USFFL

USFFL Season 25 – Week 7

Thrilling Finishes and Tight Races Define Week 7

Week 7 of the USFFL season brought high drama across the league, with overtime finishes, shocking upsets, and key victories that reshaped several division races.

Saints Outlast Broncos in Overtime Thriller

In what may stand as the game of the week, New Orleans edged Denver 34–31 in overtime, as rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler lit up the Superdome with 359 passing yards and three touchdowns. Denver led most of the way, including a 10–0 first-quarter advantage, but Rattler’s poise and a last-second drive tied the game at 31 before Blake Grupe’s overtime field goal sealed it. The win keeps New Orleans (6–1) atop the NFC South, while Denver’s loss (5–2) tightened the AFC West race.

Bills Survive Titans in Defensive Battle

The Buffalo Bills remained the class of the AFC East, grinding out a 16–10 victory over Tennessee. Josh Allen threw two touchdowns, and the Bills’ defense limited the Titans to just 136 passing yards. Buffalo moved to 6–1, maintaining its cushion over idle rivals in a key cross-divisional matchup.

Giants Shock Eagles in Nail-Biter

The New York Giants delivered the upset of the week, edging the Philadelphia Eagles 20–19 at MetLife Stadium. Daniel Jones threw two touchdowns, and Graham Gano’s late field goal handed previously undefeated Philadelphia its first loss. The stunning result tightened the NFC East, where Dallas (5–1) and Philadelphia (5–1) now share the lead.

Jaguars Rally from 17 Down to Stun Patriots

Trailing 17–0 early, Jacksonville roared back to defeat New England 31–26, powered by Trevor Lawrence’s 266-yard, two-touchdown performance and a 93-yard punt return by Parker Washington. The Jaguars (3–4) kept pace in the AFC South, while the Patriots (3–4) fell further behind Buffalo.

Steelers Escape Jets in Another Late Finish

In Pittsburgh, the Steelers survived a scare from the struggling Jets, winning 16–14. Chris Boswell kicked three fourth-quarter field goals to hold off Aaron Rodgers, who threw for 381 yards in defeat. The victory helped Pittsburgh (5–2) hold its slim AFC North lead over surging Cincinnati.

Packers Hold Off Texans

At Lambeau Field, Green Bay (6–1) maintained its NFC North lead by beating Houston 17–10. Jordan Love connected with Tucker Kraft for the go-ahead score, and the Packers’ defense clamped down late. The Texans fell to 2–5.

Lions, Bears Keep Pace in the North

The Detroit Lions (5–1) continued their strong start, topping Minnesota 26–15 behind Jake Bates’ four field goals and Jahmyr Gibbs’ 115 rushing yards. Meanwhile, Chicago (5–1) remained in lockstep after a bye, keeping the NFC North the league’s most competitive division.

Chiefs Quiet 49ers in Defensive Clash

The Kansas City Chiefs earned a gritty 16–9 win in San Francisco, buoyed by Harrison Butker’s 51-yard field goal and a 97-yard kickoff return from Samaje Perine. Kansas City (5–1) remains atop the AFC West, while the 49ers (4–3) lost ground in the NFC West.

Raiders Sneak Past Rams in Comeback Fashion

The Las Vegas Raiders snapped a skid with a 23–20 win over the Rams. Gardner Minshew threw for 280 yards, and Jakobi Meyers’ touchdown in the final minutes secured the victory. Both teams remain at the bottom of their divisions, but the Raiders (2–5) showed fight after recent struggles.

Dolphins Edge Colts in OT

In Indianapolis, Miami broke through for a much-needed 20–17 overtime win. De’Von Achane rushed for 109 yards, including a 27-yard score, while Jason Sanders’ field goal ended it. The win snapped Miami’s skid and kept playoff hopes alive.

Commanders Handle Panthers

The Washington Commanders (3–4) cruised past Carolina 34–17, as rookie Jayden Daniels threw two touchdowns and the defense forced key turnovers. Despite Chuba Hubbard’s 165 rushing yards, the Panthers fell to 2–5.

Seahawks Keep Rolling

In Atlanta, the Seattle Seahawks picked up their third straight win, dispatching the Falcons 32–18 behind Geno Smith’s 279 yards and two scores. Seattle (4–3) now shares the NFC West lead with San Francisco.

Buccaneers Nip Ravens on Monday Night

Monday Night Football saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4–3) edge Baltimore 16–14, capped by Chase McLaughlin’s 51-yard field goal in the final minute. Baker Mayfield led Tampa’s steady offense, while the Ravens (2–5) continue to search for consistency.

Chargers Cruise Past Cardinals

The Los Angeles Chargers (2–4) dominated Arizona 28–7, with Justin Herbert tossing two touchdowns and Quentin Johnston posting 126 yards receiving. Despite James Conner’s 153-yard effort, Arizona dropped its sixth straight.

Game of the Week

Rattler’s Rise: Rookie QB Leads Saints Past Broncos in Overtime Thriller

New Orleans rallies from behind as Spencer Rattler outduels Bo Nix in a 34–31 instant classic

NEW ORLEANS — Under the bright lights of the Caesars Superdome, rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler gave the Saints faithful something to believe in. With poise beyond his years and a flair for the dramatic, Rattler threw for 359 yards and three touchdowns, leading the New Orleans Saints to a 34–31 overtime victory over the Denver Broncos in a wild, back-and-forth showdown that featured six lead changes, two clutch field goals in the final minute, and a 68-yard pass that will live in Saints lore.

Early Control for Denver

Denver came out firing behind rookie quarterback Bo Nix, building a 10–0 first-quarter lead with a five-yard touchdown run and a booming 53-yard field goal from Wil Lutz, the former Saints kicker returning to his old stomping grounds. The Broncos’ defense frustrated Rattler early, forcing quick throws and limiting the Saints’ ground game to just 65 rushing yards on the day.

By halftime, the Broncos led 13–7, buoyed by their defensive front and a methodical offense that controlled the clock. But as the Superdome crowd began to stir, Rattler and the Saints offense came alive.

Rattler Finds His Rhythm

Early in the third quarter, Rattler sparked the comeback with a two-yard touchdown run, capping a drive that showed off his dual-threat potential. Moments later, he found Cedrick Wilson streaking downfield for a 52-yard strike, flipping the momentum and giving New Orleans its first lead at 21–13.

Denver refused to fold. Running back Javonte Williams bulldozed his way into the end zone from 15 yards out and followed it with a successful two-point conversion run, tying the game at 21. A few possessions later, Nix found Devaughn Vele for a 14-yard touchdown to reclaim the lead at 28–21 with just over nine minutes to play.

Final-Minute Fireworks

From there, chaos reigned.

Rattler responded with precision, marching the Saints 75 yards in six plays, connecting with Chris Olave on a seven-yard touchdown to tie it at 28 with just over four minutes left. Denver answered again, as Lutz drilled a 24-yard field goal with 30 seconds remaining, seemingly sealing a 31–28 victory.

But Rattler wasn’t done.

With the clock ticking down, Rattler unleashed a 68-yard bomb to Rashid Shaheed, setting up Blake Grupe’s game-tying 19-yard field goal as time expired. The Superdome erupted, sending the game to overtime tied at 31.

Grupe Seals It in OT

After forcing a Broncos punt in the extra period, Rattler methodically moved the Saints into field goal range. On 3rd-and-8 from the Denver 14, he hit Wilson again for a crucial first down, setting up Grupe’s 32-yard game-winner with 7:18 left in overtime.

As the ball sailed through the uprights, the crowd’s roar echoed through downtown New Orleans — part relief, part revelation. The rookie had arrived.

Statistical Snapshot

  • Rattler (NO): 24 of 46, 359 yards, 3 TDs, 1 rush TD
  • Nix (DEN): 25 of 50, 244 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
  • Wilson (NO): 5 receptions, 113 yards, 2 TDs
  • Williams (DEN): 15 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD, 10 receptions
  • Grupe (NO): 3-for-3 FG, long of 32 (GW)

Denver actually outgained New Orleans on the ground 154–65, but the Saints’ aerial attack and clutch kicking proved decisive.

What It Means

The victory lifted New Orleans to 6–1, keeping them atop the NFC South and establishing Rattler as one of the league’s breakout stories. Denver’s loss dropped them to 5–2, tightening the AFC West race with Kansas City maintaining a slight edge.

For Saints head coach Dennis Allen, it was validation of the team’s new identity — balanced, resilient, and finally dangerous through the air.

“Spencer showed tremendous heart,” Allen said postgame. “He took some hits, but he never blinked. That last drive — that’s what franchise quarterbacks do.”

Bo Nix, meanwhile, was gracious in defeat.

“We had chances to close it out,” Nix said. “You can’t give a guy like Rattler a chance with the ball and time on the clock. He made us pay.”

Up Next

The Saints travel to face division rival Tampa Bay in Week 8, while the Broncos return home for a key AFC matchup against the Chargers — both games carrying major implications for the playoff picture.

Top Performers

🏈 Week 7 Top Performers

Quarterbacks

  1. Spencer Rattler (New Orleans Saints) – 359 yards, 3 TDs, 1 rush TD, led Saints to OT win over Denver.
    Game of the Week hero. Outdueled Bo Nix with clutch throws and a 68-yard pass to set up the game-tying FG.
  2. Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets) – 381 yards, 1 TD, nearly led comeback in 16–14 loss to Pittsburgh.
    Highest passing yardage of the week despite tough loss.
  3. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) – 281 yards, 1 TD, OT win at Indianapolis.
    Efficient and composed in a road overtime victory.

Honorable Mention: Geno Smith (Seattle) – 279 yards, 2 TDs, key win over Atlanta.

Running Backs

  1. Chuba Hubbard (Carolina Panthers) – 24 carries, 165 yards, 1 TD.
    Week’s rushing leader in a losing effort against Washington.
  2. James Conner (Arizona Cardinals) – 24 carries, 153 yards, 1 TD.
    Hard running despite Arizona’s loss; averaged 6.4 yards per carry.
  3. Rhamondre Stevenson (New England Patriots) – 21 carries, 132 yards.
    Helped New England build a 17–0 lead before Jaguars’ comeback.

Honorable Mentions: Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit) – 115 yards, 1 TD; De’Von Achane (Miami) – 109 yards, 1 TD.

Wide Receivers / Pass Catchers

  1. Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams) – 16 receptions, 170 yards, 2 TDs.
    Monster performance in narrow loss to Las Vegas; highest reception and yardage totals of the week.
  2. Cedrick Wilson (New Orleans Saints) – 5 receptions, 113 yards, 2 TDs.
    Rattler’s go-to target in the comeback win vs. Denver.
  3. Tucker Kraft (Green Bay Packers) – 6 receptions, 104 yards, 1 TD.
    Key plays in Green Bay’s hard-fought 17–10 win over Houston.

Honorable Mentions: Breece Hall (Jets) – 121 total receiving yards; Saquon Barkley (Eagles) – 11 receptions, 119 yards.

Defensive Players

  1. Dexter Lawrence (New York Giants) – 3 sacks, 12 tackles.
    Dominated the Eagles’ offensive line, leading the upset of the week.
  2. Preston Smith (Pittsburgh Steelers) – 3 sacks.
    Relentless pressure helped Pittsburgh edge the Jets in a defensive duel.
  3. Nick Bolton (Kansas City Chiefs) – 15 tackles.
    Anchored KC’s defense in their 16–9 win over San Francisco.

Honorable Mentions: Harold Landry (Tennessee) – 3 sacks; Roquan Smith (Baltimore) – 14 tackles.

Special Teams

  1. Jake Bates (Detroit Lions) – 4-for-4 FG, 14 total points.
    Perfect day including multiple long field goals; helped Detroit beat Minnesota.
  2. Joey Slye (New England Patriots) – 4-for-4 FG, 14 total points.
    Kept New England in front most of the day with consistent kicking.
  3. Blake Grupe (New Orleans Saints) – 3-for-3 FG including game-winner in OT.
    Iced the victory over Denver; perfect under pressure.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Harrison Butker (Kansas City) – 3 FGs (long 51 yards).
  • Chase McLaughlin (Tampa Bay) – 51-yard game-winner on Monday night.

✅ Summary of the Week’s Elite:

  • MVP of the Week: Spencer Rattler (NO) – 359 total yards, 4 total TDs, OT win.
  • Offensive Player of the Week: Puka Nacua (LAR) – 16 catches, 170 yards, 2 TDs.
  • Defensive Player of the Week: Dexter Lawrence (NYG) – 3 sacks, 12 tackles, upset win.
  • Special Teams Player of the Week: Jake Bates (DET) – 14 points, perfect kicking day.

Week 7 Takeaways

  • Division Watch: Buffalo, Kansas City, Green Bay, and New Orleans continue to hold their divisional leads, though several races are tightening.
  • Close Calls: Six games were decided by a touchdown or less, including three by a field goal.
  • Upsets: The Giants’ win over the Eagles and Jacksonville’s comeback over New England stand as the week’s biggest surprises.