Welcome to November, as we begin the chilly part of the NFL season, and take a look at the Divisional Halfway-NFC, in a division that is really heating up.
With half of the season already done, teams should have a pretty good idea of what it takes to make that giant playoffs leap forward. Let’s break down each division and separate the wheat from the losers.
NFC EAST
What the Washington? Where did they come from? Dan Synder must be licking his wounds, or trading naked pictures of cheerleaders on the dark web, to see what the WFT has done in 2024. Jayden Daniels has made an immediate impact, even tossing a game winning Hail Mary to beat the Bears. With zero expectations going into the season, they sure like the hot hand in the East.
Philly might have something to say about that, after a slow start has suddenly invigorated their D, and put some punch back into Jalen’s legs. Saquon has been a beast for the Eagles, and they could look to ride him into a playoff berth.
Dallas is getting messy, and not in a good way. Jerry Jones has poor communication going on from the top down, as it’s not clear what them Boys are going to do. Dak is struggling with no O line, raging running backs, and only CeeDee in double coverage. Maybe they get dangerous after week 10, or just continue to implode.
New York got exposed on Hard Knocks, and it seems to have followed them like the stink of moth balls. Losing Saquon was a face slap, but maybe not as hard as how Daniel Jones has under performed this season. Is it the coaching, or does DJ lack the gusto to win? The Giants sure have.
NFC NORTH
The Motor City is the big cat in this division, as the Lions have continued to spank opponents in big fashion. Jared Goff has been solid, the running game has double punching power, and the receivers are top notch. Losing Hutchinson is a big blow for the D, but they seem to have recovered and look like the top picks in the NFC.
The Vikings are doing that totally Minnesota thing again. Starting great, and them flummoxing themselves to February with inconsistent play. After being exposed after running up 5 wins, they seem to be naked to their own advancement. Will they be able to rally, or will Darnold get the blame for a team a few weapons short.
Green Bay has had a surprising season of wins, when it looked like Love trouble after week 1. It all comes down to the coaching here, as Matt Lafleur has been clutch in reading teams, and calming his approach. Josh Jacobs has been a welcome addition as the Pack have made a bit of a run, but they always seem to shoot themselves in the foot when it comes to crush time.
Whoa those Bears! Caleb has been steady, but not as solid as the D has been at keeping Chicago in games. While there was a lot of expectations, Bears fans should be happy that they are at the beginning of a franchise whilst others falter. Eberflus should be relieved of play-calling, and stick to overall coaching, but the Bears might be able to sneak through with a cheeky wild card if they can make it through a tough last schedule.
NFC SOUTH
The dirty south runs through Atlanta, as Kirk Cousins has found his groove, and the Falcons have a running game that can do some damage. A slow start has led to the birds starting to flock together, although their D has shown they can take points hits. They are owning their division, which goes a long way to the playoffs.
Baker Mayfield tries so hard, but that hasn’t helped Tampa as they took a slew of injuries to thwart their fun run of W’s. It’s hard to see a way for the Bucs to continue, as Mayfield doesn’t have enough targets, or O line to stop the bleed. He might find a way to a wild card, but it’s doubtful.
Derek Carr and the Saints marched to 2 quick wins of 50 points, with Alvin Kamara trampling D’s, then the suck happened. Carr looks to return, but the Saints and Dennis Allen have shown that something isn’t right in New Orleans. Too inconsistent, too many injures, and not enough weapons. What will they trade away?
Oh Carolina, even Shaggy couldn’t write a song about your woes. Bring in Bryce, bring in Andy, what does it matter? The Panthers traded away the rest of their goods, so they’re trying to dress for the Oscars, with items from a charity shop. Only good thing about the Panthers is betting against them.
NFC WEST
The West use to be best, but it hasn’t looked that way to start the season, as this division is as wide open as the plains that separate them. The 49ers SHOULD be leading the way here, but big injuries, and close loses have fated them to a grind it out time. San Fran is a good team, they just haven’t shown it yet, and they better soon, or they could get usurped.
Matt Stafford and the Rams continue to find ways to win, because they were still recent Super Bowl champs. Coaching has been the big key in ’24, and Sean McVay has winning in his blood. Despite some early injuries, the Rams are starting to make a string of wins happen, and that’s dangerous for the NFC. Don’t be surprised if the Rams wild card it to the danger zone in 2025.
Seattle has been riding old man Geno hard over the past few seasons, with not a lot of support. The Seahawks have games where they look brilliant, and then play the Bills and looks totally outclassed. When it comes down to the tough games, the team crumbles under the pressure, and won’t see a lot of joy going forward.
Kyler Murray keeps trying, but it just isn’t enough for a Cardinals squad that can only play half a game. One minute he’s looking awesome, scrambling and hitting targets, and the other he looks lost in shuffle.
Arizona has never felt like they could put a full winning team together to win every game. Coming up short is their way, and they’ll do it again.
Who knows what the season will hold, but it looks like the Lions, Falcons, Redskins, and Rams will all be fighting it out in January.
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