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NFL Power Rankings, Week 7: Dallas Cowboys get embarrassed again

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NFL Power Rankings, Week 7: Dallas Cowboys get embarrassed again


The Dallas Cowboys suffered another embarrassing defeat against a playoff-caliber opponent, raising questions about their resilience.

Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry have established themselves as the most unstoppable duo in the NFL. While Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears have officially made their mark.

On a more troubling note, the Jets have reached a critical point of desperation.

With these developments in mind, here are the Week 7 NFL Power Rankings.

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 Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) drops back to pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half

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Can someone explain the point of benching Bryce Young? Perhaps he needed to take a step back and watch how the Panthers’ offense should be run. It’s clear now that Young needs to stay in the starting lineup because this team is going to lose no matter what.

Christian Kirk (13) is forced out of bounds during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024

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The Jaguars have the individual talent to make a deep playoff run, as evident during their playoff journey two years ago. This year they are terrible as a team and need to start searching for answers, which might begin with firing coach Doug Pederson.

Houston Texans cornerback Myles Bryant (27) tackles New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye

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Drake Maye definitely looked like a rookie quarterback playing in his first game, and that’s exactly what it was. However, he managed to put up a season-high 21 points for the Patriots offense and threw for three touchdowns. Starting him now was the right decision, and it will lead to more wins, just not in 2024.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) steps out of bounds in the end zone in front of New England Patriots cornerback

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Nobody is questioning whether Tua Tagovailoa is good after the way the Dolphins have performed without him. With Tua’s return to the field uncertain, Tyler Huntley will not be able to keep this team afloat.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) throws the ball under pressure from Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu

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Easily the best stat of the week was that Will Levis has fewer passing yards than Derrick Henry has rushing yards. The front office surrounded Levis with weapons, and he has failed to perform. He needs to step up down the stretch, or Shedeur Sanders may soon be running the show in Music City.

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 Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) on the field after loss to the Philadelphia Eagles

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The Browns are the only team in the NFL that has not scored 20 points in a game this season. Deshaun Watson should be benched, and general manager Andrew Berry, who decided to guarantee Watson’s entire contract, should never be allowed to run an NFL team again.

 Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) walks off the field after losing to the Green Bay Packers

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The Rams are not enjoying life after Aaron Donald’s retirement. They continue to compete in games, but they’re missing that crucial piece to get over the hump. With Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford on the offense, they are running out of time and may consider going all in for one last season in 2025.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) is flushed from the pocket by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh

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The Raiders made their first quarterback change of the year, and it likely won’t be their last after Aidan O’Connell’s performance this past Sunday. The Raiders are another team that should be searching for a new quarterback for 2025.

Arizona Cardinals' Kyler Murray (1) eludes Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary (52) during the third quarter of their

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The Cardinals are a threat to get hot offensively, but when they can’t get their offense rolling, this team looks really bad. They have the weapons, but now they need the offensive line, defensive line, cornerbacks, and linebackers.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks for an open receiver, Sunday, October 13, 2024, in East Rutherford.

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The Giants should be scouting for their next quarterback right now. Daniel Jones isn’t terrible, but he certainly isn’t good either. The Giants’ defense gave up just 17 points on Sunday and consistently gave the offense opportunities to score, but Daniel Jones simply couldn’t get the team into the end zone.

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) and running back Alvin Kamara (41) celebrate a touchdown against the Tamp

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The Saints started the season looking like a Super Bowl contender, but now it seems more likely they’ll be fighting for the highest draft pick. With several Pro Bowl players nearing the end of their careers, maybe it’s time to let Spencer Rattler take over.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) runs for a touchdown to score the first points of the game, Sunday, October 13,

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The Bengals are a team that nobody wants to face now that Burrow, Chase, and Higgins are officially clicking, and their defense is gaining its footing. But is it too late for the 2-4 Bengals?

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) celebrates his touchdown reception in the second half against the Los Ange

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The Denver Broncos surprised everyone with their three-game win streak and seem to be improving week by week. With a manageable schedule, a great defense, and an improving offense, the Broncos should be fighting for a playoff berth in December.

ndianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco (15) hands off to running back Trey Sermon (27) during the fourth quarter against th

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The Colts look like a team that could compete for the playoffs with Joe Flacco under center. The question is how this Colts team will fair when the developing Anthony Richardson takes the field again.

New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at MetLife Sta

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The Jets certainly looked like a better team without Robert Saleh leading the charge. Their run game improved, and Aaron Rodgers looked like his usual self. It’s kind of ironic that the week the offense showed up, the defense and special teams were terrible.

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) shakes hands with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy

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After starting the season 3-0, the Seattle Seahawks are now 3-3. Seattle’s defense can’t stop anybody, not even the Giants without Malik Nabers, and their offense doesn’t show up when they need it most.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) walks off the field after win against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financi

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The Eagles might be the worst team in the NFL with a winning record since the Cowboys were 3-2 just a week ago. They have yet to score in the first quarter this season, and it seems both fans and players are fed up with Nick Sirianni’s antics.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) salutes the crowd after the Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegian

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The Steelers’ formula for winning games is quite simple: establish a strong running game and bully the opposing team’s offense. While this strategy may not work against the top teams in the NFL, they will continue to dominate the weaker opponents.

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill (54) rushes Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the second half

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The Dallas Cowboys were blown out at home once again, this time by the NFC title-contending Detroit Lions. While the team will be healthier after their bye week, which should bring some improvement, it won’t change the fact that they struggle to stop the run or establish a running game themselves.

Denver Broncos tight end Thomas Yassmin (86) blocks on Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack

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The Chargers showcased their best passing attack of the season against a formidable Denver secondary. Although injuries have consistently been a setback for the team, the partnership between Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh seems to be a perfect fit.

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Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) after  the second half of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadiu

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It seems the training wheels have finally come off for rookie Caleb Williams. The Bears’ offense has been firing on all cylinders over the last two weeks, while their defense continues to rank among the best in the NFL.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) looks downfield against the Carolina Panthers

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Kirk Cousins is making a graceful comeback from his torn Achilles, currently leading the Atlanta Falcons to a 4-2 record and a playoff spot. He’s maximizing the potential of the promising weapons around him, and the defense has shown positive moments as well.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates with Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin

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The Commanders may have lost this weekend, but they put up a valiant effort against the most unstoppable team in the NFL right now. The only person happier than the Commanders’ fan base is Terry McLaurin, whose connection with Jayden Daniels will continue to grow.

San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) celebrates with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk

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If there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that the 49ers are nowhere near as good as they will be by the end of the season. Despite a slow 3-3 start, they remain at the top of their division and are just weeks away from getting their star running back back on the field.

passes the ball against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Lambeau Field

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The Green Bay Packers have certainly carried last season’s success into the 2024 season and have become an even better team. With an elite passing game, Josh Jacobs serves as the perfect bruiser to balance their offense in any environment they face.

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Josh Allen of Buffalo gets out of the grasp of Solomon Thomas of the Jets in the first half. The Buffalo Bills

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The Bills have certainly established themselves as one of the best teams in the NFL, but it remains unclear whether they are true contenders. Their only two losses have come against teams they will likely face in the playoffs, and Josh Allen looked abysmal in both of those games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) runs in for a touchdown during the third quarter against the New Orleans

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers undoubtedly have the best array of weapons in the NFL. With five good to great wide receivers, three versatile running backs who can get the job done, and a solid tight end group. However, the question remains: can Baker Mayfield continue to lead this team to victory? After all, it was his three interceptions that kept the Saints in the game for so long.

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) rushes by Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil

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After losing their first two games of the season, the Ravens have won four straight and now look like the best team in the NFL—or at least the best offense. With Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson, they could run the Army offense, and defenses still wouldn’t be able to stop them.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) hugs New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye

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The Houston Texans are the latest example of going all-in on their quarterback while he’s on a rookie contract by building a super team around him. Losing the league leader in receiving yards? No problem—just give the ball to Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon, or Tank Dell.

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) celebrates with teammates after making an interception during the second half

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The Detroit Lions could have beaten the Cowboys on Sunday even if they had used their offensive linemen as pass catchers all game. They completely bullied the Cowboys and are certainly up there with the Ravens as one of the most physical and unstoppable offenses in the league.

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws the ball against the New York Jets

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The Minnesota Vikings went into their bye week stress-free with a 5-0 record. However, with the rest of the NFC North sitting at four wins, the Vikings certainly aren’t comfortable atop the NFC North throne.

 Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs the ball as New Orleans Saints linebacker Anfernee Orji (58) attempts th

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Whether you love him or hate him, Travis Kelce is back, ladies and gentlemen, and he’s likely here to stay with most of the Chiefs’ offensive weapons sidelined due to injury. As long as the trio of Patrick Mahomes, Kelce, and Chris Jones are under the guidance of Andy Reid, this team will continue its reign of dominance in the NFL.

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Brandon Williams’ game-winning 3-pointer tops Kings, breaks Mavericks’ road losing streak

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Brandon Williams’ game-winning 3-pointer tops Kings, breaks Mavericks’ road losing streak


SACRAMENTO — The Mavericks were shorthanded the last time they fell to the Kings.

That fact remained true Tuesday night without P.J. Washington, but they brought reinforcements back to Sacramento with Anthony Davis and Brandon Williams, a duo that missed the last meeting at Golden 1 Center just 11 days ago.

When the Mavericks needed him most, Williams delivered. He drilled the go-ahead 3-pointer with 33.3 seconds left to help the Mavericks to a 100-98 win in front of a national audience.

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“Just shot it with confidence,” Williams said. “I could kinda see it in Cooper’s eyes that he was gonna get off of it so I just had to be ready to shoot. Regardless of what my percentage says, I’m always ready to shoot.”

The Kings had three chances to take the lead following Williams’ clutch triple, but Dennis Schröder and Russell Westbrook went cold and missed 3-pointers. Sacramento regained hope when Naji Marshall missed a pair of free throws with eight seconds left, but DeMar DeRozan couldn’t convert on a running triple at the final buzzer.

It appeared as if rookie Cooper Flagg would be the one to save the day once he connected on a turnaround bank shot, but DeRozan temporarily stole the moment away from the Mavericks rookie by drilling a contested midrange jumper over the outstretched hands of Marshall.

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The shot appeared to be the one for Sacramento to sandwich a five-game losing streak with another rare win. However, Williams’ shot proved to be the difference maker and the Mavericks escaped with their first road win since Dec. 1.

Williams entered the night shooting a career-worst 18.8% from beyond the arc. He only had three conversions out of his last 18 3-point attempts since Dec. 18, but he was relieved once he saw the ball snap through the net on his final attempt of the night.

“It’s been a minute since I hit a 3,” Williams said. “It kind of felt good for the ball to go in. It was like 30 seconds left so we had to finish the game out for me to really feel good.”

Dallas trailed by as many as 12 points, but rallied after halftime to force their 28th clutch game thanks to its 30-point third quarter.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd pointed to turnovers and the Kings’ shotmaking ability as primary reasons why his team suffered a 113-107 loss on Dec. 27. It was a game that marked the Kings’ last victory, which was followed by six straight losses.

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Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) yells back towards a group of fans after the Mavericks win over the Sacramento Kings in an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif.

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It appeared to be the same story for Tuesday’s defeat as Dallas coughed the ball up 17 times, which led to 19 points for Sacramento.

The Kings (8-29), who sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, aren’t the best team but for some reason they have the Mavericks’ number through the first two meetings of the season. Sacramento will visit American Airlines Center for the season finale on Feb. 26.

Tuesday marked the first of a three-game road trip for the Mavericks, who snapped their seven-game losing streak in opposing arenas.

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The Mavericks were led by Flagg, who played through an injury scare and finished with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Davis added 19 points and 16 rebounds. Williams added 18 points off the bench, but none were more important than his rare triple that gave the Mavericks the edge for good.

Flagg, who’s already one game shy of the 37 he played as a freshman at Duke, has been quite durable despite minor bumps and bruises throughout the season. That appeared to be in jeopardy in the third quarter when his left knee collided with the left knee of Kings forward Precious Achiuwa.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg lays on the court after suffering an injury to his...

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg lays on the court after suffering an injury to his knee against the Sacramento Kings during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif.

Scott Marshall / AP

After going through a series of tests to assess the strength of his knee, Flagg returned to the game, which was the best case scenario for a Mavericks roster who’ve had more than their fair share of injuries this season. Washington missed Tuesday’s game with a right ankle sprain suffered in Saturday’s win over Houston. Flagg said his knee was a little swollen, but assured that “it’ll be alright.”

Davis provided a much-needed boost on the boards along with Daniel Gafford, who finished with a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds. Davis has seen his fair share of shooting struggles so he’s familiar with what Williams is going through this season, but he said a game-winner is a confidence booster.

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“That’s when you find it,” Davis said. “Those are the shots that lead to carryover shooting and carry over confidence for the rest of the season, so even if he was lacking confidence, which we know that he doesn’t, plays like that…you find confidence in plays like that.”

The Mavericks will look to build on their momentum Thursday against the Utah Jazz. Williams also missed the last loss to the Jazz on Dec. 15, so he’s looking forward for the opportunity to avenge that loss as well.

On Twitter/X: @MikeACurtis2

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    Brandon Williams’ newest milestone is latest example of his growth with Mavericks

Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.



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Dallas County eyes new multibillion-dollar jail to replace aging Lew Sterrett facility

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Dallas County eyes new multibillion-dollar jail to replace aging Lew Sterrett facility



It became Dallas County’s new, contemporary facility to house accused criminals in 1993. Today, close to 7,000 men and women each day either serve time, wait for trials, or transfer to state prison inside the county’s Lew Sterrett jail.

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The elected leader of county government, Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins, says it’s time for a new facility — and it will cost billions to build it.  

“We’ve got to begin planning and doing the work, because we can’t wait until this jail is absolutely just failing,” said Jenkins.

Expansion and development in and around downtown Dallas have the county keeping quiet about future locations.

“So we are looking at sites, and I think we’ll have land purchased this year,” Jenkins said. “And a land purchase in the relative scheme of things is a very insignificant financial amount of this.
“When I’m talking about starting on planning and building of a jail, I’m talking about something that will open perhaps 8 or 9 or even ten years from now.”

To complete a new facility in 10 years, Jenkins said the costs will be in the billions, based on a desire to build a jail that offers mental health and substance abuse treatment, trying to end the cycle of folks filling the jail, arrested over and over again for non-violent crimes.

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Dallas church stands firm with rainbow steps art win

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Dallas church stands firm with rainbow steps art win


A hearing room at Dallas City Hall was packed with an overflow crowd. Supporters of Oak Lawn United Methodist Church were ready for a fight, but that fight was one-sided.

“Rainbow steps shouldn’t be controversial,” one supporter said during his 3 minutes at the public comment microphone. “It’s just paint, y’all!”

The church came to the Dallas Landmark Commission to get permission for the rainbow steps painted last month in response to Governor Greg Abbott’s order to paint over crosswalks with political or ideological references, like the rainbow crosswalk outside Oak Lawn United Methodist.

“”These rainbow steps that I’m sitting on are an art installation,” Oak Lawn United Methodist Church Senior Pastor Reverend Rachel Griffin-Allison said. “We feel that it is urgent to make a statement, make a bold statement, and a visible statement, to say that who you are is queer, and beloved, and belongs here.”

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As NBC 5 spoke with the pastor, someone yelled homophobic insults from a passing car.

“This is important to have because that kind of heckling happens all the time,” Griffin-Allison said somberly.

The church, a Gothic revival building, is a designated historic landmark, which is why it needed the Dallas Landmark Commission’s approval.

“They are not considered part of the historic preservation building; they are just steps,” one speaker said during public comments.

Several speakers pointed out that the steps had been painted a “gaudy blood red” in the past, and then a shade of gray with no comments or approval.

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“When I see the stairs, I see love, support, inclusion, and kindness,” a woman wearing sequin rainbow sneakers said. “They bring a smile to my face and my heart.”

“If you don’t like rainbow steps on your church, then go to one of the 500 churches that don’t have them,” a young man said to the commissioners. “We have one street that represents this culture, and we have one church with rainbow steps!”

Not a single speaker spoke out against the rainbow steps art installation, and it was apparent there was no fight with the commissioners either, as they unanimously voted to allow the rainbow steps to stay up for 3 years.



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