The NFL truly has impressive
parity. Despite having played eleven of
the seventeen weeks twenty-two teams can still dream of making the playoff. In the AFC, only the Jets, Titans, Jaguars,
and Raiders are effectively out of contention.
The NFC has suffered more attrition with the Bears, Vikings, Rams,
Giants, Redskins, and Bucs all but mathematically eliminated. The remaining six weeks of NFL regular season
action are poised to deliver a mad dash to the finish line.
1) New
England- Jonas Gray amassed 201 yards and four touchdowns on the ground due in
large part to New England’s use of an extra offensive lineman as a tight
end. The extra big body allowed the
Patriots to seal the outside linebacker, which created massive alleys for Gray. Yet another example of the game planning versatility
that makes the Patriots so dangerous.
2) Green
Bay- Predictably, a healthy Aaron Rodgers has limited Eddie Lacy’s opportunities. Last season Lacy averaged 18.9 rushing
attempts per game. This season he is
toting the rock an average of 12.9 times a game.
3) Arizona-
At 9-1 the Cardinals can weather a stumble or two in December. That cushion is reassuring to Arizona fans
who witnessed Drew Stanton’s decision-making range from good (touchdown tosses
of 42 and 12 yards) to bad (a pair of predetermined throws that resulted in
picks).
4) Denver-
Granted the Broncos lost Emmanuel Sanders, Julius Thomas, and Montee Ball to
injuries during their loss in St. Louis but the offense was woeful against a
stout defense. The tea leaves continue
to point to Denver’s season ending in January.
5) Dallas-
This may be the perfect recipe for drama.
The Cowboys control their playoff destiny, Tony Romo has an iffy back,
DeMarco Murray has fumblitis, and Dez Bryant is playing for a new
contract. Throw in a dash of Jerry Jones
and watch how it plays out in Big D.
6) Indianapolis-
Losing Ahmad Bradshaw, broken ankle, for the remainder of the season is a
crushing blow since neither Trent Richardson nor Dan “Boom” Herron offer the
same spark to the offense. The Colts’
season is at a crossroads. A stumble
against Jacksonville this week will give the surging Texans new life in the AFC
South.
7) Kansas City- Winners of seven of their last
eight, Kansas City is the hottest team in the NFL. A short week and a feisty Raiders team will
give the Chiefs a tougher game than most people expect.
8) Detroit-
Having Reggie Bush available against the Cardinals certainly would have helped
a surprisingly ineffectual offense.
9) Baltimore-
The Steelers and Browns are better positioned the AFC North but expect the
Ravens to mount a charge at the division lead.
10) Miami- Ryan Tannehill
has steadied his play over the last few weeks.
However, Andy Benoit's film study reveals the secret to Miami’s success.
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