Even though the NFL season is now 10 weeks old, it’s still difficult to decipher and process what’s taken place.
For example, the Browns (yes, the Browns) are leading the ultra-competitive AFC North, a division in which every team is at least two games over .500. The NFC South is led by a team with a losing record (Saints, 4-5). The Lions are playing excellent defensive, disciplined football. And, the best team in the NFL resides in Arizona. That’s right, the Cardinals lead the league with an 8-1 record.
Got it?
Normally around this time of year, fans and pundits can start to figure out teams and playoff pictures. But the more I think about this season, the more confused I am.
Something I’m not confused about is how well the following five teams are playing. They boast multiple studs at the skill positions, head coaches with Super Bowl experience, and just enough desperation to remain motivated throughout the stretch run.
1. New England Patriots (7-2)
Next game: at Indianapolis (6-3)
The Patriots seem to have found their stride on offense, which is scary for the rest of the league considering them compiling a 7-2 record is them “getting things together.” Rob Gronkowski is healthy, Shane Vereen is a match-up nightmare out of the backfield, Julian Edelman just keeps making plays, and Brandon LaFell, seemingly, finds the end zone on a weekly basis.
The Patriots rank 12th in overall defense, even though they’ve lost multiple starters to season-ending injuries. If they can continue to play well and not give up the big play, I wouldn’t pick any other AFC team over New England.
2. Denver Broncos (7-2)
Next game: at St. Louis (3-6)
The one doubt I had about the Broncos was their ability to play on the road. Currently, Denver is 2-2 in road games this year, which is actually pretty good. Besides their outstanding offense, the Broncos boast the 5th-best defense in football.
Don’t be surprised if they run the table and get back to the Super Bowl.
3. Green Bay Packers (6-3)
Next game: vs. Philadelphia (7-2)
Aaron Rodgers.
Enough said.
4. Arizona Cardinals (8-1)
Next game: vs. Detroit (7-2)
Normally, incurring the loss of a starting quarterback means that team’s season is over. But as good as Carson Palmer was and as average as Drew Stanton is, the Cardinals are playing with such purpose and vigor that I’m not sure such a change will make that much of a difference. They still have Larry Fitzgerald, Patrick Peterson, Andre Ellington, and other big-time players on their roster.
Arizona’s only loss this season was at Denver, and I have news for you: it’s almost impossible to beat Peyton Manning and the Broncos at Sports Authority Field.
They still have to play Seattle twice and will play at San Francisco to end the regular season, but given the fact that their head coach is Bruce Arians, I could definitely see the Cardinals win many more games en route to hosting the NFC Championship.
5. Dallas Cowboys (7-3)
Next game: at New York Giants (Week 12)
You saw how much Tony Romo means to this team, as the Cowboys looked great in Week 10, after looking horrible in Week 9 (when he was inactive). If Romo is healthy, DeMarco Murray holds on to the football, and Dez Bryant is motivated (which is basically all the time), I don’t think there’s a better team in football than the Cowboys.
They do have four divisional games left to play, and three of their next four games are on the road. However, Dallas is the only team in the league to be undefeated on the road this season (4-0). That says a lot.
Game of the week
New England Patriots (7-2) at Indianapolis Colts (6-3)
Sunday, November 16 at 8:30 P.M. ET on NBC
Current Vegas line: Indianapolis -3
Over/under: 57.5
Current Ravens playoff position: No. 8 seed in the AFC. The Ravens trail the Browns by one game in the loss column, but will host Cleveland in Week 17.
