DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 12: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions takes the field to play the Atlanta Falcons for a NFL preseason game at Ford Field on August 12, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Lions:
Some people will think this is long overdue, while others may feel it’s a travesty that Buffalo isn’t No. 1. That’s what makes a good sports debate. Goff and the running game look unstoppable.
Buffalo Bills:
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 16: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills calls a play at the line during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
They beat the man, but they have been beaten twice this season. By a hair, they are just short of the top spot. Josh Allen is making a strong case for MVP.
Kansas City Chiefs:
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 10: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs hands the football to Kareem Hunt #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
A tough road loss has dropped the two-time defending champs two spots on this list. Mahomes and the crew will be just fine.
Philadelphia Eagles:
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Don’t sleep on the Eagles…they are having a sneaky great season. Saquon Barkley is the perfect addition to this dynamic offense, and at the moment, they are my pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 9: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the preseason game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Russell Wilson has fit in nicely. But after a bad loss to the Browns on TNF, they moved down a spot and could move down further depending on Sunday’s and Monday’s results.
Minnesota Vikings:
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
After their two-game blip, the Vikings seem to be back, but I question Sam Darnold at QB…I have much more faith in Jared Goff, Jalen Hurts, or Jordan Love.
Green Bay Packers:
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 31: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
And speaking of Love’s Packers. They won by the skin of their teeth on Sunday, but a win is a win.
Baltimore Ravens:
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, JANUARY 20: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
For all of Lamar Jackson’s greatness, he cannot win a big game and cannot beat the Steelers, who have owned him through the years. Don’t look now, but they have four losses.
Los Angeles Chargers:
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 01: Newly appointed head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers speaks to the media during a press conference at YouTube Theater on February 01, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Is this the year to believe in the Chargers? With Jim Harbaugh at the helm, this could be their year to make a deep playoff run. They have an interesting matchup this week against a Ravens team coming off their tough loss.
Denver Broncos:
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 22: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The Broncos have been a feisty bunch and have outperformed expectations this season. If the season ended today, the Broncos would be in the playoffs and a lot of it is thanks to Bo Nix.
