When we are halfway through the regular season, the first favorites for the playoffs emerge. Who is making great progress towards the post season and who, on the other hand, is doing less well?
AFC: Chiefs, Ravens e Bills in evidenza
The Kansas City Chiefs (9-0), the last undefeated team in the National Football League (NFL), continue to be in good shape.
After two consecutive Super Bowl wins, the quarterback’s team Patrick Mahomes and the coach Andy Reid aiming for a historic hat-trick.
The offense has been less potent this season but, in true top team fashion, always finds a way to win games.
The signing of the former Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins he gave new life to the defending champions’ attack, making the task of the opposing defenses much more difficult than at the beginning of the season.
If there is one criticism to be made it is the way in which the Chiefs have achieved their impeccable record so far (9 wins in 9 games).
They narrowly defeated the Denver Broncos (5-5) 16-14 on Sunday thanks to a last-second blocked field goal and the week before defeated the injury-plagued Tampa Bay Buccaneers in overtime.
The Chiefs’ overall play looks fragile, even though that’s a very, very high level of need.
The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills are lurking, both marching towards the playoffs with impressive offensive power.
The Ravens, led by the QB Lamar Jackson and by the RB Derrick Henryhave delivered several impressive performances after a difficult start to the season. On the tenth day they prevailed in a thriller match 35-34 against the Cincinnati Bengals (4-6) of a strong QB Joe Burrow.
However, the AFC North title is far from a given: with a record of 7-3, they are currently behind the surprisingly strong Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2), who have recently found a new offensive force thanks to QB Russel Wilson and to the WR George Pickens.
With an 8-2 record, the Buffalo Bills also continue to look to the future with confidence. The QB Josh Allen is improving year after year and the race to win the AFC East is already won after the collapse of the Dolphins.
NFC: Lions e Commanders in testa, Cowboys in crisi
The Detroit Lions (8-1), who are currently considered by many experts to be the hottest contenders for the Super Bowl title, have at least the same chance as the Chiefs this year.
After the narrow victory against the Houston Texans (6-4), obtained thanks to a last second field goal, they are leading the probably strongest division in the NFL (NFC North).
After reaching the NFC Championship Game in the previous season, the Lions are making an excellent impression this season too.
The development of the team under the guidance of the Head Coach Dan Campbellthe further growth of key players such as the QB Jared Goff and the WR Amon-Ra St. Brownin addition to an excellent defense, make the Super Bowl dreams of Lions fans who haven’t received a joy for a long time appear more and more realistic.
The San Francisco 49ers (5-4) are one of the few weaker teams from last year. Twelve months ago they were 12-5 and leading the NFC, but in 2024 they only had a positive record in their last two games.
One of the reasons for the 49ers’ terrible first half of the season is certainly the bad luck with injuries, including that of the WR Brandon Aiyuk who suffered an injury that ended his season prematurely.
49ers fans can breathe a sigh of relief because R.B Christian McCaffreythe all-time star, is finally back on the field after a stubborn Achilles tendon injury.
The situation is completely different for the Washington Commanders (7-3). After eight seasons without a positive record in the post-season and after being one of the worst teams in the league in 2023, the team seems to have been reborn under the leadership of the coach And Quinn.
Il quarterback rookie Jayden Danielsselected second overall in the draft by the Capitals as a former Heisman Trophy winner, plays a central role.
His incredibly composed game for a rookie once again demonstrated how much a true “pick” at the point guard position can change for the better.
With the help of veterans like RB Austin Thank you e he CB Marshon Lattimoreas well as with the excellent coaching of Dan Quinn, the team appears to be on track to end their playoff drought and reach the postseason for the first time under the new name.
The Philadelphia Eagles (7-2) are in the hunt for the playoffs again this year. After a somewhat shaky start to the season, the Eagles are currently on a six-game winning streak.
The QB combination Jalen Hurts and the new RB Saquon Barkley It works like clockwork and it appears the former Giants star’s expensive hire has paid off.
However, it is still difficult to evaluate the Head Coach’s team Nick Siriannias the draw was relatively easy and therefore no result against one of the title favorites can be used as a basis.
The next two games against the Commanders could decide the NFC East title race, with both teams having a strong chance of earning a wild card spot if they narrowly miss out on winning the division.
This is especially possible because the Dallas Cowboys, who made the playoffs as division winners last year, have completely capitulated this season.
With a 3-6 record and a couple of narrow losses, America’s team’s hopes of winning their first Super Bowl 29 years after the last time are over.
Things are even more exciting in the NFC North. The Minnesota Vikings are “only” in second place with a 7-2 record, followed closely by the Green Bay Packers (6-3).
With the new defense coach, Brian Floresthe Vikes managed to once again improve their defensive structure by making it more flexible.
The runner’s signing Aaron Jones in the offseason he brought additional momentum to the running game which, last season, had not always performed well. If the quarterback Sam Darnold will continue to give his best, the Vikings will be able to have their say.
