As we near the halfway mark on the NFL season, how is every team shaping out? Who is exceeding or falling short of expectations, and what teams are in full blown-rebuild mode?
Happy Halloween everyone! The ninth week of the NFL regular season has begun. As always: the year starts off unpredictable and leaves us with tons of questions. While these are usually answered in the following months, there’s still some room for doubt. If you noticed my math above, we’ll still have another nine weeks left once Monday concludes. On the contrary, we’ve learned a lot about where everyone is headed already. This is the a grand and *spooky* time in the year to review every coach/team’s performance, and gauge how worried they should be about their jobs. (Get prepared to see statistics for a majority for these.)
I decided to categorize each coach with one of five labels. Terrified, Scared, Uneasy, Fearless, and coaches so comfortable; they’re slaying demons themselves rather than running away. We’ll be discussing some major players as well. Whether they’re soaring to the moon, came back down to earth, or aren’t even playing at all. (For example, Joe Burrow is the proven engine of the Bengals’ offense. We cannot blame Zac Taylor for something like turf toe and starting Jake Browning for a couple weeks.) These bullet points should help assess how reality is shaping out versus expectations. So let’s dive into the league by division and evaluate everyone’s performance with a holiday twist here and there.
Cincinnati Bengals: Zac Taylor – Fearless
Since we used Cinci in the example, we might as well start here. After Joe Burrow went down against Jacksonville in Week 3, the team was left with little option in Jake Browning and Joe Flacco. While Taylor has experience with the former, the latter has been able to deliver in primetime. Ja’marr Chase and Tee Higgins are finally being utilized as WR1 and WR2 respectively. Chase Brown came into the year with plenty of hype and is finally living up to it after some September flops. As everyone expected, Trey Hendrickson has been the only bright spot on this defense with four sacks. They’ve otherwise held Cleveland to 16 points and have little else to show off. Were the season still only 16 games, Cincinnati would still be on pace to give up the most points since their inception. In Flacco’s case, you can argue it’s the Cleveland Curse, or he just knows to throw to a top three receiver in the league. Regardless, it’s a testament to what happens when you’re in the right and wrong situations. Zac Taylor is 43-31-1 since Burrow’s been on the roster, and has managed competitive games in his absence. His spot is secure for now.
Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski – Terrified
As we just discussed, Flacco’s performance skyrocketing since leaving Cleveland shows clear concern here. Dillon Gabriel isn’t performing bad for a third round rookie however. Though you’d like him to throw more than 150 yards per start, you can’t be upset with five scores and two picks in a struggling offense. Bringing back Myles Garrett is obviously going to help despite the morale, and the front office had a solid 2025 draft. Quinshon Judkins, Harold Fannin Jr, and Tyson Campbell have already made names for themselves in this rookie class. In fact, the Browns have become a two tight end scheme. While Njoku and Fannin are easily leading the team, any WR including Jerry Jeudy has fallen off the planet. After a strong first three seasons in Cleveland, Kevin is certainly on thin ice. There is certainly a world this is his last season with the team after three wins last year, and currently having two. His two playoff appearances have been under QBs…Joe Flacco and Baker Mayfield. One might argue this isn’t Kevin’s fault. Again: The Cleveland Curse. Curses aren’t my thing however. I will not let the Browns Drag Me To Hell.
Baltimore Ravens: John Harbaugh – Uneasy
This one might be controversial, and I understand. If one looks in Webster’s dictionary, they’ll find a photo of Lamar Jackson under the word “centerpiece”. Yikes. While losses to the Rams and Chiefs make sense to anyone, that 34 point loss to Houston is a red flag. While I’m aware Cooper Rush might not ball out against a top five defense, it doesn’t cover the case for Baltimore’s front seven against a team with a notoriously rough o-line. Yet, the Ravens had a really rough schedule with Lamar early on. So is Harbaugh at fault for being 3-5? I’d say some credibility should be taken. Allowing over 35 points in your first five weeks is generally not ideal. The Ravens could miss the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Although the Ravens returned to form with Lamar back, it was also against the messy Dolphins who lost Chop Robinson and Ollie Gordon II. Baltimore has a soft schedule the next few weeks to get back into the swing of things. Again, we’re looking at the current picture. This team has body-swapped with the Colts in terms of standings. Baltimore has turned into The Fly, but is sadly the scientist in this sitauation.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin – Fearless
I’ve already talked about Pittsburgh a lot this year, so I’ll try to shorten this one. Despite horrendous field conditions almost murdering Chris Boswell, Tomlin has had yet another solid season. In fact, he’s making a case to win another AFC North title; an accolade most including myself didn’t expect this year. The Steelers are proving themselves pretty decently though. Aaron Rodgers has not only had a good season so far, but is on pace to have his best campaign since 2021. The downside is the defense underperforming, while the rest of the team remains statistically average. (Literally. Their point differential is zero.) The rumor mill included Mike’s name in the offseason, but anything selling him short should be denied by now.
Houston Texans: Demeco Ryans – Fearless
Houston was on the watchlist coming into last year. There ended up being more smoke than fire, and the same seems to be occurring again. The Texans have defensively held up very well if you ignore their battle in Seattle. This comes as no surprise with top five picks defensive Will Anderson Jr. and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. matching their scouting reports. C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins have been more of the same, while rookie Woody Marks might make the push to banish Nick Chubb and Joe Mixon. The Texans are actually Pittsburgh’s inverse. An immaculate defense but only averaging 14 offensive points per game they’ve lost. The pieces seem to be here. Perhaps the team needs a more aggressive push to get them over the edge. Regardless, Demeco Ryans’ time in Houston has been two 10-7 seasons. He’s surely good to go for year four, but we’ll see if he can finish with another winning record in the back nine. (Maybe even a wildcard spot.)
Tennessee Titans: Brian Callahan – *Was* Terrified
If this is your first article of mine, welcome! I’m happy to have you. My last article was a deep dive on Callahan’s time, his dismissal, and the Titans’ future. Check that one out, as it’ll give you *all* the information. (Including Mike McCoy stepping in as interim.) My only true update since that article are a couple blowouts and trading away Tyler Lockett. So, check out my last piece for a little more optimism. (I promise!)
Jacksonville Jaguars: Liam Coen – Fearless
While I want to make another Duval joke, it’s warranted with how Coen’s first season is playing out. After a major step down last year, Jacksonville seems to be headed towards the 9-8 days of 22’/23’. This franchise is a confusing one as Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. can be a long-time duo in Jacksonville. But Trevor Lawrence still has yet to show the potential from Clemson. While he’s statically on pace to do better than last year, his numbers still don’t yell “#1 overall pick”. He remains a mystery, but Coen should have little worry ending this year, and can focus on what’s ahead. Including Travis Etienne’s rebound, there’s a young and promising core in this franchise. Maybe promising enough to allow the Jaguars to build on the Arik Armstead-lead defense again. It’s difficult to classify these guys as a “rebuild”. But whatever they’re doing, they’re going in the right direction with it.
Indianapolis Colts: Shane Steichen – Demon Slayer
Speaking of younger cores, here’s Indy. Steichen was an early hot seat candidate coming into 2025. Most people believed the QB race between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson wouldn’t go well for anyone involved. As it turns out, QB coach Cam Turner has been healthier for Daniel Jones than “The Big Apple” ever was. Fun fact about the 25’ Colts incoming. Even If the season was still only 16 games, Indy is on pace to finish with the most points scored in franchise history. (Including their days in Baltimore.) For points against, this could be their best season since 2009. The Colts are currently seed #1 in the AFC when most teams reckoned, they would top out at a wildcard spot. Jonathan Taylor has a shot at the RB Triple Crown, Tyler Warren is a legit TE in this league, and the defense has held up against the Broncos and Chargers. Year three is looking excellently for Steichen as he aims for his first playoff appearance as a head coach. One might say he performed a body-swap with Baltimore but was given all the good DNA.
Miami Dolphins: Mike McDaniel – Terrified
McDaniel’s time is not looking very long, is it? No, this is probably the “jumpscare” of this whole article. Reports have combatted McDaniel’s tenure coming to an end. Speaking of which, the Dolphins have fired General Manager Chris Grier. Seemingly keeping McDaniel safe for longer, the front office can still change their mind frequently. While Tyreek Hill had a very unfortunate and early end to his season, Miami continues the same problem from last year. A lack of chemistry, bottom five defense, and decline from the Wildcard a couple years ago are all big red flags. We’ve seen countless examples of a coach being hired, decline over the next few seasons, and finally being let go. It’s encouraging to see a 24 point win over Atlanta and Tua Tagovailoa’s best game since last year. (Just seeing him healthy is a blessing enough.) Though resorting immediately to habits against Baltimore almost defeats the purpose. While De’von Achane continues to provide spark as this team’s WR2, RB1, and genuine focal point; it certainly won’t be enough to save Mike without an immediate turnaround.
Buffalo Bills: Sean McDermott – Demon Slayer
McDermott’s one season without a playoff appearance was Josh Allen’s rookie season. (Remember the concerns of Josh Allen’s early days? Fun times.) Now that Allen is the face of Buffalo, this team knows what it’s doing and needs Sean along to lead the herd. Losing Ed Oliver at nose tackle is going to hurt, but is a vacancy filled by a Joey Bosa whose injury concerns are behind him. James Cook has taken another step forward on offense, currently setting a pace for 1,500 rushing yards. I’d argue Buffalo’s biggest trouble comes in the form of passing options. Like last year, nobody has really stepped up as Allen’s bona fide #1 passing options. (Unless this is Sean’s game plan.) However, some may see it as a plus, knowing there’s multiple options on any given play. An upset to the Falcons and dealing with a much improved New England squad are two big twists, but the Bills still look like themselves. The Super Bowl window is still open even if they don’t win their division. Now they just need to *finally* win the big one.
New York Jets: Aaron Glenn – Uneasy
The Saw franchise is iconic. Still making movies to this day, though most agree the first half gave everything the series needed. The rest? Seems to be disappointing and takes away from what used to be. This can all be said about the Jets franchise as well. To be fair, most of what’s happening here is uneasy. While this season wasn’t looking bright for Glenn, I don’t think he nor a lot of people expected them to be the worst team in football. A comeback win against the Bengals has saved their season from no wins, but the QB room is an immediate issue. Still, the Jets almost upset the Steelers, Bucs, and Broncos. (They lost these three games by a combined six points.) It’s for these reasons that Glenn will have another season in New York if he wants. The former Lions’ DC wasn’t put into a situation nearly as well as Detroit. Besides, the Jets have a similar organizational pattern to Cleveland. (But without the playoff appearance.)
Quick aside: Rest In Peace Nick Mangold. He’ll forever be a Jets legend, a truly great center, and a Madden icon in my heart. Thoughts go out to his loved ones.
New England Patriots: Mike Vrabel – Demon Slayer
If Jerod Mayo killed hope in this team last year, Mike Vrabel has resurrected it. Drake Maye seems to be the real deal, as established by a win in Buffalo followed by a couple blowout victories. The second-year QB is on pace for 4,800 scrimmage yards. His dual-threat is showing more than ever, and playcalling has led to Kayshon Boutte becoming a solidified WR2. Targets Hunter Henry and Demario Douglas continue on from last year even with the appearance of Stefon Diggs. The former All-Pro appears to have some steam left with a chance to hit 1k yards again, and averages 5 receptions per game. The running back duo of Rhamondre Stevenson and Tre’veyon Henderson has been admittedly confusing. Their upside is combined efficiency and major turnover decrease these last few weeks. Linebacker coach Zak Kure having to call defensive plays after losing DC Terrell Williams has been a painful blow, but not an obstacle.(We all wish Williams a healthy recovery.) Landry’s reuniting with Vrabel has turned into five and a half sacks thus far. The defense as a whole is no longer an embarrassment, quietly only allowing 18 points per game. Vrabel is here to stay and will look to duel with the Bills for the AFC East title.
Los Angeles Chargers: Jim Harbaugh – Demon Slayer
Jim Harbaugh is Jim Harbaugh. His season has been harder than the prior however. Losing Najee Harris for the year, Omarion Hampton to Injured Reserve, and Joey Bosa to Free Agency are all downsides. The Broncos and Chiefs making waves aren’t helping either. However, the Chargers have beaten both of them and sit at 5-3. Keenan Allen has re-emerged as the WR1 in L.A. at 33, Quentin Johnston has become a viable receiver, and Kimani Vidal has proven to be a very solid run game option. Imagine telling people those three facts in the summer. You’d have been taken to The Exorcist. While the defense doesn’t have much to write home about, Tuli Tuipulotu might be the future of the Bolts’ D. Only 23 years old, Tuipulotu has six sacks on the year on top of eight and a half last year. Maybe he replaces the role of the now vacated Joey Bosa. Jim Harbaugh only has one NFL season as head coach below ten wins. He’s on pace to keep that going this year and is gladly leaving the NCAA in the rearview mirror.
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton – Fearless
The Broncos as an entire team were expected to take another step forward, and it’s safe to say they have. As a Broncos fan, I’m very thankful we’ve built on top of last year. Despite a couple heartbreakers, we currently sit atop the AFC West. While we have a victory over the Eagles, we also had a close one to the Jets before being down 32-0 to the Giants. But our two losses were by a combined four points. The image Sean Payton came to create seems to be taking form. WR2 identity is still an issue, and tight end Evan Engram is just now getting used to Denver’s scheme. But Nix having a healthy sophomore season, Harvey/Dobbins panning out as a RB duo, and the defense having ten more sacks than second place puts us in a good spot. Pat Surtain II heading to IR is going to weigh heavy on rookie cornerback Jahdae Barron. We still have a chance to copy last year’s performance, and get a little further if we’re lucky. Let’s ride.
Las Vegas Raiders: Pete Carroll – Uneasy
Pete Carroll is on pace to be under .500 for only the fifth time in 19 years of NFL head coaching. While it’s warming to see him reuniting with Geno Smith, it’s bizarre to see the downfall of the latter this year. Sam Darnold infamously mentioned “seeing ghosts” while on the Jets. He’s since “busted” those ghosts and seemingly transferred them to Geno. Around him are some very young talents in Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers, Jakobi Myers, and Jack Bech. While the defensive line has some nice pieces, the only real highlight for this squad is solely giving up 13 to the Patriots. Standards are not living up to the hype yet. But, Bowers has been hurt. Jeanty has shaken off the first few weeks. This year may not be special for Vegas, but they weren’t penciled in for a playoff run anyways. Especially not in the current state of the AFC West. For this, I can’t imagine Carroll departing barring retirement. Of course, he’ll want a successful year two to avoid the tides turning against him.
Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid – Demon Slayer
Early struggles have stunned the Chiefs and its fans. Rashee Rice’s absence was very noticeable, but the team seems to be finding its stride once again. There isn’t much to say about Andy Reid that hasn’t already been said. While 2025 has been a down year for KC compared to 24’, Reid is a legend on and off the field that even *I* have to respect. Very similar to the Chargers’ Harbaugh, Reid only has one season without double digits wins since joining KC in 2013. They remain in dynasty mode, and is obviously keeping their big guy around. He’s immortal enough to show up at Crystal Lake and slash some teenagers. The division isn’t a lock like in prior years, so the Chiefs will need to avoid games like Jacksonville in order to get the title again. It’s certainly on the table, so Reid should keep his machete out.
Detroit Lions: Dan Campbell – Demon Slayer
Dan Campbell continues to prove why he has one of the best minds in the game. Despite losing two coordinators hired into head coaching positions of their own, the Lions are looking very similar to last year. “Sonic” and “Knuckles” are still a tandem at running back, while Jared Goff has clear chemistry with WR Amon-Ra St.Brown and TE Sam Laporta. The major difference in Detroit is having a healthy Aidan Hutchinson, who’s clearly no longer affected and elevates this D-line. Keep an eye on safety Kerby Joseph as well, who’s averaging an interception every other game right now. Victories over a healthy Ravens team and dropping 52 on Chicago are pretty clear statements, though cleanly losing to Green Bay and Kansas City also need to be written down. Campbell should see another deep playoff run regardless. David “Knuckles” Montgomery has thrown a touchdown pass for two years in a row now. This team has very little to fear.
Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O’Connell – Uneasy
J.J. McCarthy will forever remain a “what if” in terms of rookie seasons. We’ve still barely seen anything with the two games he’s played in year two. The Vikings were a shockingly amazing team in 2024. For this, 2025 was almost guaranteed to be a step back with the QB change. Truthfully, picking out a positive stat for this group is really difficult and kinda sad. Multi-game absences from Jordan Addison and Aaron Jones are never going to help anyways. The good news comes from the former, as Addison has a stat line of 21-309-2 through four games back. What McCarthy can do to close the year out will say a lot about 2026. O’Connell’s tenure with the Vikings currently stands at 37-21, and will thus have at least another year no matter how this one plays out. Carson Wentz is done for the year and thus no longer a backup option. The “vibe” in Minnesota definitely isn’t as thrilling as usual.
Green Bay Packers: Matt Lafleur – Fearless
Apart from facing a tough Browns’ defense, Green Bay has been an offensive juggernaut. While Jordan Love hasn’t managed to reach his 2023 numbers, he also hasn’t needed to with Josh Jacobs’ services. The power back continues his Green Bay game and is on pace for 20 touchdowns. Tucker Kraft is continuing to establish himself as *the* tight end, while rookie Matthew Golden is starting to get some normal usage for a first round pick. After an impressive yet painful week one, Jayden Reed is set to return soon. He assumes to take back the WR1 spot, or be another great option for Love at the very least. The addition of Micah Parsons on defense is an unexpected welcome too, combining for 14 sacks with Rashan Gary so far. Very little keeps Lafleur from a playoff run, as will most likely be the case for a few years. The second half will prove as a larger test however. A Detroit rematch, game with Denver, Baltimore, and Philly all await. *Evil laugh track here.*
Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson – Uneasy
It’s safe to say Chicago is in a weird spot. Although better, the team has many clear vulnerabilities and cannot be labeled as a “safe” team. After giving up 79 points and starting 0-2, the team managed to turn into 4-3. Caleb Williams is the center of Da Bears and is surrounded by a young offense. This offense has actually been the opposite of what people expected. Rome Odunze *is* enjoying a breakout year. However: DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, and Colston Loveland have all been very quiet. Moore has clearly subsided to WR2, while neither TE has eclipsed ten catches on the year. Rookie Luther Burden can’t take much credit with 12 catches, while RB D’andre Swift is doing the exact same as last year. (Which is fine, but not groundbreaking.) Johnson clearly needs to still find the right fit for this squad as they try to keep up the NFC North’s pace. At least Ben is already one win away from Chicago’s 2024 win total.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Todd Bowles – Fearless
The Bucs have had a bumpy one, haven’t they? On paper, they’re 6-2 and that’s great. But keep in mind that four of their wins have come in one score games. Plus, they’ve lost to playoff teams in Detroit and Philly. On the flip side: they’re still 6-2 with barely any playing time from Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Bucky Irving. While a lot of juice is missing for this campaign, Baker continue to impress while first round rookie WR Emeka Egbuka has staked his claim as the WR1 of the future. (Sorry, Mike.) Skill players Rachaad White, Cade Otton, and Tez Johnson have all contributed even as original depth roles. The Bucs rank fourth in sacks as well as turnover difference. The first ever article I wrote (not published) was about Todd Bowles. I discussed his rise into the NFL and his time with many different QBs. He’s had a much worse time and still leads the NFC South, so he’s not going anywhere. The NFC South seems to be leaning their way even with the injuries. They’re easily one of the better teams under pressure, and might have to play as such for most of the year.
Another aside: Rest In Peace to Doug Martin as well. This man was super fun to watch, and a beast at the time I started retaining NFL information. Thoughts go out to his loved ones as well.
New Orleans Saints: Kellen Moore – Scared
In my “Hold’Em” article, I discussed Moore coming into a rough situation. This seems to be fairly accurate given a 1-8 start, and odd mix of rebuilding combined with seasoned talent. (Cameron Jordan, Alvin Kamara, Demario Davis, and Justin Reid all come to mind.) We’ve seen coaches get an early boot into year one, so the question remains if New Orleans wants to pull the trigger. I would argue Moore should have more wins with this squad. Chris Olave is on pace for the most receptions and touchdowns of his career, which is even more impressive given the QB room. Spencer Rattler has had a rough sophomore year, and now rookie Tyler Shough with a rough debut. The latter has been named the starter for the entire second half, so different results are very possible. The former Eagles’ OC has shown he can produce with the right offense after all. Not to mention, he’s only 37 and in his first HC gig. That said, it doesn’t hurt to keep your fingers crossed. Many coordinators have shown head coaching isn’t for them, and best fit staying as a coordinator. And hey, that’s okay! It’s just the game.
Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris – Scared
When deciding my order to write these, I admittedly saved Atlanta for last. They might be the strangest team this year, and any angle on them is a new one. Blown out by Miami and Carolina while defeating Buffalo is..not normal. Nor is your #8 overall pick sophomore QB having six touchdowns and three picks through six games. Despite fewer redzone trips, Bijan Robinson is still doing Bijan Robinson things. Drake London and Kyle Pitts are somewhat glimmers of hope, with Darnell Mooney trying to get back to 100%. It’s still in development though, as the Falcons have potential to score the least amount of points in their franchise since 2007. (Which would be the last year before they acquired Matt Ryan.) Although Atlanta has quietly assembled a notable defensive squad, it has ultimately left a couple games from being competitive. Morris is on pace to copy last year’s subpar record, and would leave him on the hot seat for year three. This is especially if Michael Penix Jr. has a rough rest of the way. Kirk Cousins sadly reminded everyone against Miami why the Vikings gave him his best years.
Carolina Panthers: Dave Canales – Uneasy
What an odd season it’s been for Panthers fans. 4-4, beating Dallas, destroying the Falcons, and closely contesting Arizona was probably on very few bingo cards. I’d be happy if I were a Carolina fan though. The team is on pace to do better than five wins last year. Bryce Young and Rico Dowdle are having career years; while Tetairoa McMillan is so far living up to the hype of being the first drafted receiver this year. Our largest concern is the defense only having one standout game so far. (We cannot include six points from the Jets as good defense, more so as typical New York troubles.) Jaycee Horn and his three picks are all that’s worth mentioning really. Unless the team continues to slide downhill like they did against Buffalo, Canales should be able to focus on what to bring to the team in 2026. Much like J.J. McCarthy, another (assumptive) nine games with Bryce Young at the helm is going to tell us so much more.
Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Sirianni – Demon Slayer
Besides a bizarre two game slide to Denver and the Giants, Philly is looking like themselves. Beating the Chiefs, Rams, and Bucs in weeks 2-4 will put you even more on notice. (If possible.) Even most casual fans know about the Eagles due to their current dominant status. If Reid is a legend, Sirianni is a legend in the making. We need a Michael Myers to combat someone like Vorhees, after all. That said, Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown are having obvious down years. Jalen Hurts currently has MVP numbers with Devonta Smith as his WR1 for…what I can only assume is a reason. Tight end Dallas Goedert is also on pace for 17 touchdowns somehow. Genuinely, that scares me more than Tusk. Especially since he never had six in a year before 2025. The phrase “Whatever works, works” applies here, and goes to show how deadly this offense really is. Thankfully this is the case for them, as the defense is below average in turnovers, while middle of the pack in points allowed.
New York Giants: Brian Daboll – Scared
Poor Giants fans, man. Eagles fans must have a cult. Daboll was one of the biggest questions coming into the year, which honestly hasn’t changed too much. The general consensus was Russell Wilson starting for a few weeks, only to be benched for Jaxon Dart as Daboll’s last chance. Not only has that been true, but it’s led to Dart/Skattebo forming a favorable duo. Beating the defending Super Bowl champs without your superstar WR1 cannot be overlooked. Dart has now started two more games than Russ. The results have been two more wins, and five more touchdowns thrown despite the same amount of interceptions. It’s plausible Daboll will see another year with a healthy Dart, Skattebo, and Nabers now on the table for 2026. (Not to mention already defeating the Eagles and Chargers.) This is the biggest example of what the second half could lead to, as Dart is left without his top two weapons and a difficult division to navigate in. There is still nothing promised here.
Dallas Cowboys: Brian Schottenheimer – Uneasy
While I talked about the nice hand Schotteneimer was dealt over the summer; I didn’t expect Jerry Jones to be a monster to his fans. The uneasiness here really comes from working under him. Trading away one of two pillars on your team in Micah Parsons is usually frowned upon. Besides this, 25’ looks like another 24’. Prescott/Lamb rocking it out when healthy, only for the defense to negate all of it. George Pickens is a new WR1, already hitting a career high in TD’s. He’s on his way to breaking all his personal records this year. A healthy Javonte Williams has found the right scheme fit Denver couldn’t provide, and Jake Ferguson has reminded everyone what he can do when healthy too. Without Parsons and now Trevon Diggs, this defense will likely keep leaving holes and force Dallas into shootouts. (Pun not intended.) Whether they can keep up or not, it shouldn’t affect Schottenheimer’s position. The Cowboys are in a precarious position, but the head coach currently isn’t the issue.
Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn – Fearless
Another QB example: Marcus Mariota has started four games in place of Jayden Daniel’s. When both are healthy, Daniels and Deebo Samuel have proven fun to watch. Terry Mclaurin is also back after all the offseason drama, and Zach Ertz has shown his tank isn’t empty. Now the team just needs everyone out there at once. Losing Austin Ekeler early in the season is a bad example, but has paved the way for Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Perhaps the most reputable name this preseason, Merritt has stamped the starting running back job as a seventh round rookie. He’s so far earned the right to keep it despite having no say in the passing game, with 4.9 yards per attempt and very little of a Plan B by Washington. The Commanders are 3-4 and face a pretty tough schedule the rest of the way. Both their wins and losses have been very convincing, which only raises more uncertainty. Philly seems headed to take the NFC East, but this is a squad who still has a chance to repeat last year. And since a very successful 2024 was Quinn’s first HC year in Washington, clinching another playoff spot is his only worry going forward.
Los Angeles Rams: Sean Mcvay – Demon Slayer
Sean McVay is great, his artillery is great, and he’ll be on the Rams for a long time. LA was one game away from the Super Bowl last year and heads in a similar path this year. They’re 5-2, fighting for a top spot, and get prime Puka Nacua back on Sunday. Matthew Stafford is quietly on pace to put up his lowest interception rate, and best QB Rating of his career. AT 37 YEARS OLD. Swapping Cooper Kupp out for Davante Adams has proven well, while RB Kyren Williams is second for touchdown receptions. Not only are the Rams allowing 16 points a game, but OLB Byron Young may finish the year as the sack leader. (He’s currently in second with nine, one behind Myles Garrett and Brian Burns.) While the Rams are in a great spot, you’ll shortly find out this division is still a very interesting one to watch.
Arizona Cardinals: Johnathan Gannon – Terrified
Unexpectedly, *every* Cardinals game this year has ended in a one score margin. So why do I still feel gross watching them? Gannon’s actions towards Demercado *really* didn’t help, but it’s definitely more than that. Could it be that they’re 2-5? Maybe it’s the loss to Tennessee? Perhaps Kyler Murray having a worse QB Rating than Jacoby Brissett is the problem. (88.6 compared to 97.7) It could also come from Marvin Harrison Jr. on pace to have a *worse* season than last year. Whatever it is, Gannon is 14-27 in three seasons now. With no James Conner and an injured/uninterested Kyler Murray, the team has a rough look in a competitive division. One wonders if anything will change as they come out of their by week. If I had to give two players on this team their flowers, it’d be TE Trey McBride and RB Trey Benson. The former may finish with another 100+ catch season, and the latter is averaging five and a half yards per rush in Connor’s absence.
Seattle Seahawks: Mike Macdonald – Fearless
Seattle shuffled the deck over the summer, dealing out Geno Smith and DK Metcalf for Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp. There’s plenty to argue which pair is better, but that’s not what matters. Mike Macdonald’s 2025 is what matters, because it’s working. Another team with mostly close wins or losses, the Hawks are also 5-2. JSN has truly broken out into one of the best receivers in the league. Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet are a nice one-two punch, with Darnold proving his Minnesota run wasn’t a fluke. I’ve admired Seattle’s defensive look since the Legion of Boom. While it would never be the same, today’s squad stands tall and inspires the 12th man. Two defensive linemen have a chance to finish with ten sacks in Uchenna Nwosu and Byron Murphy. The Hawks have faced a couple tests, and their upcoming schedule is a bit of a coast in comparison. (Besides two Rams matchups and a Colts face-off, that is.) Macdonald is only 38 and in his second year with Seattle. Both are signs he has a bright future, and is fully locked in a campaign to win the NFC West.
San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan – Fearless
Kyle Shanahan has the biggest case for optimism and pessimism in the league. While San Fran stands at, oh look at that, five wins; they’ve done so losing multiple key players. Nick Bosa and Fred Warner won’t be back in 2025. Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall, and George Kittle have all missed a month; leaving Christian McCaffrey as (ironically) the healthiest skill player on this team. Keeping a team in the playoff hunt and winning games with Mac Jones throwing to Kendrick Bourne and Jake Tonges needs to be credited properly. This doubles with how abysmal San Francisco has been trying to stop other teams. One defensive pick, and nine team sacks. (Two of them from Bosa.) Much like Philly, a parallel exists where the offense has also had to carry the defense. But if any coach/team is resilient, it’s Shanahan and the 49ers. He is to the NFL as Sienna Shaw is to the Terrifier series. With a few key players set to return soon and CMC already at 1k scrimmage yards, the next two months could ignite the 49ers to regain the NFC West lead. 2024 was a rare dud for Shanahan.
