1. Arizona Cardinals: They are closing in on winning the NFC West for the first time since 2015 when Bruce Arians was their head coach. Kliff Kingsbury would have my vote right now for Coach of the Year. How about the acquisition of Zach Ertz? He’s quietly come in and given them a quiet boost on the offense. At 9-2, they have the top record in the NFC and as every other team, of course they want home field advantage. Who wants to leave home in January? Reinforcements are on the way for the Cardinals. Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins are expected to be back today in Chicago.
2. Green Bay Packers: Sunday against the Rams was a nice bounce back win for them. They were able to get some key players back off the injured list. The win improved their record to 9-3 and it gives them a very commanding lead in the NFC North. Also, they are just a half-game behind the Arizona Cardinals whom they own the head-to-head tiebreaker over. This is one of the deeper Packers team I’ve seen in recent memory. They’re clicking in all phases of the football game. Offense is balance and the defense is getting off the field. Let’s see if it all holds up when it matters the most.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: While the comeback win in Indianapolis was a big one, I don’t have the confidence in them as I did a year ago because the secondary gives up one too many big plays down the field for my liking. This will be the sole reason why they will not repeat as champions. I still remember when Leonard Fournette was signed by Tampa Bay. Over a year later, he’s a key contributor to what this offense does. He took over against the Colts in week 12 accounting for a total of four touchdowns. I won’t count a Tom Brady team out, but the quest to repeat will be a bit more challenging. The NFC is stacked as it’s ever been. It’s onto Atlanta next in week 13.
4. New England Patriots: I always mention those teams that I wouldn’t want to play come December or January. This right now is one of them. I’ll continue to bash the Mac Jones haters until they can admit they were wrong. He’s been by far the best rookie quarterback in this class and has also been one of the main reasons the Patriots are in first place in their division. They were able to dominate the Titans by forcing four turnovers. If you were to say this is Belichick’s best coaching job ever, I wouldn’t disagree with you. They have a huge game in Orchard Park tomorrow night against the Buffalo Bills for first place in the AFC East.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: First place was an afterthought earlier in the year. But here they are. What’s been carrying them is the defense surprisingly. Steve Spagnuolo has pass rushers once again! You’ve seen what he can do when he has guys that can get to the quarterback. Chris Jones, Jarran Reed, Frank Clark and Melvin Ingram can all get home to the passer. All four of those guys have also registered 10 sacks in their careers. I still have faith the offense can get back to what we’re accustomed to seeing. They will always be in the running when it’s all said and done.
