Patriots deepen their defensive backfield with Richie Grant joining the practice squad ahead of Week 7 against the Titans. Grant, a 27-year-old safety with four NFL seasons of starting experience, brings tackling punch and rotational versatility to New England’s backend while the club also adds Marshall Lang, a big-bodied Northwestern tight end, to the practice squad. With one active roster slot open, the moves signal a measured tilt toward proven depth with upside, setting up a potential call-up pathway as the season unfolds.

Kansas City is Week 7’s chalk, a near-certainty lock with the biggest win probability and the broadest path to advance. Broncos sit as the clear next option, while Patriots, Bears and Steelers offer upside but carry risk on the road or with schedule quirks. Only about 13% of eliminator entries remain, making early, decisive usage crucial. The rest of the season unfolds with a mix of safe successors and late-season traps, so prioritizing KC this week is a high-confidence move.