As Week 6 comes to a close, the NFL now passes the one-third mark of the season, and teams around the league are examining whether they are contenders or pretenders.
With the trade deadline just a couple of weeks away (November 2), teams are also starting to determine whether there are moves to be made to improve their chances of the postseason.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at an early trade and some of the other news around the NFL over the last week.
Arizona Cardinals Add Tight End Ertz
While the Arizona Cardinals (6-0) are the only undefeated team remaining in the NFL, they are still finding ways to try to improve their club.
They got an early jump on the upcoming trade deadline this week by acquiring tight end Zach Ertz from the Philadelphia Eagles. In return, the Eagles received Tay Gowan (a rookie cornerback) and a fifth-round pick in the 2022 draft.
For Ertz, the 30-year-old has 189 yards receiving and two touchdowns thus far this season.
While he is no longer the threat that put up 1,163 yards and eight touchdowns in 2018, the Cardinals are still hoping that he can help Kyler Murray and the Cardinal’s offense.
Currently, Arizona ranks fourth in scoring (32.3 points), and they rank eighth in passing (272.3 yards per game).
The Cardinals are the favorites to win the NFC West (-140) and have the sixth-best odds of winning the Super Bowl (+1000).
Browns’ Running Back Depth Being Tested
The Cleveland Browns currently lead the NFL in rushing yards per game at 168.5, but that might be changing soon. Unfortunately for the Browns, injuries are starting to take a toll on the team.
After already losing Nick Chubb to a calf injury, the Browns lost Kareem Hunt to a calf injury of his own in Week 6.
According to Kevin Stefanski, the Browns’ head coach, it appears that the injury could be pretty significant, meaning Hunt could be out for the next month or so.
This season, Hunt has rushed 69 times for 361 yards and five touchdowns. He also has 20 receptions for 161 yards.
With both Chubb and Hunt out, the Browns will now turn to either D’Ernest Johnson or rookie Demetric Felton.
For the Browns, they now sit third in the AFC North at 3-3. They still have the second-best odds of winning the division, though, at +250.
Seattle Holding Discussions With Cam Newton
The Seattle Seahawks have gotten off to a rough start at 2-4, and the fact they are without their star quarterback, Russell Wilson, only adds to their issues.
Geno Smith has taken over as the starter and, in two games, he has thrown for 340 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Still, with the team not ready to concede the season, head coach Pete Carroll indicated that the team has had conversations about bringing in Cam Newton.
It is not clear as to whether Newton would be a starter or backup, but it is an interesting development for the former MVP.
Newton has been vaccinated, so there is at least one less hurdle for the Seahawks to bring him in.
Last season, with the Patriots, Newton threw for 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns, and ten interceptions. He also rushed for 592 yards and 12 touchdowns that season.
Of course, he lost his job in New England after the Patriots decided to go with rookie Mac Jones as their starting quarterback.
The Seahawks have the worst odds to win the NFC West at +3500, and they are +8500 to win Super Bowl LVI.
