Like most NFL seasons, there have been a couple of “worst-to-first” teams, along with some teams that make their fans want to burn their jerseys. Ups and downs like these are why football fans exist.
Half of the divisions in the NFL feature a leader who did not win the division last season. The only AFC division with a new commanding officer is the AFC North. The Steelers have a one-game edge over the Ravens, aided by two disappointing losses for Baltimore against the Raiders and, most recently, the Browns. The Ravens won this division outright last season by two games over the Browns. Now the 6-2 Steelers hold a game over them after week eight. The Steelers have been a semi-surprising team, but their opponents have a combined 27-35 record.
The only worst-to-first team is the Washington Commanders, who Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite Jayden Daniels leads. This is the first 6-2 start for the team since 2008. Similarly, they have a lighter schedule (combined opponents record 25-37) but have been winning big. They have the third-best point differential in the league with +69. With the reigning division champs, Dallas Cowboys, at 3-4, this division will likely see a new winner. The last time there was a repeat NFC East champion was 2003.
The Falcons have control over the NFC South with five wins this year. This division has been all but narrowed down between the reigning southern champion Buccaneers and the Falcons. Atlanta has a game up on the Bucs, along with the head-to-head sweep, should it come down to a tiebreaker.
There is currently a three-way tie for the lead of the NFC West that Arizona controls due to head-to-head wins. This division has been dominated by the 49ers the past couple of years, but it will be a tight finish with the Cardinals, 49ers, and Seahawks all at 4-4 and the Rams catching up at 3-4.
A team expected to run close with their division leaders is the New York Jets. A healthy Aaron Rodgers means a new life at MetLife, right? Rodgers has managed to stay healthy all year. However, he is having a career-low year. He has thrown 7 interceptions, which is by far the most in his career and second most in the NFL for the week 9 mark. The 2-6 Jets are at the bottom of the division, with only a 12% chance of making the playoffs.
As mentioned, the 49ers are in a deadlock with two division foes. San Francisco has won the division the past two seasons in dominant fashion. This year, they faced some adversity due to injuries. They have missed their star running back, Christian McCaffery, for the entirety of the season so far, Additionally, they have been plagued with on-and-off injuries from just about every receiving threat they rostered. Brandon Aiyuk is expected to miss the rest of the season with an ACL/MCL tear. The 49ers will have to find ways to win games without some of their biggest offensive threats to have a shot at the playoffs.
The most anticipated part of the NFL season is upon us. The trade deadline is Nov. 5, and we could see much more movement. As November and December football approach, fans are eager to see which teams can hold onto their hot streak and if any disappointments turn things around.
