10. Minnesota Vikings (8-2)
Sam Darnold and the Vikings continue to fly under the radar despite their impressive record. They have quietly racked up three straight wins, allowing only 11 points per game during their winning streak. Minnesota has provided themselves with enough of a cushion that it’s virtually inconceivable for them to miss the playoffs. As of right now, they are only a single game behind the conference-leading Lions, meaning that getting a 1st-round bye is still well within reach.
9. Arizona Cardinals (6-4)
Arizona is flashier than the Vikings, though still very much under the radar when discussing the NFC playoff picture. The Cardinals have won 5 of their last 6 games, dating back to the start of October. More importantly, they only have one more game on their schedule against a team that currently has a winning record. Aside from the favorable schedule, Arizona has already beaten the Rams and the Niners. They will have the opportunity to improve to 3-0 in their division with a game against the Seahawks in Week 12.
8. Green Bay Packers (7-3)
Jordan Love’s interception problem continues to persist. Love has now thrown at least one pick in each of his eight starts, adding up to a total of 11 INTs on the season. In his defense, none of those interceptions have seemed to play a direct role in Green Bay losing a game this season. The team’s performance against Chicago was, nevertheless, underwhelming and they will need to improve as they face a tough stretch of games in the final month and a half of the season.
7. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)
Despite blowing a 27-6 lead, the Chargers were able to showcase their resiliency in Sunday night’s up-and-down victory over Cincinnati. It was the first time all season that L.A.’s defense had allowed more than 20 points in a game, yet their offense was able to step up and take over the game when it had to. Unlike previous Charger teams, this group can be trusted to win big games, mostly due to the elite combo of Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh.
6. Baltimore Ravens (7-4)
Lamar Jackson is 1-4 in his career against the Steelers and 64-19 against everybody else. The Ravens will be fine; although earning the AFC’s top seed is almost certainly out of reach. Baltimore has two more challenges in their immediate future, facing off against the Chargers and Eagles before reaching their long awaited bye week in Week 14.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2)
The Steelers remain undefeated with Russell Wilson at quarterback, improving to 4-0 with their 18-16 win against the Ravens. Pittsburgh currently holds a 1.5 game lead over Baltimore, placing them in the driver’s seat to win the AFC North title. Two of their next three games are against the 2-8 Browns with a contest against the 4-7 Bengals in between.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2)
There are very few teams in the league, outside of maybe Detroit, who have as many elite offensive weapons as the Eagles do. Philly’s immensely talented roster has continued to disguise their inconsistent coaching all throughout their 6-game winning streak. The Eagles will face a tough schedule ahead, with 4 of their next 5 games coming against the Rams, Ravens, Steelers, and Commanders.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (9-1)
It was bound to happen eventually, and maybe for Kansas City’s sake, it’s better that it happened now. Perhaps it will serve as a wake up call for a team that appears still far away from reaching its’ full potential. The Chiefs will welcome the likely return of Isiah Pacheco from injured reserve for their Week 12 game against the Carolina Panthers.
2. Buffalo Bills (9-2)
Buffalo has scored 30 or more points in five consecutive games, all of which were wins. Josh Allen’s stellar performance in the Bills’ 30-21 victory over the Chiefs caused him to surpass Lamar Jackson as the MVP favorite. Buffalo has a decent shot at prying the top seed in the AFC away from the Chiefs with two games against the Patriots and one game against the Jets still on their schedule.
1. Detroit Lions (9-1)
With Kansas City’s loss, the Lions now own the longest winning streak in the league with eight straight victories dating back to their Week 2 loss against the Buccaneers. Sunday’s dismantling of the woeful Jags saw Detroit score 52 points and accumulate an insane 644 yards of offense. The Lions are currently the only team in the NFL that ranks in the top 5 in scoring offense and scoring defense. They look the part more than anybody else at the moment.
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