Are the Lions, Seahawks, Bengals and Giants on the right track? Lingering questions from NFL Week 7

The NFL is heating up, and several teams are making statements. The Lions, Seahawks, Bengals, and Giants are all showing promise, but lingering questions remain. Can they sustain their momentum and make a deep playoff run? The Lions, for example, have been impressive on offense, but their defense has been a liability at times. They'll need to shore up their defensive woes if they hope to compete with the top teams in the league.

The Seahawks, meanwhile, are leaning on their stout defense to carry them to victories. Their offense has been inconsistent, but Russell Wilson has been making plays when it counts. The Bengals are riding a high-powered offense, with Joe Burrow leading the charge. However, their defense has been vulnerable at times, and they'll need to tighten up if they want to take down the likes of the Chiefs and Ravens. The Giants, on the other hand, are quietly building a strong case as a legitimate playoff contender. Their defense has been rock-solid, and Daniel Jones has been making smart decisions at quarterback.

What's next for these teams will be crucial in determining their trajectories. The Lions face a tough test against the Saints next week, while the Seahawks take on the Buccaneers. The Bengals have a winnable game against the Browns, but they'll need to be on their A-game. The Giants, meanwhile, face a stiff challenge against the Jaguars. Keep an eye on these matchups, as they could go a long way in determining which teams emerge as legitimate contenders and which ones fade back into the pack.

Originally reported by espn.com. GambleWire adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.