3/4 of the NFC North is legit, the NFC West is hilarious…unless you’re a Niner fan like me. Tampa looks like the best NFC South team. Speaking of Florida teams, Dolphins are resurging at the right time hopefully. The NFC East may already have a winner while the AFC South is starting to look far from it with Houston waffling. While Denver’s in good hands with a coach/quarterback combo, the Chiefs are waffling and must look to Pat Mahomes to save them every game. The AFC North as a whole could run through either Baltimore or Pittsburgh. Teams that currently stand out as Super Bowl contenders are the Lions, Eagles, Packers, Bills, Ravens, and Chiefs. Still weeks to go before the playoffs, but that’s where I stand with them.

As we close in on Thanksgiving, there are four upcoming games prior to Sunday. Half of them should be good while the other half is questionable. However, the Giants/Cowboys and Raiders/Chiefs might surprise many people. Just be aware of that.

10) MIAMI DOLPHINS

After two 3-game losing streaks in the early stretches of the season, Miami won three straight games, including torching the young Patriots for 34 points. Jonnu Smith wheeled and dealed against his former team Patriots with ease. Miami’s defenseplayed well this season and prevented New England from scoring 20 points in six games (5-1 when allowing less than 20 points this season). Hopefully they keep the run going as they travel to cold Green Bay for Thanksgiving.

9) ARIZONA CARDINALS

Arizona couldn’t do much of anything at Seattle. They were outplayed and Kyler Murray couldn’t find ways to get the team back in. Despite throwing for nearly 300 yards and Trey McBride accounting for most of the yards, Murray only ran twice, couldn’t get outside to run for more, and threw a costly interception. Arizona’s still contention for the NFC West but they must win out in their division for a playoff opportunity.

8) PITTSBURGH STEELERS

After a great win against Baltimore, they fell back to earth (or snow) real fast, real quick. Despite moving the ball downfield, they made too many third and fourth down mistakes. I also questioned Mike Tomlin preferring taking the penalty for a 3rd and 7 instead of declining it for 4th and 2 to pressure Cleveland in their final play of the game. Cleveland in the snow is a tough place to play, and Mike Tomlin’s still winless on Thursday Night Football. However, they still need one more win to be considered for a playoff spot.

7) GREEN BAY PACKERS

Green Bay dismantled a limited and depleted Niners roster. Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs tore apart the defense with little resistance. Even without Jaire Alexander, that didn’t stop the defense from creating difficulty for Christian McCaffrey and company. George Kittle was probably the only player that succeeded to an extent against the defense. Green Bay stays within striking distance of Minnesota and Detroit for the NFC North.

6) MINNESOTA VIKINGS

It looked like the Vikings ran away in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, they surrendered a touchdown, an onside kick, and a field goal in the last seven minutes of the game. Fortunately, they forced Caleb Williams with his cape on only to rip it off in overtime and escape with a walk-off field goal. It was a close game that turned into a runaway that turned into an ugly conclusion. Sam Darnold sustained an injury but managed to win. However, it’s something to keep an eye on. Minnesota has nine wins, which considers them a playoff spot soon.

5) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Eagles may have found their identity again. Just like the 2021 Eagles, they’re terrorizing opponents in the run game. But adding Saquon Barkley from the Giants is asking for trouble, and the Giants will pay a costly price for it. Philly hasn’t lost to an opponent post-bye week and there’s a possibility that they might not lose another game for the rest of the season unless Baltimore, Washington, Pittsburgh, or Dallas slow down Barkley and Jalen Hurts.

4) BALTIMORE RAVENS

Baltimore started slow and former Raven JK Dobbins was doing work against them. Once Baltimore picked up the pace and Dobbins left the game with an injury, Baltimore went on a 30-13 run with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry leading the charge against the Chargers’ defense. John Harbaugh is now 3-0 against his brother, Jim. Their coverage needs a resolution and Roquan Smith back because Philly comes to town next weekend.

3) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The struggling Chiefs survived Carolina with a walk-off field goal to avoid overtime. However, Pat Mahomes had his best game of the season so far throwing for 269 and three tuddys with Noah Gray accounting for two. Defense collapsed in the second half and failed to keep Bryce Young and the young offense off the field. Mahomes and company may have a tough matchup against Maxximum Crosby and the Raiders on their second holiday weekend in two seasons. Vegas ruined their Christmas, but could they ruin Kansas City’s Thanksgiving Holiday on Prime Video too???

2) BUFFALO BILLS

BYE

1) DETROIT LIONS

Detroit kept Indy to six points in their “lawd house”. The dynamic backfield of Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and David Montgomery chewed out the Colts’ defense throughout the game while Detroit’s defense without Alex Anzalone kept Anthony Richardson and company out of the endzone. However, David Montgomery’s injury is a bit of a concern. For now, they welcome Chicago to Thanksgiving dinner but MCDC might put the Cubbies at the kids table until further notice.

TEAMS CONSIDERED

11. CHARGERS

12. BRONCOS

13. SEAHAWKS

14. BUCCANEERS