Sometimes when you’re watching an NFL football game early in the season, there are teams that win games unexpectedly and upsets that no one could have predicted. That’s why the NFL is so popular. It’s that unpredictability that attracts fans and makes every game, and every season for that matter, so exciting.
So when you’re watching a team that finished in the bottom of the league the past few years or a team you think doesn’t have the talent, leadership or experience to contend start to string together wins at the beginning of the season, it starts to make you wonder.
Is this team for real?
The 2011 NFL season has been an unbelievable ride for a lot of teams thus far. Now over halfway through the season and creeping toward Turkey Day, it’s time we delve into which teams are contenders and pretenders through Week 9.
Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) Rookie quarterback, rookie wide receiver, young defense. We’ll contend in a couple of years. Forget that, we’ll do it now. Andy Dalton didn’t need much seasoning to get his feet wet, and AJ Green is a star in the making. Who needs Chad Ochostinko and Terrell “watch me do sit-ups in my driveway shirtless” Owens anyways? The schedule gets a lot tougher, with four of their remaining eight games against the Steelers and Ravens, but heck, at six wins already, who’s to say they don’t have a shot at an AFC Wild Card spot?
Verdict: Contender
Houston Texans (6-3) It seems that every year the Texans start off hot, force Peyton Manning and the Colts to play catch up in the AFC South and then inevitably crumble down the stretch. That’s not happening this year. The Colts are too busy “Sucking for Luck” while Peyton Manning stands on the sideline and the Titans forgot to tell Chris Johnson to stop playing like Lendale White. The Texans may finish the year with two 1,000 yard rushers in Ben Tate and Arian Foster, and when Andre Johnson gets healthy, this team has a chance to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Verdict: Contender
Buffalo Bills (5-3) A team that’s only had one winning season in the past 11 years (9-7 in 2004), the Bills started off 2011 hotter than anyone, winning three straight games, including an upset of the Patriots in week three at home. The Bills rallied from a three score deficit and forced Tom Brady to throw four interceptions in that game. Fred Jackson, who was undrafted out of Coe College, is having an MVP caliber season and is second in the NFL in yards from scrimmage (only Matt Forte has more). However, Harvard grad Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn’t been very smart with the ball lately, and has now thrown six interceptions in his last four games. The defense is filled with mostly practice squad guys and castoffs (yes, I’m talking about you, Shawne Merriman), who have overachieved.
Verdict: Pretender
Detroit Lions (6-2) All aboard the Lions bandwagon! Matthew Stafford has been able to stay on the field for eight games now, and that’s a victory in itself (19 touchdown passes is nice too). Calvin Johnson has taken his play to new heights while leading the NFL in touchdown catches, as well (11).
On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions are third in the NFL in sacks with 24 and are led by second year defensive linemen Ndamukong Suh, who has three sacks on the year. Already close to being a lock for a playoff berth, a meeting with the undefeated Green Bay Packers in week 12 could determine whether this team is ready to make a legitimate run at a title.
Verdict: Contender
San Francisco 49ers (7-1) What do a picture of Bill Belichick smiling, a unicorn and Alex Smith playing well have in common? They’re all things I thought I’d never see. Through eight games he’s done just that, turning the ball over only twice all year and throwing 10 touchdowns. Also, running back Frank Gore has now rushed for over 100 yards in five straight games and is currently third in the “Kim Kardashian’s next hubby” sweepstakes behind only Blake Griffin and Derek Jeter (you heard it here), and the defense is holding opponents to a measly 14.9 points per game, tops in the league.
Although I still have my doubts about Smith, especially in the playoffs, a first round bye is a likely possibility for a team that seems to be putting it all together under first year coach Jim Harbaugh after years of disappointment under Mike Singletary.
Verdict: Contender
Shawn Ferris can be reached at sferris@spartans.ut.edu.