As Jon Bon Jovi would say we are halfway there, and livin on a prayer! Through 8 and a half weeks of this crazy season the NFL is entering the playoff race. What’s going on in the AFC?
Buffalo Bills: This was where I expected them to be. Having a soft schedule early, and struggling against real teams. Josh Allen can be great one week, yet turn into a turnover chef the next. Stefon Diggs is playing as advertised and the defense has been good not great. If they are going to avoid their walking mediocrity label they need to prove it in the playoffs. Just don’t look soft on a daily basis!
Miami Dolphins: This is how things can change in the NFL. A team that was in the tank brigade last year has rediscovered the art of a strong defense. Byron Jones, Kyle Van Noy as well as other talented players on defense are leading the charge towards a possible wild card or lead in the AFC East. I know they benched FitzCeption for Tua but to me their biggest weakness is the run game and O-Line. I know everyone wants them to shock the world by winning the AFC East but in my opinion they are going to have to play extremely well and then some if they are going to make the playoffs.
New England Patriots: Well what can I say now. Although in my opinion this year for the Patriots was just like in 2000 when Belichick first got there. They lost close games early, tried to get back in the race, failed miserably and tanked the rest of the season. I know that Cam Newton looks cooked and lost, but my concern with New England is this. Most of their key defenders are out for the season. That is a brutal sight to see. Knowing New England they will start to win games again and sneak into the playoff hunt because of their winning culture. Or they can tank for Josh Fields.
New York Jets: Nothing to see here, just relentless tanking in the hopes of bringing in Trevor Lawrence, let me guess this offseason they will cut CJ Mosley too. See you again in the playoff hunt in 5 years.
Baltimore Ravens: When this team is clicking there are very few that can stop them, when they aren’t it’s typical Ravens, trying to overcome adversity only to play poorly when it really matters. Lamar Jackson and the offense, yes they have not lived up to the hype but when their playoff ambitions are on the line they play like the team they were in the second half last year. Even if the defense has struggled as of late because of undisciplined play and potential COVID cases. This team should be a lock for the playoffs unless something stupid happens. If it does EVERYONE IS FIRED! All I can say is please shut up the evil media for once!
Cincinnati Bengals: In my very words this is a team that is clearly better than their record. Joe Burrow is on pace to set the rookie record for touchdown passes, and Tee Higgins is becoming the wideout of the future. If you look at the talent on offense this team should be competing for a playoff spot. But yes the Bungles happened. They are 2-5-1 but could easily be 6-2 and ahead of the Ravens and Browns. If they somehow hold leads and run up the score in their games they could go on a massive win streak to get in the hunt.
Cleveland Browns: Do you remember the insane hype that the Browns had again this year? YES! People said that after OBJ got hurt that the offense and Baker Mayfield in particular would do better. Not scoring a touchdown against Vegas would happen. If their run game is dominating they are easily a tough nut to crack, but in my opinion if their secondary steps up in the second half the playoff drought would likely be over. But I will say if they want to achieve their potential, they cannot let their egos get in the way.
Pittsburgh Steelers: The start of the season couldn’t have been any better for Pittsburgh. A 7-0 start with Big Ben turning back the clock, the emergence of Chase Claypool, and the defense playing as advertised. In my opinion as a fan of a division rival I think that this team may look unstoppable but this is the NFL and anything can happen. To be honest, the NFL literally gifted them wins against the Ravens and Titans because both teams shot themselves in the foot, or REFBALL. I can’t wait for Thanksgiving to see if they are truly the best team in the NFL.
Houston Texans: Welcome to Hell, Texas Style! A team that had Super Bowl ambitions entering the season failed miserably and thus fired their HACK of a Head Coach. But in my opinion the biggest problem with the Texans is that they had to face the 3 best teams in the NFL in their 1st 3 games. Deshawn Watson either plays well or is lost. And the defense in particular the secondary is once again weak. I would tank for a star player but their 1st 2 picks are in LA and Miami! As a result of Houstons season, YOU GET NOTHING YOU LOSE GOOD DAY SIR!
Indianapolis Colts: I’m one of those guys that isn’t sold on the Colts. A team that yes has a good defense and Philip Rivers in my opinion needs to prove a few things if they want to be classified as a serious contender. They have problems playing superior teams, the run game needs to improve as well as the O-Line excluding Quinten Nelson. Considering that they have to play the Ravens, Packers, Steelers, as well as the Titans twice it to me will decide this teams fate.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The tanks are out and rolling nicely. Any team that considers a defense with no talent elite is clearly a team with no hope. I wonder what they will do with Dave Caldwell and Doug Marrone.
Tennessee Titans: When they got off to that 5-0 start, I thought that the Titans were taking that next step as a legit contender. But after losses to the Steelers and Bengals I just don’t know where to go from here. Derrick Henry is still one of the best backs in the league and Ryan Tannehill is playing up to his contract. But my biggest concern is up front on both sides. The pass rush looks lost even with Jadeveon Clowney, but yet they didn’t make any moves to fix it. This team in my opinion screams 1st Round Exit, PROVE ME WRONG #TITANUP!
Denver Broncos: A tale of marking periods in the NFL. 1st Marking Period: 0-3 which included injuries to Drew Lock, Von Miller, Cortland Sutton, and Vic Fangio on the hotseat. 2nd Marking Period: 3-1 and back in the hunt despite getting beat bad by KC. Jerry Jeudy has overcome his rough start to become the Broncos #1 receiver. Bradley Chubb has played better than he did in his first 2 years, and Drew Lock is back from the injury bug and leading some feel good comebacks. Especially in this division they will need all of the breaks to go their way if they want any chance at the playoffs.
Kansas City Chiefs: Chiefs Kingdom Welcome to the World of Title Defense! It may not be easy since no team since the 03-04 Patriots have won back to back but this team has a strong case for a second title. Patrick Mahomes has rediscovered the ability to destroy a solid defense. There also is Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins, and of course Le’Veon Bell as well as others. To me the reason why the Chiefs could be even better is because their defense is fast and usually doesn’t give up big plays. I am still not sold on them being a lock for the Super Bowl this year. The 2 heavyweights in the AFC North will be gunning for them as well as a certain other team in their division.
Las Vegas Raiders: Another team that is tough to beat if they accel on both sides of the ball. Derek Carr has returned to his old form, Josh Jacobs has been as advertised, and they so far have gotten a stud in Henry Ruggs. Him and Nelson Agholor have been a 1-2 combo in terms of speed, and touchdown catches. The defense has had its moments but they need to step up against real teams if they want to go far in the playoffs.
Los Angeles Chargers: Bolts I have good news and bad news. The good news is that you finally got your QB of the future plus that new stadium that you get to be roommates with the Rams in. The bad news is that their San Diego tradition has so far come with it. To me there have been several games in which the Chargers have had a game won only to blow it in the final minute or OT. They did this against the Chiefs, Panthers, Bucs, Saints, Broncos. If they had won all of those games as well as Derwin James not getting injured again they would be tied for 1st place. Chargers gonna Charger!
The division and playoff races in the AFC are wide open so let’s see who I think will come out top.
In the AFC East the Bills will hold off Miami and win their first division title since 1995.
In the AFC North I’m still going to say the Ravens not because I’m biased, I just think that Pittsburgh will lose a few games to playoff caliber teams down the stretch as well as Lamar returning to 2019 form since Hollywood Brown wants some help.
In the AFC South I’m going with Indy, because I think that their D is the perfect match for King Henry.
And in the AFC West it will be KC even if the Raiders put up a good fight.
As for the Wild Cards I’m going to say Steelers, Titans, and Raiders. I just jinxed it AGAIN!
Bragging Rights Sports 