Midseason Notes

Now that all teams have played at least 8 games this season, we have officially reached the midpoint in the season. This season has a lot of interesting storylines all around, but here are the five things I'm looking forward to most for the rest of the season.


- Can anybody beat Aaron Rodgers and the Pack?

The Pack are halfway home without a loss, but I don't think they can go undefeated. They are clearly the best team in the NFL, but they play too many close games to go undefeated in my mind. Do I think they can? Yes of course. The Packers are battle-tested and have overcome key injuries. This team is damn good and is the favorite to repeat as champs.

- Who will win the AFC West?

It seems as if nobody wants to win this division. A week after the Chargers gave away a victory to the Chiefs, Kansas City lost to the winless Dolphins. The Broncos are somehow only 1 game out of first place after defeating the Raiders, who have struggled to click after the addition of Carson Palmer. This division is completely unpredictable at this point, but as hard as it is to say, the Chargers are still the best team among the four.

- Will the Bills or Lions fall back to Earth?

The Bills (5-3) are tied for first place right now, but only time will tell if it lasts. They have a winnable game against the inconsistent Cowboys this weekend, as well as another game against the Pats and Jets each. The Bills need to win 5 more games at least to make the playoffs and I don't see it happening.

The Lions, on the other hand, are 6-2 and looking as good as ever. If the Lions can keep Matthew Stafford upright, this team is destined for the playoffs. This game coming up against the Bears will be crucial, as it would secure a head-to-head tie-breaker over Chicago.

- Are the Bengals legit?

Cincinnati has benefited from an easy schedule, but they've taken advantage of every opponent. It's no joke to go 6-2 in the NFL, no matter who you're playing. The road ahead will be tough for the Bengals though, as they have important division games against the Steelers and Ravens. The Bengals need to win 11 games to make the playoffs, as it will be a four horse race for the two wild card spots.

- Who will win the "Suck for Luck" race?

The Colts are leading the race, but ultimately, do the Colts need Luck? It wouldn't hurt to start grooming a stud QB behind Peyton Manning, but the Colts may have more pressing needs. The Dolphins want him badly, but they've actually been quite competitive the past month. In the end, I think the Colts will probably have the worst record, but the Dolphins will do whatever they can to get that first pick away from the Colts.