As we approach the midway point of the NFL season, I thought it would be appropriate to give my top 10 NFL teams to this point. There has been a lot of exciting football so far this season, and the second half is shaping up to be just as exciting.
10) Carolina Panthers
Despite not having Cam Newton, the Panthers have found success with Kyle Allen. Luke Kuechly, Eric Reid, Dontari Poe, and the rest of the defence has looked solid all year. If Allen can continue slinging the ball like he has been, the Panthers may not need Newton after all.
9) Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have played well this season. Lamar Jackson has shown maturity in his game as he has been delivering the football in the pocket with better precision. Defensively, the team has played well as they have been getting key stops when they have needed them.
They’ve had two losses this season, and one was against the chaotic Browns, but besides that and a hard-fought loss to the power-house chiefs, the team has shown the ability to win big games.
8) Kansas City Chiefs
Despite the tough losses they’ve had, the Chiefs are still very explosive. However, if they are going to have sustained success, the defense is going to have to play better. Patrick Mahomes II will always give the Chiefs a chance to win, but they need better defensive play to win when it matters most.
7) Buffalo Bills
The Bills have looked very good this season. Offensively, their play has been a little shaky as Josh Allen experienced an injury and their offensive performance suffered. However, as a defense, the bills have looked extraordinary.
Led by Micah Hyde, Matt Milano, Kevin Johnson, and a host of the others, the bills’ defense has dominated offenses, and has been a huge reason why the team has had so much success so far this season.
6) Houston Texans
Led by Deshaun Watson, the Texans have looked really good this season. Watson has led the offense by utilizing his arm and legs to get points on the board for the Texans. Coming off a huge win against the Chiefs, the Texans will look to continue the momentum when they take on AFC South rival, the Indianapolis Colts.
5) Minnesota Vikings
Say what you want about Kirk Cousins, the Vikings are a power house on offense with the weapons they have. From Diggs to Thielen on the outside, and Dalvin Cook at running back, the Vikings have the ingredients to make a run this year.
4) Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers has looked like the superstar player we have all come to love. The Packers have been firing on all cylinders this season with new head coach Matt LaFleur setting the tone. The Packers have a solid team in all facets of the game and will be a team to look out for as we approach playoff time.
3) New Orleans Saints
Even with Drew Brees out with an injury, the Saints have not lost a beat with Teddy Bridgewater leading the way. The offense has still looked explosive and the defence has been a lot better than advertised. If the Saints can win with Bridgewater at the helm, imagine what they will do when Brees comes back.
2) San Francisco 49ers
With a healthy Jimmy Garoppolo, a stingy defense, and an excellent head coach, the 49ers are the real deal. Jimmy G, as they call him, has looked dynamic from the pocket as he has spread the ball to a multitude of targets. Richard Sherman, Nick Bosa, Kwon Alexander, and the rest of the defense have looked unstoppable. If the 49ers continue playing like this, success is certain this season.
1) New England Patriots
It really doesn’t matter who the Patriots play, they always find a way to win. No matter who is injured, no matter who is dressing, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick always have a plan to win the football game they play. The defense is one of the best units the Patriots have had in awhile, and they will lean on them as the games get tougher. With Tom Brady, you can never bet against the Patriots.
Sebastian Farkas is a fourth-year honours politics student and Sports and Wellness Editor of the Athenaeum.
