Last year’s NFL contenders are again performing above average, but on a weekly basis, the league is witnessing a bunch of close games, dramatic endings, and upsets. As we head to Week Seven, here are seven rather notable surprises.

#1: The Giants (5-1).  A bigger surprise than the Eagles being undefeated is the Giants suddenly winning close games. Key players are healthier this season, but we must also credit better coaching. 

#2: The Raiders (1-4). Despite acquiring Devante Adams, one of the league’s best wide receivers, the Raiders are getting outgunned almost weekly. After a week off, they will need a huge turnaround if they are to get back in that tight AFC playoff race.

#3: The NFC South. The Bucs (3-3) rank last in the league in rushing yards. And although they are putting up impressive numbers in the passing game, Tom Brady is getting harassed a lot more. Elsewhere in the NFC South, the Saints (2-4) can’t seem to get it together. Too often, when the offense is clicking, the defense is falling apart — and vice versa. Meanwhile, the upstart Falcons (3-3) are gaining ground. 

#4: The Jets (4-2). For a couple of seasons, I have wondered when the Jets would start getting hot. This could be the year, but we won’t really know until they meet the Bills and Patriots.

#5: The Vikings (5-1). Minnesota's new coaching staff has settled in quicker than I anticipated, and the team is taking advantage of the Packers’ (3-3) unexpected slump.  
 
#6: The Lions (1-4). I anticipated Detroit's improvement on offense. But suddenly, their defense is giving up too many points — 18 TDs — matching their offensive TDs, which too often have come when games were out of reach.
 
#7: The Ravens (3-3). Baltimore squandered their division lead after a very slow start by Cincinnati, and now, the two teams are tied atop the AFC North. The Ravens’ main problem has been Lamar Jackson throwing too many interceptions (6).
 
This weekend's action is headlined by a Saints-Cardinals shootout on Thursday night. On Sunday, the Colts and Titans meet for the second time, with the AFC South crown possibly at stake. Another catch-it-if-you-can showdown will feature the Jaguars versus those soaring Giants.
 
Last week, my picks went 7-7. Here are the Week Seven matches – and my picks.
 
1.     Saints              at Cardinals                 Cardinals         TNF
2.     Browns            at Ravens                    Browns
3.     Bucs                 at Panthers                 Bucs
4.     Falcons            at Bengals                   Bengals
5.     Lions                at Cowboys                 Cowboys
6.     Giants              at Jaguars                   Jaguars
7.     Colts                at Titans                      Colts
8.     Packers            at Commanders            Packers
9.     Jets                  at Broncos                   Jets
10.  Texans              at Raiders                    Raiders
11.  Seahawks         at Chargers                  Chargers
12.  Chiefs               at 49ers                       Chiefs
13.  Steelers            at Dolphins                   Dolphins          SNF
14.  Bears               at Patriots                     Patriots            MNF

With a chill in the air, fall football is what's hot.