Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season is right here after a “Monday Evening Soccer” doubleheader that included a matchup between the highest groups in final week’s Energy Rankings (the Buccaneers and Lions). Detroit received following an thrilling Sunday slate, which even featured a 33-point fourth quarter by the Broncos in opposition to the Giants.
How do all of those groups slot in our up to date Energy Rankings? We restacked the NFL heading into Week 8, which incorporates byes for six groups (Cardinals, Jaguars, Lions, Raiders, Rams and Seahawks). Along with the 1-32 rankings, our NFL Nation reporters picked an unsung nonstarter or position participant from every roster. Who’s making a huge impact with their restricted snaps on the sector? Which nonstarters are having massive performances rather than injured or launched gamers?
Let’s get into it with our No. 1 staff. Our energy panel of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluated how NFL groups stack up in opposition to each other, rating them from 1 to 32.
Soar to a staff:
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 Buccaneers 24-9
Week 7 rating: 2
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: WR Isaac TeSlaa
The rookie has obtained restricted snaps taking part in behind large receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond, however TeSlaa has produced some highlight-reel performs when given alternatives. A local of Hudsonville, Michigan, he has logged solely three receptions for 54 yards, although two of these receptions had been TDs. The primary was a spectacular one-handed seize within the season opener at Inexperienced Bay. His second profession catch was one other one-hander from quarterback Jared Goff in opposition to Chicago in Week 2. Throughout the preseason, TeSlaa additionally logged three receiving touchdowns and is rising as a fan favourite. — Eric Woodyard
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Chargers 38-24
Week 7 rating: 4
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: DE Tyquan Lewis
Lewis has by no means been a full-time starter in his eight seasons with the Colts, however they proceed re-signing him as a result of he provides them constant manufacturing on the sector. Lewis has three sacks, 4 tackles for loss and 10 QB pressures regardless of taking part in solely 41% of the defensive snaps this season. His inside-outside versatility makes him a key depth choice as a result of he can play a number of roles and supply flexibility. He is additionally equally efficient in opposition to the run and go. — Stephen Holder
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Vikings 28-22
Week 7 rating: 5
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: DT Moro Ojomo
A seventh-round choose within the 2023 draft out of Texas, Ojomo tends to get second billing at defensive sort out behind the Georgia duo of Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. However Ojomo has been key in making up for the departure of Milton Williams to the Patriots this offseason. He has three sacks, 5 QB hits and three tackles for loss. “He is a superb soccer participant. You should cease being shocked by that,” d defensive coordinator Vic Fangio stated earlier this season. — Tim McManus
1:06
Alex Smith: Eagles must ‘play with their foot on the gasoline’
Alex Smith and Damien Woody break down the Eagles forgoing a predictable offense plan and defeating the Vikings.
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Lions 24-9
Week 7 rating: 1
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: WR Sterling Shepard
With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka all sitting out video games due to accidents — plus working again Bucky Irving’s accidents — Shepard’s 267 receiving yards, 26 catches and 9 third-down receptions all rank second on the staff. He made the Bucs’ last-second victory at Seattle doable with a tying landing seize. “[He is] very underrated — certainly one of our most underrated gamers, however certainly one of our greatest gamers,” coach Todd Bowles stated. “He is aware of what to do, the right way to do it … He is carried out an important job blocking this 12 months as effectively. He finds the open spots, and him and Baker [Mayfield] have a connection that manner.” — Jenna Laine
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Jaguars 35-7
Week 7 rating: 7
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: RB Blake Corum
The Rams have a transparent RB1 in Kyren Williams, however coach Sean McVay has stated he goals to present Corum about 35% of snaps in a recreation, relying on the sport script. He has 41 carries for 193 yards and a landing this season. And whereas the Rams, in fact, hope it’s not needed, they consider Corum could possibly be a productive starter if Williams needed to sit out any time due to damage. — Sarah Barshop
Week 7 consequence: Bye
Week 7 rating: 3
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: TE Jackson Hawes
Unsung, not a lot, because the rookie fifth-round choose has obtained consideration for his blocking means and what he brings to the offense, however Hawes began the season as TE3 on the depth chart. His emergence has allowed the Payments to run totally different formations, notably extra 13 personnel (three tight ends). He has confirmed up within the passing recreation with 4 receptions on 4 targets for 54 yards and a landing. When requested a few weeks in the past if Hawes has exceeded expectations, coach Sean McDermott stated, “That was a superb choose for us. It is early, however that was a superb choose.” — Alaina Getzenberg
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Raiders 31-0
Week 7 rating: 9
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: LB Leo Chenal
Chenal, who’s within the last 12 months of his rookie contract, has continued to enhance all through his profession. He helped set the tone of their Week 4 win over the Ravens by intercepting quarterback Lamar Jackson late within the first quarter. He additionally has been a relentless, dependable defender in limiting the manufacturing from varied working backs, together with Jahmyr Gibbs, Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley and rookie Ashton Jeanty. Even in a pinch, Chenal will be efficient as a further go rusher or because the spy defender. — Nate Taylor
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Cardinals 27-23
Week 7 rating: 6
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: Okay Lucas Havrisik
He did not begin the season as their kicker, and he in all probability will not end it as their kicker. However whereas Brandon McManus has sat out the previous two video games due to a quad damage, the free agent signing has been cash. Havrisik has made all 10 of his kicks (4 area aim makes an attempt and 6 PATs), together with a franchise-record 61-yarder Sunday. He is so unsung that even after two video games, defensive finish Micah Parsons stated he nonetheless did not know the kicker’s title. “To be sincere with you,” Parsons stated, “I do not know half the staff but.” McManus is anticipated again in per week or two and it is doable as a substitute of simply reducing Havrisik, they may have the ability to get one thing for him in a commerce. — Rob Demovsky
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Texans 27-19
Week 7 rating: 8
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: WR Tory Horton
Because the third receiver in an offense that hardly ever has three of them on the sector on the identical time, Horton has needed to benefit from restricted alternatives. And he has. He has caught solely 9 passes on 18 targets for 113 yards by means of seven video games, however he has turned three of these receptions into touchdowns. The rookie fifth-round choose additionally returned a punt 95 yards for a landing in opposition to the Saints to set a franchise file. — Brady Henderson
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Falcons 20-10
Week 7 rating: 11
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: WR Kendrick Bourne
Bourne did not even be part of the 49ers till Week 2, however with accidents ravaging the receiver room, he has been an important goal for quarterback Mac Jones and somebody the Niners can depend on in addition to working again Christian McCaffrey. By six video games, Bourne has 25 receptions for 385 yards, making him the most efficient non-McCaffrey go catcher on the roster. Although the staff is anticipating wideouts Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to return sooner or later, Bourne has earned the chance to maintain getting snaps. — Nick Wagoner
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Giants 33-32
Week 7 rating: 10
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: LB Justin Strnad
Strnad has began solely the previous two seasons when someone else was injured. In 2024, he moved into the lineup after Alex Singleton’s season-ending ACL damage in Week 3. This 12 months, Strnad has began rather than Dre Greenlaw, who performed Sunday for the primary time all season after coping with thigh accidents. Strnad was somebody who did not take a defensive snap for 2 seasons (2022 and 2023), then turned one of many staff’s greatest particular groups gamers and an efficient rusher (3.5 sacks). He is now a dependable run defender after opponents used to single him out, and his interception Sunday powered the Broncos’ inconceivable 33-point fourth quarter. — Jeff Legwold
1:19
Schefter: Giants’ loss to Broncos is ‘historic’
Adam Schefter expresses his ideas on the Giants’ collapse in opposition to the Broncos on Sunday evening.
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Titans 31-13
Week 7 rating: 15
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: DT Khyiris Tonga
The No. 3 choice behind starters Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, Tonga arrived with a well-deserved status as a run stuffer. This season, he additionally has proven a knack for pushing the pocket as a rusher. The Patriots have not allowed a working again to complete greater than 50 dashing yards but, and Tonga is a part of the rationale why. He served as a recreation captain in Week 6, with coach Mike Vrabel noting he “does a number of the soiled work.” — Mike Reiss
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Bengals 33-31
Week 7 rating: 12
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: OLB Nick Herbig
Herbig is not a starter on the depth chart, however coach Mike Tomlin values his contributions a lot that he launched the third-year go rusher because the staff’s twelfth starter in opposition to the Browns. In 5 video games this season, Herbig has an interception, two passes defensed, a compelled fumble, 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits. And now with Herbig and fellow go rusher Alex Highsmith each wholesome, the Steelers have the choice to deploy their three-linebacker look with T.J. Watt. — Brooke Pryor
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Saints 26-14
Week 7 rating: 21
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: Okay Jake Moody
Moody was signed to the Bears follow squad after he was minimize by the 49ers forward of Week 2. He was afforded time to reset earlier than being referred to as upon to kick in opposition to Washington and New Orleans whereas beginning kicker Cairo Santos recovers from an damage to his proper thigh. Moody went 4-for-5 on area aim makes an attempt, together with a 38-yard winner, shortly after he discovered he’d be changing Santos within the lineup in opposition to the Commanders. He made 4 area targets Sunday. — Courtney Cronin
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Colts 38-24
Week 7 rating: 14
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: TE Oronde Gadsden II
A fifth-round rookie, Gadsden was a wholesome inactive for the Chargers’ first two video games of the season, however he has emerged as certainly one of quarterback Justin Herbert’s favourite targets. Gadsden had his greatest exhibiting in Week 7 — and probably the greatest video games by a Chargers tight finish in latest reminiscence — with seven catches for 164 yards and one landing. Gadsden had essentially the most receiving yards by a good finish since Antonio Gates in 2013. — Kris Rhim
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Commanders 44-22
Week 7 rating: 22
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: C Brock Hoffman
After beginning heart Cooper Beebe went down due to a damaged bone in his foot in Week 2, Hoffman stepped into the lineup and the offense didn’t miss a step. The Cowboys have put up not less than 396 yards in 4 of his 5 begins, they usually scored 37 or extra factors in three of the previous 4 video games. He performs to the sting bodily, however he has carried out a superb job setting the fronts for a line that has the second-leading rusher (Javonte Williams) and an MVP contender at quarterback (Dak Prescott). Beebe is near returning, however Hoffman has earned reward for his work. — Todd Archer
1:25
Canty: Cowboys’ protection should enhance for a playoff run
Chris Canty highlights the Cowboys’ offensive success however stresses that the protection should enhance for a playoff run.
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Rams 35-7
Week 7 rating: 16
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: S Rayuan Lane III
The rookie sixth-round select of Navy has performed 11 defensive snaps this season, however he has been one of many Jaguars’ prime particular groups gamers, particularly as a gunner on punt protection. He made strong tackles on back-to-back punts in opposition to Seattle to pin the Seahawks deep two weeks in the past, and he had three in opposition to Kansas Metropolis the week earlier than that. Lane has a team-high six particular groups tackles and may get time on protection if beginning security Eric Murray continues to take a seat out due to a neck damage. — Mike DiRocco
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Jets 13-6
Week 7 rating: 19
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: WR Jimmy Horn Jr.
The sixth-round select of Colorado did not play within the first 4 video games when the Panthers had been 1-3. Since shifting into the lineup as a backup used totally on jet sweeps, Carolina is 3-0 and averaging about 2.0 extra yards per play yards when he is on the sector. Horn has solely 5 catches for 65 yards and 4 rushes for 28 yards, however opponents having to respect his game-breaking pace has helped open up the offense. — David Newton
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Cowboys 44-22
Week 7 rating: 13
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: TE John Bates
Bates does begin some video games, however he’s extra of a job participant with 25.4 snaps per recreation this season. He is not a go catcher (he has solely two receptions), but Washington made him a precedence to re-sign over the offseason as a result of he is among the greatest run-blocking tight ends, notably when aligned on the road of scrimmage. “He is simply in a position to dominate guys on the level of assault,” fellow Washington tight finish Zach Ertz stated earlier this season. Bates is also a key member of the particular groups unit, averaging 11.4 snaps. — John Keim
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the 49ers 20-10
Week 7 rating: 20
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: CB Dee Alford
Alford had a tricky season because the Falcons’ beginning nickel nook in 2024 as a part of a protection that allowed quarterbacks to do virtually no matter they wished. He misplaced the beginning job in coaching camp to rookie Billy Bowman Jr., however when Falcons prime nook A.J. Terrell Jr. sat out Weeks 3 and 4 due to a hamstring damage, Alford stepped in admirably. Then, Bowman went down due to a hamstring damage and Alford has began on the nickel the previous two weeks. Within the Falcons’ win over the Payments, he had an interception and a sack. — Marc Raimondi
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Seahawks 27-19
Week 7 rating: 18
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: RG Ed Ingram
Ingram wasn’t even a starter getting into camp. Former left sort out Cam Robinson (now with the Browns) suffered an damage early in camp, main to an entire shake-up on the unit that led to Ingram stepping in at proper guard. He has been the starter since then and has carried out effectively to gasoline the Texans’ run recreation. Common supervisor Nick Caserio stated, “Ed has carried out a fairly good job and a change of surroundings is nice for everyone concerned in that state of affairs.” — DJ Bien-Aime
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Eagles 28-22
Week 7 rating: 17
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: LB Eric Wilson
Wilson, who began his profession in Minnesota and remained with the group from 2017 to 2020, signed this spring for a second stint. His position appeared set as a core particular groups participant and backup inside linebacker behind 2024 starters Blake Cashman and Ivan Tempo Jr. However after Cashman strained his hamstring in Week 1, Wilson stepped in and stored a beginning job when Cashman returned in Week 7, sending Tempo to the bench. Wilson is the Vikings’ main tackler (41) and likewise has 1.5 sacks. He has maintained his position on particular groups, the place he has performed 72 snaps. — Kevin Seifert
3:11
Why Justin Jefferson wished to present again to prime WR prospects
Go all entry with Justin Jefferson as he provided his perspective and information to prime collegiate prospects on the IMG Academy final summer season.
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Steelers 33-31
Week 7 rating: 27
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: LB Oren Burks
The eight-year veteran confirmed how beneficial he was in opposition to Pittsburgh. In his first play off the bench, Burks made an open-field sort out that arrange a 3rd down deep within the purple zone. With Cincinnati counting on younger linebackers, he provides the Bengals an skilled participant who’s available. Burks can also be second on the staff with eight tackles on particular groups. He’s nonetheless able to taking part in a big snap share if Cincinnati wants to present rookie Demetrius Knight Jr. extra time to work into the beginning rotation. — Ben Child
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Packers 27-23
Week 7 rating: 23
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: OT Kelvin Beachum
Not solely is Beachum all the time on the prepared because the Cardinals’ backup swing sort out, however he additionally has taken on a brand new position as Arizona’s additional tight finish after season-ending accidents to Tip Reiman and Travis Vokolek. Beachum, who began 12 video games final season for the Cardinals, went from taking part in zero offensive snaps in Week 4 in opposition to Seattle to taking part in 13, 19 and 11 offensive snaps the previous three weeks, respectively. — Josh Weinfuss
Week 7 consequence: Beat the Dolphins 31-6
Week 7 rating: 29
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: S Rayshawn Jenkins
Jenkins’ position varies from week to week, however his expertise and flexibility has turn out to be useful because the Browns like to make use of three-safety packages on protection. The ninth-year veteran has logged snaps at security, exterior nook, nickelback, exterior linebacker and inside linebacker, and he is coming off his greatest recreation of the season in opposition to Miami. He recorded one sort out, an interception, a go breakup and a fumble restoration on particular groups. — Daniel Oyefusi
Week 7 consequence: Bye
Week 7 rating: 24
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: RB Justice Hill
Derrick Henry is the headliner of the Ravens’ backfield, however Hill is the go-to again in passing conditions. He’s a trusted go protector and a succesful go catcher. Since 2023, Hill is tied for third on the Ravens with 88 receptions. He additionally averages 9.4 yards after the catch, which is essentially the most by a Baltimore participant with not less than 50 catches since 2023. Common supervisor Eric DeCosta has even referred to as Hill “one of many unsung heroes” on the staff. — Jamison Hensley
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Broncos 33-32
Week 7 rating: 25
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: S Dane Belton
The fourth-year security will get utilized in sure weekly packages on protection and has turn out to be a particular groups standout. Belton is tied for second within the NFL with 12 particular groups tackles. He additionally compelled a fumble final week on protection and made a key fourth-down sort out close to the aim line in opposition to the Broncos whereas filling in for injured starter Jevon Holland. Belton has repeatedly produced game-changing performs when given the chance on protection all through his profession. — Jordan Raanan
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Bears 26-14
Week 7 rating: 28
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: CB Quincy Riley
Riley, a 2025 fourth-round choose, has began the previous two video games rather than Isaac Yiadom. Although Riley began the season solely on particular groups, he has had an opportunity to present the teaching employees a severe have a look at him the previous few weeks. In opposition to the Bears, he had his first NFL profession interception halfway by means of the primary quarter. That would make for an fascinating choice when Yiadom is totally wholesome from his hamstring damage. — Katherine Terrell
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Chiefs 31-0
Week 7 rating: 26
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: DT Jonah Laulu
Laulu has made vital strides in his second season with the Raiders. The seventh-round choose is tied for a team-high 4 sacks, with 14 pressures and 6 quarterback hits this season. Laulu additionally has 4 run stuffs, whereas the protection has given up 3.1 dashing yards per try when he is on the sector. “He is taking part in nice soccer,” coach Pete Carroll stated. “It isn’t simply dimension, weight, pace factor. It is his coronary heart, the depth that he performs with, the approach you noticed, nice go rushes during the last couple weeks the place he is successful one-on-ones, and he is doing an amazing job.” — Ryan McFadden
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Browns 31-6
Week 7 rating: 30
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: DT Jordan Phillips
Unsung heroes aren’t straightforward to search out on a one-win staff, however the 2025 fifth-round choose has proven glimpses in the course of the first seven video games of his profession. Regardless of taking part in behind Zach Sieler and Kenneth Grant, Phillips leads all Dolphins defensive linemen with a 33% run cease win fee. Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver desires to rotate his defensive linemen, so Phillips’ continued manufacturing will likely be necessary if Miami’s protection turns its season round. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced the Patriots 31-13
Week 7 rating: 31
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: WR Chimere Dike
Dike has turn out to be a playmaker for the Titans each on particular groups and extra just lately on offense. Dike wasn’t the first return man for Tennessee within the preseason, however he now leads the NFL with 816 kickoff return yards, although that has include a league-high 31 kickoff returns. Coming into Week 7, he had three receptions for 26 yards, however he had 4 for 71 in opposition to New England — together with his first landing on a 38-yard reference to fellow rookie Cam Ward. Dike’s position might enhance as a budding relationship with Ward begins to affect extra alternatives from quarterbacks coach/offensive playcaller Bo Hardegree. — Turron Davenport
Week 7 consequence: Misplaced to the Panthers 13-6
Week 7 rating: 32
Unsung nonstarter/position participant: P Austin McNamara
McNamara signed with the Jets in March as competitors for Thomas Morstead. The Jets launched Morstead in Might, and McNamara received the beginning job regardless of no regular-season expertise. McNamara has emerged as probably the greatest punters within the league. He is fifth in web common yards (44.6), tied for fourth on punts contained in the 20 with 11 and third in cling time (4.90 seconds). The Jets found him at a free agent kicking camp within the offseason — one of many higher selections they’ve made this 12 months. — Wealthy Cimini