NFL Week 7 Headlines: Josh Jacobs Returns, Giants Make a Change & Cowboys in Trouble (Ep. 2284)

October 22, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

"Man, the Giants could maybe even look at adding a running back like Saquon Barkley at the trade deadline." That line, delivered with a mix of humor and genuine curiosity, captures the chaos of NFL Week 7. The FantasyPros crew, led by Andrew Erickson and Alfredo Brown, broke down a slate of storylines that feel unusually pivotal for mid-October. The biggest news: the New York Giants have officially named JJ McCarthy their starting quarterback, replacing Jameis Winston after a wild comeback attempt against the Saints. But that's just one thread in a week that also features Josh Jacobs returning from the commissioner's exempt list, the Dallas Cowboys spiraling, and Baker Mayfield practicing in full despite a hand injury. Here's what matters.

JJ McCarthy Gets the Keys in New York

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What you'll learn

1 (00:21) **Week 7 Storylines Kickoff** - Andrew Erickson and Alfredo Brown introduce the episode, highlighting the major storylines heading into Week 7, including new starting quarterbacks and a running back returning from the commissioner's exempt list.
2 (01:31) **Giants Name JJ McCarthy Starting QB** - The biggest news of the day: JJ McCarthy is announced as the New York Giants' new starting quarterback, replacing Jameis Winston after a wild comeback attempt against the Saints.
3 (07:20) **Sleeper Trade Deadline Names** - A report from ESPN lists potential trade candidates, including Wyatt Teller, Vita Vea, and Reka Wollen, sparking discussion on which contenders might make a move.
4 (10:40) **Giants Backfield and Najee Harris Fallout** - The conversation shifts to the Giants' potential interest in adding a running back like Saquon Barkley, and the fallout from Najee Harris's comments about the team's four-man rotation.
5 (16:21) **Jerry Jones: "I Can Fix It"** - The Dallas Cowboys' recent struggles are examined, with Jerry Jones hinting at making moves at the trade deadline despite the team's offensive and defensive issues.
6 (20:57) **Baker Mayfield Returns, Meka Ibuka Injured** - Baker Mayfield practices in full and is expected to play against the Panthers, but his top receiver Meka Ibuka is dealing with a "concussed foot" and is unlikely to play.
7 (25:28) **Fantasy Q&A: McCarthy vs. Rodgers, Trade Advice** - The hosts answer listener questions, including whether to start JJ McCarthy over Aaron Rodgers and a trade proposal involving Jalen Warren and Isaiah Likely for James Cook.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Andrew Erickson Alfredo Brown

Show Notes

NFL Week 7 is bringing major changes across the league! Andrew Erickson and Alfredo Brown discuss J.J. McCarthy taking over as the New York Giants' starting quarterback and what his arrival means for Malik Nabers and the Giants offense.

The guys also break down the latest NFL trade deadline rumors, Jerry Jones' plans to fix the Dallas Cowboys, and Baker Mayfield's potential return for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers.

Plus, Josh Jacobs prepares to return for the Green Bay Packers, and the guys tackle fantasy football trade questions, quarterback decisions, and their biggest takeaways heading into Week 7.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

JJ McCarthy - 0:01:03

Trade Candidates - 0:06:59

Wallsmack Giveaway - 0:13:17

Cowboys Rumors - 0:14:02

Baker Mayfield - 0:18:48

Polymarket - 0:22:25

Listener Questions - 0:22:59

Josh Jacobs - 0:33:15

TNF Predictions - 0:36:03

Helpful Links:

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