With Week 9 completed and the trade deadline now in the past, the NFL season has officially reached its halfway point. The league is witnessing tight competition among its top teams, making for an intriguing final stretch. In the AFC, unexpected teams like the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots have emerged as contenders, while a new divisional champion in the AFC West seems possible. The NFC, meanwhile, sees fewer surprises at the top, with the defending champions again leading, but questions remain about the standings in the North and West divisions.
Examining the league, we highlight a significant question for each team.
AFC EAST
New England Patriots (7-2): How far can this win streak go? A decisive victory against the Buffalo Bills in early October captured attention, and the team”s strong defensive performance, coupled with a standout second season from quarterback Drake Maye, has propelled New England to a six-game winning streak.
Buffalo Bills (6-2): Can Buffalo improve its run defense? While the Bills excel offensively, leading the league in rushing yards, their defense struggles significantly, allowing the fifth-most rushing yards.
Miami Dolphins (2-7): Does Mike McDaniel have job security? Despite the recent firing of GM Chris Grier, McDaniel appears safe for now, but his every statement will be closely analyzed as the team looks to move forward from a disappointing season.
New York Jets (1-7): Who are the Jets under Aaron Glenn? As the trade deadline approached, the Jets underwent significant changes, leading to questions about Glenn”s ability to shape the team”s future.
AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3): Is the defense starting to find its form? A recent win against the Colts showcased a defense capable of dominating games, which they will need to continue against key opponents.
Baltimore Ravens (3-5): Is there a chance for a comeback? Despite a rough start, the Ravens have regained some momentum with a healthy quarterback and consecutive wins, keeping them in the playoff conversation.
Cincinnati Bengals (3-6): What does the offense need to improve? The Bengals have managed to put up points even without their star quarterback, but their flawed defense has caused them to lose critical games.
Cleveland Browns (2-6): What will next year”s offense look like? Cleveland boasts a strong defense, but questions remain about their offensive capabilities, particularly at quarterback.
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts (7-2): How quickly can Gardner find his rhythm? The Colts made a bold move by acquiring Sauce Gardner, signaling their intent to contend this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3): Is Jakobi Meyers key to unlocking the offense? With a high number of dropped passes, the Jaguars brought in Meyers to stabilize their offense, especially with injuries impacting their playmakers.
Houston Texans (3-5): Can the offense catch up to the defense? After a strong showing against Baltimore, the Texans” offense has struggled again, putting pressure on their top-ranked defense.
Tennessee Titans (1-8): Can Cam Ward receive more support? With a struggling team around him, Ward has faced significant challenges in his rookie season.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos (7-2): Will late-game victories be sustainable? Four of their last five wins have come in the closing moments, and upcoming matchups will test their resilience.
Los Angeles Chargers (6-3): Can they overcome injuries to the offensive line? The Chargers have struggled without key players, which has directly impacted quarterback Justin Herbert”s performance.
Kansas City Chiefs (5-4): Are they still a playoff team? A slow start leaves the Chiefs in a precarious position, requiring them to win a majority of their remaining games to secure a playoff spot.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-6): Can Jeanty find his stride? The rookie running back has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to find consistency in the Raiders” offense.
NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles (6-2): Will GM Howie Roseman continue to make bold moves? Roseman has been active in the trade market, which could further enhance the team”s defensive capabilities.
Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1): Can new additions make up for defensive shortcomings? With the defense struggling, the Cowboys have made changes in hopes of improving their performance.
Washington Commanders (3-6): Is the focus on future improvements? With injuries derailing their season, the Commanders need to rebuild their offensive line.
New York Giants (2-7): Are changes coming for the coaching staff? After bringing in Jaxson Dart, questions arise about Daboll”s future in developing the team.
NFC NORTH
Green Bay Packers (5-2-1): Can the offense recover from injuries? The loss of key players could hinder their already inconsistent offensive performance.
Detroit Lions (5-3): Is the offense performing up to expectations? While they are scoring points, inconsistencies could impact their playoff chances.
Chicago Bears (5-3): Do they have what it takes to make the playoffs? Their recent winning streak has put them in contention, raising hopes among fans.
Minnesota Vikings (4-4): What potential does McCarthy have? His early performances suggest promise, and he may be a key player moving forward.
NFC SOUTH
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2): Can the run game improve? With key injuries in the passing game, the Buccaneers need a more productive run game to contend.
Carolina Panthers (5-4): Can Dowdle continue his ascent? The running back has become a pivotal player for the Panthers, and his performance will be crucial moving forward.
Atlanta Falcons (3-5): Can they stop self-sabotaging? Despite having talent, the Falcons struggle with consistency, which has hindered their performance.
New Orleans Saints (1-8): Is there hope for improvement under Shough? The rookie quarterback”s development will be closely monitored as the team rebuilds.
NFC WEST
Seattle Seahawks (6-2): How much better can the offense get? With new talent joining the squad, expectations are high for further improvements.
Los Angeles Rams (6-2): Can Stafford maintain his health? His impressive performance has been crucial, but lingering health issues could pose challenges.
San Francisco 49ers (6-3): Is Mac Jones the next standout quarterback? With the rise of other quarterbacks, Jones could be poised for significant opportunities.
Arizona Cardinals (3-5): Is Brissett the new leader? His recent performance has positioned him as a strong candidate to lead the offense while the starter remains sidelined.
