NFL Week 7 Preview: Major QB Changes, Running Back Returns & Games That Could Change Everything (Ep. 2287)

October 23, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

"JJ McCarthy commits three turnovers against Houston. So he pulls a Jameis Winston. Basically." That was Pat Fitzmaurice's bold call for Week 7, and it captures the mood of a strange NFL season where the Giants are already turning to their rookie quarterback, the Eagles are contemplating a fire sale, and Sam LaPorta is airing contract grievances on Barstool Sports in October.

The FantasyPros crew—Chris Welsh, Pat Fitzmaurice, and fill-in Alfredo Brown—ran through a week of unusual news and five key matchups, with quarterback changes, contract drama, and the return of Saquon Barkley dominating the conversation.

Giants Turn to McCarthy, Eagles Hope for Barkley

The biggest news of the week: the New York Giants have benched Jameis Winston and will start rookie JJ McCarthy against the Texans. McCarthy looked sharp in his second-half relief appearance last week, but Fitzmaurice is skeptical. "I'm inherently skeptical. I don't want to be because I like a good redemption story," he said, noting that the Texans' underachieving defense is due for a strong game. Alfredo Brown pointed out that the Giants can now return to the RPO-heavy offense they designed for Jackson Dart earlier in the season—a more efficient, less volume-based attack than what Winston provided. The key question: can McCarthy sustain Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely's target shares? Brown thinks yes, calling it "irr

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What you'll learn

1 (00:37) **Host Introduction & Guest Lineup** - Chris Welsh introduces the show with Pat Fitzmores and Alfredo Brown filling in for Andrew Erickson.
2 (03:04) **Giants QB Change: JJ McCarthy Named Starter** - The Giants have benched Jameis Winston and named JJ McCarthy the starting QB against the Texans.
3 (05:55) **Saquon Barkley Returns to Eagles Practice** - Saquon Barkley is expected to play against the Cowboys, but the Eagles' offense is in turmoil with a new QB and a banged-up receiver corps.
4 (11:55) **Sam LaPorta's Public Contract Frustration** - Sam LaPorta told Barstool's Pardon My Take that the Lions aren't "showing him the love" and he's "cool playing elsewhere" if a deal isn't reached.
5 (16:35) **Game Preview: Bengals at Ravens** - Cincinnati is a 1.5-point road favorite with a 48.5 total, heavily dependent on Lamar Jackson's injury status.
6 (23:06) **Game Preview: Packers at Lions** - Detroit is a 3-point home favorite with a 53.5 total, with Josh Jacobs returning for Green Bay.
7 (28:35) **Game Preview: Chiefs at Seahawks** - Seattle is a 2.5-point home favorite with a low 42.5 total.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Chris Welsh Pat Fitzmaurice Alfredo Brown

Show Notes

A revenge game in Seattle, a potential shootout in Detroit, and an NFC East showdown between two struggling rivals. Chris Welsh, Pat Fitzmaurice, and Alfredo Brown have plenty to debate ahead of NFL Week 7.

Can Kenneth Walker punish his former team? How much work will Josh Jacobs get in his return? And are the Eagles headed for another disaster against Dallas? The crew also discusses J.J. McCarthy's first start with the Giants and the growing uncertainty surrounding the Raiders.

The predictions get even bolder with calls for Bo Nix, Cam Skattebo, and the Texans defense. Plus, the biggest injury updates and fantasy football storylines worth following this weekend.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

JJ McCarthy - 0:02:15

Saquon Barkley - 0:05:12

Sam LaPorta - 0:11:12

Polymarket - 0:15:20

The Games That Matter The Most - 0:16:01

WallSmack Giveaway - 0:37:57

Make The Call - 0:38:40

One Thing to Watch - 0:44:20

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