With the regular season of the NFL coming to a close, there's the debate of which teams are legitimate championship contenders and who are disguising as such.
Here's who to pay attention to for the last few weeks of the season and who's fool's gold.
AFC Contenders
1. New England Patriots
Another year, same story. The Patriots have shown their excellence as an organization once again, and Tom Brady is Mr. Perfect once again. "The Brady bunch" have come out with their heads on fire and up until their loss last Sunday night to Seattle, they looked impervious by any foe lined up against them. There isn't much to say that hasn't already been said about the Pats. As long as Brady stays healthy and Bill Belichick roams the sidelines, this team will continue to show their dominance of the AFC.
2. Oakland Raiders
The boys in black are back. Under the leadership of the young stud Derek Carr, this unit has "blossomed" this season. Aside from Carr, the talents of Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, and Latavius Murray helped to round out one of the NFL's most lethal offensive groups. On the defensive side of the ball, the Raiders are home to the NFL's best defensive player in Khalil Mack along with other solid contributors in David Amerson and rookie Karl Joseph. Overall, the Raiders are legit and are the biggest threat to the Patriots' super bowl hopes.
3. Denver Broncos
The Broncos' defense has taken a small step back with some key injuries on their front four, causing the run defense to falter somewhat. Other than that, the secondary of the Broncos has been as good as advertised and has slowed down every passing attack that has lined up against them. The heart of this team is in its incredible pass rush and dominant secondary, and as long as the defense plays at its usual high level, pressure should be taken off Trevor Siemian, giving this team a good shot at repeating as champions.
AFC Pretenders
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
This is a team that can make me eat these words. Any team with Big Ben, Antonio Brown, Leveon Bell and their whole slew of other weapons should be one to be feared. The issue here is the inconsistency of the defense. As good as this offense is, this season has shown that they can be contained just enough to halt them from victory as the Steelers sit with a sub .500 record. Let's see if this team can get hot to finish off the season and raise some eyebrows, but for now, expectations need to be tempered.
2. Houston Texans
Not that anyone sees the Texans as a championship threat, but you have to give respects to this team that continues to find a way to win. Brock Osweiler is clearly still a work in progress and Lamar Miller can only carry so much of the load. The Texans defense has been very impressive even without the presence of JJ Watt. The reality is that the Texans have benefitted from playing in a weak division and the Titans could very well end up winning the AFC South behind that lethal offense.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Another team that could shut up their doubters, but at this point, I'm not convinced at the legitimacy of this Chiefs team. This team is rather solid all around, but the conservative nature of the offense can only take them so far. At some point, a big play will need to be made and this team's unwillingness to be aggressive will cost them.
NFC Contenders
1. Dallas Cowboys
America's team seems to finally be living up to their potential. The Cowboys have been touting their impressive offensive line for a few years now and haven't had the kind of dominance offensively to show the true worth of their investments on the O-line.
Enter Zeke and Dak.
These two electric rookies have played with a rare poise and consistency, and Jerry Jones and company have certainly been reaping the benefits. The Cowboys have shown the ability to win the big games and to dominate the easy ones, showing no indication of playing down to their opponents, which can plague teams in the playoffs.
These Cowboys are for real.
2. Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson. Legion of Boom.
What else do I need to say?
Pete Carroll is the best coach in the NFL not named Bill Belichick, and don't be surprised if the Lombardi Trophy ends up back in Seattle.
3. NY Giants
Some people may roll their eyes when they see this, but the Giants' large offseason investments in their defense have shown to be well worth it. Eli Manning in the playoffs is a different beast and having OBJ and Sterling Shepard will only make it harder for defenses. The Giants are on a roll and look for that momentum to carry on for the remainder of the season and into the "real" season.
NFC Pretenders
1. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are a good team, but Matt Ryan has still not won that big game, and until he does, the doubts will still be there. Atlanta is surely a team that can prove everyone wrong, but the reality is that Matt Ryan will be faced with a situation where he has to make a big play and I'm not sure he will make it. The lackluster defense doesn't help either.
2. Detroit Lions
Matt Stafford is "big time" and this is a good team, but like the Falcons, they rely too much on their offense to outscore teams and that is not a formula to win in the playoffs. With a couple of important pieces on defense, this team will be a legitimate threat for the NFC crown in years to come, but for now, they fall just short.
3. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings' once dominant defense has slowly come back down to earth and they have begun to look like just another team after an incredible start. The Vikings are trending in the wrong direction and unless they find some magic from earlier in the season, they won't go as far as they hoped this season.
