from the 24-year-old rookie undrafted free agent after his two interceptions in opposition to quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Bishop had a bounce-back efficiency after getting picked aside by quarterback Dak Prescott two weeks earlier, and he did it in a giant means, almost returning his second profession interception for a landing. The Steelers entered the season with no apparent inheritor to the slot nook spot, and it appeared the Steelers must get by with Cameron Sutton suspended the primary eight games. Bishop, although, is displaying why he earned first-team reps early in coaching camp. — Brooke Pryor
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Panthers 40-7
Week 7 rating: 9
Younger riser: CB Mike Sainristil
Washington picked rookie Sainristil, who turned 24 earlier this month, within the second spherical as a nickel nook, and he turned a right away starter. He is listed at 5-foot-10, 182 kilos however performs greater than his measurement. Due to points at nook with Emmanuel Forbes Jr., the Commanders moved Sainristil exterior — acknowledging he is higher inside, however they wanted him elsewhere. Earlier this season, coach Dan Quinn referred to as him a “uncommon competitor” and a frontrunner — not just for the opposite rookies but additionally for the opposite defensive backs. — John Keim
0:45
Dopp: Zach Ertz may very well be a TE streamer choice
Daniel Dopp explains why Zach Ertz may very well be a streaming choice at tight finish in Week 8.
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Ravens 41-31
Week 7 rating: 7
Younger riser: CB Tykee Smith
The Bucs’ 23-year-old rookie third-round choose and beginning nickelback compelled fumbles in back-to-back weeks and recorded his first profession interception on Oct. 13 in opposition to the Saints. Smith has additionally had two tackles for a loss, two quarterback hits and two cross breakups. — Jenna Laine
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Giants 28-3
Week 7 rating: 13
Younger riser: DB Cooper DeJean
His rookie season acquired off to a sluggish begin due to a hamstring harm he sustained this summer season, however he has been a difference-maker since turning into the beginning nickel nook in Week 6. DeJean, 21, has posted 10 tackles, half a sack and two quarterback pressures in two video games, serving to to solidify a unit that has yielded 9 factors whole in that span. He additionally has taken over as punt returner for injured Britain Covey and is averaging 11 yards per return. — Tim McManus
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Falcons 34-14
Week 7 rating: 14
Younger riser: OLB Derick Hall
Corridor’s underwhelming rookie season has given approach to a second-year breakout beneath Seattle’s new teaching workers. After recording zero sacks final season, the 2023 second-rounder leads the workforce with 5.0 sacks (ninth-most within the NFL). He additionally has three tackles for loss — already matching his whole from final season — with two compelled fumbles and a 64-yard scoop-and-score landing Sunday. The Seahawks’ defensive entrance has been ravaged by accidents over the primary seven weeks, however the 24-year-old Corridor has been a continuing power. — Brady Henderson
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Chiefs 28-18
Week 7 rating: 10
Younger riser: OL Dominick Puni
Puni walked into San Francisco and instantly staked his declare to the beginning proper guard job. It is a place that has been a weak spot for a lot of coach Kyle Shanahan’s tenure since 2017, however Puni, 24, has proven early indicators of being the answer. There have been hiccups alongside the best way, however he has a 94.5% cross block win fee (eleventh amongst all guards), a 73.1% run block win fee (twentieth) and may proceed to enhance. That will be vital for an offensive line that desperately wants an inflow of high quality, cost-controlled expertise. — Nick Wagoner
Week 7 consequence: Bye
Week 7 rating: 16
Younger riser: DT Gervon Dexter Sr.
The second-year defensive sort out has been a significant plus for the Bears’ cross rush this season when he assumed the 3-technique place full time. Dexter ranks third amongst all inside defensive linemen with 5.0 sacks, which components into the Bears’ 8.4% sack proportion (eighth finest in NFL). Most of his teammates level to how Dexter, 23, reworked his physique this offseason, which has performed a direct position in his productiveness. “His assignments have nearly been flawless,” defensive coordinator Eric Washington mentioned. “So, there have been no points so far as him not being within the place to execute.” — Courtney Cronin
Week 7 consequence: Bye
Week 7 rating: 15
Younger riser: LB DeMarvion Overshown
He sat out his rookie season due to a torn ACL in his left knee, however he has proven the flexibility that intrigued the Cowboys sufficient to make him a third-round choose in 2023. He opened the season simply as a nickel bundle linebacker and has since turn out to be an every-down linebacker, enjoying all however 29 snaps up to now 4 video games. The 24-year-old must be extra constant, however he has the velocity to trace down nearly anyone and make up for a misstep. — Todd Archer
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Seahawks 34-14
Week 7 rating: 12
Younger riser: LG Matthew Bergeron
Bergeron was thrust right into a beginning position on the offensive line as a rookie final season and had rising pains. However in 2024, he has come into his personal on a line that’s eleventh within the league in cross block win fee (61%) and seventeenth in run block win fee (70.9%). Bergeron, 24, has given up quarterback pressures on 7.8% of passing snaps, the Twelfth-best mark within the league amongst left guards (minimal 200 passing snaps) and has appreciable upside. — Marc Raimondi
1:36
Why Discipline Yates wouldn’t begin Kirk Cousins in fantasy
Discipline Yates breaks down why he does not view Kirk Cousins as a beginning quarterback in fantasy lineups after a second straight poor efficiency.
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Saints 33-10
Week 7 rating: 21
Younger riser: DB Riley Moss
If Pat Surtain II says you play with hearth and competitiveness and “put together the appropriate means” then that needs to be trigger for pause. Moss, 24, has been precisely what’s wanted within the cornerback spot throughout from Surtain — one of many busiest spots within the protection as quarterbacks routinely keep away from Surtain’s facet. Moss (45 tackles and one interception this season) is aggressive, powerful and bodily and his size makes it tough to squeeze the ball previous him. However most significantly, he retains his aggressiveness and approach after a penalty or a giant play. He will get again to the huddle and retains on enjoying. — Jeff Legwold
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Cardinals 17-15
Week 7 rating: 17
Younger riser: FB/DT Scott Matlock
As a rookie defensive sort out final season, Matlock performed totally on particular groups. He was anticipated to have an elevated position on the inside line of defense this season, however coach Jim Harbaugh switched Matlock to fullback and he has been an important a part of the Chargers’ speeding sport. Matlock, 24, nonetheless performs protection and particular groups; his 236 snaps are the eleventh most on the workforce. He is rising as an unlikely however essential a part of one of many NFL’s finest speeding offenses. — Kris Rhim
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Browns 21-14
Week 7 rating: 23
Younger riser: TE Erick All Jr.
The 24-year-old rookie entered the league as a fourth-round choose with low expectations after struggling an ACL harm in his last yr at Iowa. However All shortly turned one in every of Cincinnati’s prime tight finish choices. He’s second in that place group in offensive snaps, in accordance with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, behind veteran Drew Sample. And whereas Pattern has been a useful member due to his blocking, All provides Cincinnati its most well-rounded choice at tight finish. He has 16 catches this season in comparison with Pattern’s 4. — Ben Child
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Dolphins 16-10
Week 7 rating: 19
Younger riser: CB Jaylon Jones
Jones was drafted to compete as a depth participant, however he has been elevated out of necessity to the Colts’ prime exterior cornerback state of affairs. The 22-year outdated, who was drafted within the seventh spherical in 2023, ranks fifth within the league with eight passes defensed this season. Jones has additionally created a “tight window” on 33% of throws on which he has been focused, in accordance with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. That is a decent quantity for a long-shot participant who has been requested to play an enormous position in his second season. — Stephen Holder
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Chargers 17-15
Week 7 rating: 20
Younger riser: TE Trey McBride
McBride emerged as a standout final yr, grabbing a team-high 825 receiving yards and three touchdowns. And he has continued his rise as among the finest tight ends within the league this season. The 24-year-old has the third-most receptions (33), second-most targets (45) and fourth-most yards (322) on the place. — Josh Weinfuss
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Broncos 33-10
Week 7 rating: 18
Younger riser: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
McKinstry has began solely sport up to now — when Marshon Lattimore was out in Week 2 — and he principally has been utilized in nickel or dime packages since that sport. He is about to get a a lot greater position shifting ahead resulting from Paulson Adebo‘s season-ending leg harm. The 22-year-old in all probability will probably be beginning the remainder of the season, which can give the Saints a possible glimpse of the long run with Adebo’s contract expiring in 2025. — Katherine Terrell
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Raiders 20-15
Week 7 rating: 18
Younger riser: S Jaylen McCollough
The undrafted rookie has three interceptions in his previous two video games, together with two Sunday. The Rams have been searching for a playmaker within the secondary and the 24-year-old McCollough has made a mark since getting a rise in enjoying time. He performed solely 12 defensive snaps earlier than the Rams’ Week 5 loss to the Packers however has since performed 33. — Sarah Barshop
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Steelers 37-15
Week 7 rating: 22
Younger riser: LB Jamien Sherwood
The Jets haven’t got many choices as an older workforce, however Sherwood has performed properly sufficient to supplant C.J. Mosley at a linebacker spot. Publicly, Sherwood hasn’t been anointed, however he has began the previous 5 video games despite the fact that Mosley is now wholesome. Sherwood is a former faculty security who brings velocity and ability to the place, which helps in cross protection. The 24-year-old additionally leads the workforce with 58 tackles. He is within the last yr of his contract and may very well be in line for a pleasant pay day if he retains it up. — Wealthy Cimini
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Colts 16-10
Week 7 rating: 24
Younger riser: RB Jaylen Wright
The Dolphins confirmed how a lot they valued Wright’s ability set after they traded a future third-round choose to draft him within the fourth spherical in April. He impressed all through coaching camp and shined in his first actual alternative of the season — 86 yards on 13 carries in Miami’s Week 5 win over the Patriots. With the expertise and depth within the Dolphins’ backfield, Wright is not prone to flip in a rookie season like De’Von Achane‘s in 2023. However Wright may type a potent younger tandem with Achane subsequent season if he continues to provide. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Eagles 28-3
Week 7 rating: 25
Younger riser: CB Dru Phillips
A 3rd-round choose earlier this yr, Phillips has been probably the most productive defensive backs within the league. He is tied for second on the Giants with six tackles for a loss because the nickel cornerback and has given up solely 50 receiving yards as the closest defender on 12 targets, in accordance with Subsequent Gen Stats. Common supervisor Joe Schoen lauded Phillips’ physicality and aggressiveness popping out of Kentucky. It appears to be translating to the NFL. Phillips, 22, has an opportunity to be one of many league’s finest nickel corners. — Jordan Raanan
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Patriots 32-16
Week 7 rating: 31
Younger riser: RB Tank Bigsby
He leads the Jaguars in speeding (415 yards) and is second within the NFL in yards per carry (6.2). Bigsby put up profession highs in carries (26) and yards (118) on Sunday with starter Travis Etienne Jr. sidelined due to a hamstring injury. The Jaguars nonetheless plan to make use of Etienne as the starter, however Bigsby has earned an even bigger position. He nonetheless wants to enhance with cross safety and receiving the ball. That is the place Etienne has a major benefit. — Michael DiRocco
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Rams 20-15
Week 7 rating: 27
Younger riser: LG Jackson Powers-Johnson
The second-round draft choose noticed his profession get off to a sluggish begin due to harm. However Powers-Johnson, 21, has already proven flashes of being a foundational offensive line piece as a rookie, each for his approach and perspective, since turning into a starter in Week 4. Coach Antonio Pierce mentioned he has already been informed by referees to regulate Powers-Johnson’s aggression on the sector. — Paul Gutierrez
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Payments 34-10
Week 7 rating: 28
Younger riser: CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
A groin injury to Chidobe Awuzie landed Brownlee within the beginning lineup in opposition to the Dolphins in Week 4. Brownlee responded by serving to restrict receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill to a mixed eight receptions for 63 yards. The 23-year-old rookie cornerback has additionally been an element in opposition to the run. “I simply play with that edge and need to let the world know I am one of many prime rookie cornerbacks,” Brownlee informed ESPN. The Titans love Brownlee’s aggressive strategy to the place, which he mentioned has been enhanced by enjoying with veteran L’Jarius Sneed. — Turron Davenport
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Bengals 21-14
Week 7 rating: 29
Younger riser: WR Cedric Tillman
The Browns have one of many oldest rosters within the NFL and a few of their younger gamers have regressed this season. But when Sunday’s loss is any indication, Tillman is a participant to look at going ahead. Within the first sport since Cleveland traded receiver Amari Cooper to the Payments, Tillman had the second-most snaps of any Browns receiver and posted profession highs in targets (12), receptions (eight) and yards (81). Tillman, 24, figures to have a extra constant position within the offense for the remainder of the season. — Daniel Oyefusi
1:55
Schefter particulars risk of Deshaun Watson’s time in Cleveland being over
Adam Schefter joins Pat McAfee and discusses Deshaun Watson’s future with the Browns after the quarterback ruptured his proper Achilles tendon.
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Jaguars 32-16
Week 7 rating: 32
Younger riser: CB Christian Gonzalez
Gonzalez, 22, is the workforce’s No. 1 cornerback whose promise confirmed early in 2023 when he was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for September — simply the third defender in franchise historical past to earn such an honor. Now in his second season, he has returned from a dislocated shoulder that sidelined him for 13 video games and has been tasked with overlaying the opponent’s No. 1 large receiver. “He goes and will get the matchup — performs inside, performs exterior,” cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino mentioned. “That is laborious to do within the Nationwide Soccer League. He is stepped as much as the problem.” — Mike Reiss
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Commanders 40-7
Week 7 rating: 30
Younger riser: ILB Trevin Wallace
Wallace, 21, confirmed glimpses of star materials in coaching camp, making performs reminiscent of his pick-six in opposition to Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers throughout a joint observe. He wasn’t getting a lot enjoying time till 4 weeks in the past when each beginning inside backers, Shaq Thompson (Achilles) and Josey Jewell (hamstring), went down due to accidents. He has been a tackling machine the previous three video games — his 34 tackles rank third on the workforce, and he is tied for first with two tackles for loss. — David Newton
