We are a 3rd of the way through the NFL season already. I know, I’m sad too. But never fear, Fifth-Down is here to cheer you up with our rankings heading into week 7.
Eliminated: Dolphins, Titans, Chargers
The Titans did finally win a game so good for them. The Dolphins also didn’t lose this week but only because they were on a bye. The Chargers on the other hand lead the league in something…losses. They are 0-6 and a complete disaster. I’m afraid that might lose to bye week this week.
The new NFC South: the NFC East
No team in this division won a game for the second week in a row which is an NFL record. Luckily they can’t do it 3 weeks in a row because the Commanders are on a bye. The Eagles are an injury disaster who almost killed their QB. The Cowboys can’t stop anyone and now they can’t score either. The Giants have a running back committee that isn’t productive and no one is happy about. And the Commanders still don’t know how downs and time work. Jayden Daniels threw the ball into the stands on a 4th and 2. And then at the end of the game he took a sack on the very last play. One of these disasters of a team is going to host a playoff game.
Not looking good: Colts, Bucs, Saints and Jets
None of these teams are terrible but none of them are good either. The Colts just fired their GM and I think others are next. The Bucs have a defensive head coach and they can’t stop anyone. The Saints can’t run the ball at all. And the Jets are…well…the Jets.
Super Team more like Sucker Team…am I right?: Rams
It was hard not to believe in the Rams. You got to respect a team that goes all in. But the problem is sometimes you go all in as you should with a full house of 3 aces and 2 nines. It is the right thing to do and everyone understands but then you find out that someone else has 2 more nines and you lose everything. Not that it has ever happened to me. Anyway the Rams went all in with what appeared like a winning hand. But instead they are 2-4 and half their team is on IR. Including Myles Garrett who finally got out of Cleveland to go to a winner only to see his new team in last place and his old team in first place. Ouch.
Frisky Feathers: Cardinals and Falcons
Are either of these teams good? Not really. Will they make the playoffs? Probably not. Will they be competitive more weeks than not.
Playoff possibilities: Raiders and Texans
I’m not sure what will happen to these teams. The Raiders have lost 3 in a row but have been competitive in 2 of the 3. The Texans dropped their first 4 but have won 2 in a row. Their schedule lightens up now when they get the Giants, Chargers, Browns and Colts their next 4 games.
Offensive offenses: Seahawks and Broncos
Both of these teams have elite defenses. Their offenses…not so much. The Seahawks only good play is throw it to JSN. It is one more good play than the Broncos have. Bo Nix can’t throw the ball more than 4 yards and they can’t run the ball either. If they can’t get their offense going against the Cardinals this week then I’m not sure they ever will. Their defenses will continue to keep them in games and probably even win them some. But it could be a frustrating watch for their fan bases.
The Pretty good but not great division: AFC North
All these teams could be described as pretty good or above average. None of them are great. Lamar is always hurt and the Ravens defense isn’t great. The Steelers are okay and competitive but no one is afraid of them. The Browns keep winning somehow despite massage boy’s below average play. The Bengals defense is inconsistent and they can’t run the ball. Any or all of them could make the playoffs but I don’t see any of them making a serious run.
Ready to Pounce: Jaguars and Panthers
These South Cat teams aren’t perfect but they are both likely winning their division, they rarely beat themselves and just like their mascots can be very dangerous at any game.
Is an entire division going to make the playoffs?: NFC North
It seems unlikely because that never happens but the division is a combined 16-6. In a world where neither the Rams or Seahawks turn it around, it becomes not just possible but likely. All these teams are solid with a weakness or two that could be solved. The Vikings can’t score but everyone on the offense is healthy and Kyler Murray could get better. The Lions can’t stop anyone but they will get their safeties back which should help. The Packers can’t run but they are getting Josh Jacobs back. And the Bears are awful cocky but do occasionally back it up. It probably only takes 10 wins to get in. Which of these teams are you betting on to not get to 10 wins?
Maye Be It’s there time or maybe they’ll get Buffaloed: Bills and Patriots
Neither team is perfect but they are both quite good with good to great quarterback play when they don’t turn the ball over. The Bills defense is concerning but they score so much maybe it doesn’t matter. Both teams have 4 easy wins on their schedules thanks the the Jets, Dolphins and Chargers so both teams are basically already in the playoffs.
Trilogy in Play: 49ers and Chiefs
Neither team was perfect as the Chiefs made almost every mistake they could and still beat the Chargers by 16. And the 49ers couldn’t move the ball and struggled to stop the Commanders in the second half. But through a 3rd of the season these two teams are the best team in each conference. Are they headed towards a 3rd Super Bowl matchup? Time will tell.
