The Buffalo Bills, fresh off a bye‑week win, sit tied with the Chiefs at 5‑1 and are just an interception away from the AFC No. 1 seed. A game‑and‑a‑half lead over the Patriots puts them in prime position to clinch the AFC East, while a victory over Baltimore this weekend could improve their conference record and set up a decisive Thanksgiving clash with Kansas City. The post also outlines key AFC matchups that could affect Buffalo’s playoff tiebreakers, highlighting the Titans‑Bengals, Colts‑Jaguars, and Steelers‑Browns games as beneficial if the underdogs win.
The Battle Red Blog argues that the Houston Texans have become the NFL's least successful franchise, now sitting 2‑5 and still without a conference championship appearance—a distinction they share only with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have at least reached a title game. The piece cites a .446 win‑percentage, recent coaching missteps by Demeco Ryans, Matt Burke, and Nick Caley, and a lack of offensive line development as key factors. It warns the team must overhaul its staff during the bye week to avoid cementing the ‘worst franchise’ label and perhaps finally reach a Super Bowl.
The Jaguars host the Colts this Sunday, and the rivalry now stands at 28‑22 in Indianapolis’ favor after 50 meetings. Big Cat Country breaks down every Jags home win by decade—from a lone 1990s loss to standout victories in the 2000s (44‑17 in 2006), 2010s (30‑10 in 2017), and 2020s (24‑0 in 2022). The recap also lists recent results, highlighting Jacksonville’s recent surge with wins in 2023 and 2024. Key performances include Maurice Jones‑Drew’s three‑TD game in 2006, Trevor Lawrence’s efficient 235‑yard effort in 2022, and multiple defensive standouts across the years.
The Indianapolis Colts' 2026 season is on life support. But they can take a giant step forward if they can go to Jacksonville and figure out a way to win.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler ranks Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. as the league’s No. 2 trade candidate, giving him a 45% chance of moving before the Nov. 10 deadline. After a 1,200‑yard rookie season in 2024, his production dropped to 707 yards in 2025 and just 105 yards with one TD through six games this year. At 24, Thomas is in the third year of a four‑year, $14.38 M contract, and the Chiefs, Steelers and 49ers are listed as likely destinations. Kansas City needs receiver depth after injuries, Pittsburgh eyes him as a fit, and San Francisco could use a replacement for the injured Mike Evans.
Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr., once a rookie sensation with 1,300 receiving yards and 10 TDs, is now a trade hot‑topic after six games this season yield just nine catches for 105 yards and one score, plus a soaring drop rate that’s hit 25%. Coach Liam Coen publicly backs him, yet Thomas saw zero targets in the last two games and was benched in Week 6. With sixth‑round rookie Josh Cameron matching his production in fewer snaps, Jacksonville faces a decision on exercising Thomas’s $17.2 million fifth‑year option and whether to flip him for value before the trade market dries up. The article weighs his lingering trade worth against the risk of a costly contract extension.
With the Indianapolis Colts’ fire‑sale accelerating—trading left guard Quenton Nelson and DE DeForest Buckner and firing GM Chris Ballard—running back Jonathan Taylor’s wife Ayanna is openly fearing a move. In TikTok videos she asks if she should start packing bags as the team, now 2‑5, contemplates trading the 28‑year‑old RB before the Nov. 10 deadline. Taylor, tied for the league lead with eight rushing TDs and 587 yards, is under a $44 M, 2028‑through contract, but owners reportedly won’t trade him without a huge offer, with Green Bay rumored to be interested. The situation leaves fans wondering if Taylor will stay for the upcoming Week 8 clash with Jacksonville.
The Colts are deep in a fire‑sale, having moved DT DeForest Buckner and G Quenton Nelson, and league sources suggest RB Jonathan Taylor could fetch a second‑round pick plus add‑ons if dealt. Meanwhile, Jalen Farmer will start at left guard. In Jacksonville, HC Liam Coen praises LT Anton Harrison’s play and credits OT Walker Little for stepping up admirably against Houston, promising continued O‑line depth. The Houston Texans sit 2‑5 after a Week 7 loss to the Giants; GM Nick Caserio says the team will “take inventory” after the Week 8 bye, weighing injuries and possible personnel moves before making any knee‑jerk decisions.
Brian Thomas Jr. isn't sweating any trade rumors as he continues to have a background role in the Jacksonville Jaguars' offense.
The Buffalo Bills have opened a 21‑day practice window for wide receiver Tyrell Shavers, who tore his ACL during the January wild‑card win over the Jaguars. After surgery and rehab, Shavers—an undrafted former San Diego State and Alabama player—could return to action within three weeks. He impressed last season with a 69‑yard touchdown in his debut and logged 15 catches for 245 yards in 2025. Coach Joe Brady also noted that safety Jordan Hancock’s window remains closed as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
Wide receiver Josh Downs has officially requested a trade from the Indianapolis Colts, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. The 25‑year‑old, entering the final year of his rookie deal, made the move a day after the Colts dealt guard Quenton Nelson and DT DeForest Buckner, amid a front‑office shake‑up and a 2‑5 record. Downs, who has 26 catches for 307 yards and a career‑low 56.5% catch rate this season, said he’s “open to whatever” but remains focused on the upcoming game against Jacksonville. Potential suitors include the Patriots, 49ers, Chiefs and Commanders as the Nov. 10 deadline looms.
Trade chatter heats up across the AFC. The Indianapolis Colts field interest in WR Josh Downs, though they’re unlikely to move RB Jonathan Taylor after his recent extension. Jacksonville’s WR Brian Thomas Jr. appears on the chopping block, with the Jaguars also linked to a possible DT Daron Payne deal if Washington parts ways. In Tennessee, edge rusher Jermaine Johnson is deemed obtainable, while RB Tony Pollard and CB Alontae Taylor surface as trade candidates, though the Titans may hesitate to part with key offensive pieces. These rumors could reshape rosters before the deadline.
With a 4-2 start, the Jacksonville Jaguars sit atop the AFC and could become buyers before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler ranks Washington Commanders DT Daron Payne sixth among potential trade chips, noting his $16.4 M base salary and 2027 free‑agent status. Fowler and insider Dan Graziano both see Jacksonville as a perfect fit for Payne’s interior pass‑rush skill, echoing the Jags’ surprise acquisition of Jakobi Meyers last season. GM James Gladstone may make another bold move as the Jaguars gear up for a Thursday Night Football clash with the Ravens.
Pittsburgh is reportedly "among those exploring receiver help" before the Nov. 10 deadline.
Colts slot receiver Josh Downs, a 2023 third‑round pick who posted 72 catches for 803 yards in 2024, formally requests a trade amid Indianapolis’ post‑GM fire sale. With the Steelers nursing injuries to Roman Wilson, Michael Pittman Jr. and Ben Skowronek, they emerge as a top suitor, while the Chiefs and Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr. also show interest. Downs has 26 receptions for 307 yards in seven games this season and no touchdowns. The trade deadline is Nov. 10, giving interim GM Ed Dodds time to negotiate a return.
The 49ers, fresh off acquiring DE DeForest Buckner, are already eyeing additional upgrades at defensive end and wide receiver. Trade chatter includes Maxx Crosby (if the Raiders budge), Khalil Mack, and Josh Sweat (despite his dip to two sacks in 2026). On the receiver side, the Niners consider Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars), Garrett Wilson (Giants), and Josh Downs (Colts), with the latter reportedly seeking a trade. Analysts give Thomas a 45% trade likelihood and Sweat a 40% chance. The piece weighs each prospect’s fit, contract status, and recent production, highlighting the team’s ongoing roster‑building push.
The Jacksonville Jaguars slip to No. 6 in the latest NFL power rankings after a Week 7 bye, dropping one spot as the Bengals surge ahead following their win over the Ravens. The slide follows a last‑second loss to Houston in the London Series on Oct. 18, but a home game versus the struggling Colts and a Thursday Night Football clash with Baltimore loom as chances to rebound. The post also notes Walker Little’s start at left tackle and recent NFL trade news.
The Kansas City Chiefs, sitting 5-1 in the AFC West, are exploring upgrades to their wide receiver group before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. ESPN insiders rank Jerry Jeudy (a third‑round pick or higher), former Jaguars Pro Bowler Brian Thomas Jr. (likely demanding more than a fourth‑round pick), and Colts veteran Josh Downs as top targets. With Rashee Rice injured and Tyquan Thornton on IR, the Chiefs see these receivers as potential boosts to their Super Bowl push, though Jeudy isn’t actively being shopped yet.
Negotiations with free‑agent Tyreek Hill have stalled, prompting the Kansas City Chiefs to focus on a trade for Indianapolis Colts slot receiver Josh Downs. Downs, a healthy 25‑year‑old who logged 26 catches for 307 yards in the first seven weeks, offers immediate impact, elite route‑running and a low cap hit under $2 million. While the Colts list him for trade, the Chiefs face competition from the Raiders, Jaguars, Patriots, Rams and 49ers, but an undefeated 5‑0 Chiefs squad makes Kansas City the likely destination ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline. Hill’s knee rehab remains uncertain, shifting the Chiefs’ attention to Downs.
Now that trade deadline season is in full swing after the Indianapolis Colts' moves on Tuesday, another AFC South team appears poised to make a significant deal within the next two weeks.
Colts Rebuild Continues! Jaguars Game Outlook & Pacers vs LeBron Tonight!
The Big Lead outlines seven bold Week 8 predictions as the 2026 NFL season reaches its midpoint. The Detroit Lions are expected to hand the Minnesota Vikings their first loss, while the Denver Broncos aim to tie the Chiefs and clinch a first‑place AFC West tie. The Los Angeles Chargers are projected to fall to 0‑7 against the Rams, prompting an immediate firing of head coach Jim Harbaugh. Jacksonville is favored to beat Indianapolis by 20 points, and Miami’s Ollie Gordon is set for a 100‑yard, touchdown‑rich outing versus New England. Additionally, Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is predicted to catch two TDs against his former Lions, and Bengals’ Chase Brown to score multiple touchdowns.
NFL insider Jason La Canfora predicts the Steelers will pursue at least one receiver before the Nov. 10 trade deadline, eyeing Chargers' Ladd McConkey and Jaguars' Brian Thomas Jr. Injuries to Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek have left Pittsburgh thin at the position despite a recent trade for DK Metcalf. McConkey, a 13‑catch, 200‑yard, 1‑TD rookie, fits Aaron Rodgers' style, while Thomas brings 9 catches for 105 yards and a TD in six games. Both are listed as top targets in the upcoming market.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may pull another offensive trade before the Nov. 10 deadline, NFL insider Jason La Canfora says. Despite acquiring DK Metcalf, quarterback Aaron Rodgers still connects on only 58% of his passes to Metcalf (7 TDs, 3 INTs in 21 games). With injuries to Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek, the Steelers are eyeing Ladd McConkey (Chargers) or rookie Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars) to boost their passing game and prevent defenses from keying on Metcalf.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are among the most friendly offenses for fantasy football purposes entering Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season.