NFL Team Stock Up, Stock Down at Midseason Mark
We've officially reached the midway point of the NFL season, and it's time to take stock of each and every team and determine whether it's impressed or depressed thus far on the campaign.
It's important to remember that these verdicts were rendered based on the entire body of work, not just this past Sunday's game. So even though the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks are coming off victories, their stock is down because they haven't been as good as expected. Conversely, there are teams coming off losses (like the Baltimore Ravens) that have been impressive overall, so the arrow remains pointed upward.
It's fairly simple: Remember where you projected each team would end up, then judge it based on those merits.
Here is the NFL team stock watch at the 2014 midseason mark.
Arizona Cardinals: Stock Up
1 of 32
While there were some who felt the Arizona Cardinals would be playoff-bound in 2014, it's hard to imagine anyone believing they'd be this good.
Coach Bruce Arians' Cardinals are now 6-1 after a thrilling come-from-behind victory over the Philadelphia Eagles this past Sunday. The record is good enough for sole possession of first place in the NFC West, a full two games ahead of both 4-3 San Francisco and 4-3 Seattle.
Quarterback Carson Palmer, 34, is playing perhaps the best football of his career, with eight touchdown passes against only one interception in four games played (he missed three games with a nerve issue in his shoulder). He has a cavalcade of explosive weapons at the skill positions, including receivers Michael Floyd, Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown and running back Andre Ellington.
Plus, the defense has been excellent thanks to coordinator Todd Bowles' aggressive play-calling and blitz schemes. Arizona is tied for first against the run, allowing only 3.3 yards per carry.
The Cardinals have the look and feel of a Super Bowl contender. If they can beat the Dallas Cowboys next week in Dallas, expect to hear a lot about the Cardinals becoming the first team in NFL history to play the Super Bowl in its own stadium.
Verdict: Stock UP
Atlanta Falcons: Stock Down
2 of 32
Perhaps it would have been better if the entire Atlanta Falcons organization stayed in London after the franchise's latest debacle.
This past Sunday at Wembley Stadium, the Falcons raced out to a surprising 21-0 halftime lead before crashing and burning and losing in hideous fashion to the Detroit Lions, 22-21. Coach Mike Smith seemed to orchestrate the final minutes with both hands wrapped firmly around his neck, making several blunders in clock and game management that allowed the Lions to eventually win as time expired.
The defeat dropped the Falcons to 2-6, and they're now 6-18 dating back to the beginning of last season. They're still technically in the playoff hunt, because the NFC South is so godawful, but don't get it twisted: The 2014 Falcons are going nowhere in January except the golf course.
It's difficult to envision a scenario in which Smith keeps his job. He's done a fabulous job since being hired prior to the 2008 season, but it's fair to say his tenure has run its course. General manager Thomas Dimitroff might get more leeway from owner Arthur Blank, but the overall talent level on the roster just isn't up to snuff, particularly as it concerns a toothless defense.
The Falcons still have some stud players—notably quarterback Matt Ryan and receiver Julio Jones—but that isn't enough to win consistently in the NFL.
This team is dead in the water.
Verdict: Stock DOWN
Baltimore Ravens: Stock Up
3 of 32
Despite a tough loss this past Sunday in Cincinnati, we're still saying the arrow is pointed upward for the Baltimore Ravens.
After a Week 1 home defeat to the Bengals, it appeared the Ravens were in for a long season. But the team has gotten it together and at times has flashed the form of a Super Bowl contender.
Quarterback Joe Flacco has really taken to the offense installed by coordinator Gary Kubiak, tossing 14 touchdown passes against only seven interceptions on the season. Wide receiver Steve Smith—signed in free agency after the Carolina Panthers cut him—has been a reliable target, hauling in 41 passes for 675 yards and four touchdowns. Plus, running back Justin Forsett has emerged as a quality leading option in the rushing attack.
The defense has been stingy against the run, allowing only 3.7 yards per carry. As of now, linebacker C.J. Mosley is the Defensive Rookie of the Year, and ageless defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and linebacker Terrell Suggs are still getting the job done.
We'll learn a lot about coach John Harbaugh's team when it takes on the Steelers this upcoming Sunday night in Pittsburgh, but as of right now, it's exceeded expectations.
Verdict: Stock UP
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Buffalo Bills: Stock Up
4 of 32
Don't look now, but the Buffalo Bills are 5-3 and very much in the thick of the AFC playoff picture.
Coach Doug Marrone and general manager Doug Whaley deserve a ton of credit for the team's record, as they made the difficult decision to bench second-year starting quarterback EJ Manuel in favor of veteran Kyle Orton after the Week 4 loss in Houston. While some panned the move, Orton has been outstanding, leading the club to a 3-1 record and tossing nine touchdown passes against only three interceptions in the process.
Plus, rookie receiver Sammy Watkins—whom the Bills paid a heavy price to obtain in this past May's draft (trading away first- and fourth-round picks in the 2015 draft)—has been nothing short of a revelation, looking every bit the game-breaker that Marrone and Whaley imagined he'd be.
The defense has sparkled under new coordinator Jim Schwartz and leads the NFL with 28 sacks, spearheaded by star defensive tackle Marcell Dareus' seven. The unit hasn't suffered after losing Mike Pettine to the Cleveland Browns this past offseason.
The Bills have enough talent on the roster to win 10 games with a competent starting quarterback. Manuel wasn't competent, but Orton is. If and when the Bills qualify for the postseason, Marrone and Whaley's injection of Orton into the starting lineup will be remembered as the catalyst for the team's first tournament appearance since 1999.
Verdict: Stock UP
Carolina Panthers: Stock Down
5 of 32
It appeared as if the Carolina Panthers turned the corner in a stirring 37-37 tie with the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6.
But the wheels have since come off, as the club has dropped two brutal decisions in a row to drop to 3-4-1.
Quarterback Cam Newton has generally played outstanding football, but aside from stud rookie receiver Kelvin Benjamin and tight end Greg Olsen, he doesn't have much to work with on offense. And the offensive line has been porous, leaving Newton to run for his life more often than he'd surely like.
But the real issue has been a defense that has looked dreadful for most of the season. With star defensive end Greg Hardy on the commissioner's exempt list, the Panthers have dropped to 21st overall in total defense and are allowing 26 points per game, 11 more than in 2013.
Right now, the Panthers don't have the look and feel of a playoff team. But if they can win this Thursday night against New Orleans, they'll be in sole possession of first place in the NFC South, so all is not lost.
Verdict: Stock DOWN
Chicago Bears: Stock Down
6 of 32
Do you smell that in the distance? Damn, that's disgusting!
That odor belongs to the dumpster fire known as the 2014 Chicago Bears, and boy, is that inferno raging.
It seems like eons ago that the Bears were 2-1 after back-to-back road victories in prime time over the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets, as the wheels have completely come off since. The team currently sits at 3-5 following a 51-23 loss at New England, and it doesn't look like things will get better anytime soon.
Coordinator Mel Tucker's defense has been atrocious (29th in points allowed), and head coach Marc Trestman's offense has underachieved. Despite possessing weapons like quarterback Jay Cutler, receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, running back Matt Forte and tight end Martellus Bennett, the Bears are averaging only 22.5 points per game. It's been a systematic failure on both sides of the ball.
Trestman and general manager Phil Emery deserve a good amount of blame too. Trestman has been a disaster in year two, and despite Emery exhausting his resources in an attempt to fix the defense and add veteran leadership, the Bears appear worse than they were in 2013.
The Bears will limp into their bye with an extra week to prepare for a road trip to Green Bay, where they'll meet up with old friend Aaron Rodgers.
Expect the Bears to be 3-6 after that game, officially putting their season on life support.
Verdict: Stock DOWN
Cincinnati Bengals: Stock Up
7 of 32
It's as if the Cincinnati Bengals have been riding an especially breakneck roller coaster this season.
After looking like a Super Bowl contender in starting 3-0, they looked dreadful in losing two of their next three, with a grotesque tie sandwiched in between.
But a sterling effort this past Sunday against the Ravens propped their record back up to 4-2-1 and landed them in the driver's seat for the AFC North title. The Bengals swept the season series against Baltimore, which could go a long way toward deciding divisional matters.
The most recent win over the Ravens was a stirring one, especially considering Cincinnati accomplished it without the services of star receiver A.J. Green. Quarterback Andy Dalton came up aces on the final drive, scoring the eventual game-winning touchdown on a sneak. The closing sequence surely gave Bengals fans hope that Dalton is indeed capable of leading the franchise to postseason victory.
With a win next Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bengals will remain in first place in the AFC North. That's good enough to make this an easy verdict.
Verdict: Stock UP
Cleveland Browns: Stock Up
8 of 32
The bad news: The Cleveland Browns are in last place in the AFC North.
The good news: The Cleveland Browns are 4-3 and have been mostly impressive in the first half of the season.
Most observers didn't expect much of coach Mike Pettine's squad coming into the season, but after the team's defeat of the Oakland Raiders this past Sunday, the Browns are above .500 at the midway point, which is a major positive.
The offensive line has been terrific, and the run game has clicked. Quarterback Brian Hoyer has exceeded expectations (eight touchdown passes against just two interceptions) and has kept rookie Johnny Manziel tethered firmly to the bench. And the defense is starting to come on, as it's only allowed 21.7 points per game.
With stud receiver Josh Gordon due back for the final six games of the season, the Browns loom as a dark-horse playoff contender in the AFC.
Verdict: Stock UP
Dallas Cowboys: Stock Up
9 of 32
At the season's midpoint, there can only be one choice for the league's biggest surprise: the 6-1 Dallas Cowboys.
With a win Monday night against the Washington Redskins, the Cowboys would move to 7-1. If you had said that out loud in the preseason, there's a chance you would have been committed to a psychiatric ward.
Dallas has won games on the strength of a dominant run game and a surprising defense. Running back DeMarco Murray is currently the front-runner for league MVP, and quarterback Tony Romo is rounding into form. Plus, the offensive line has been amazing, and Dez Bryant remains one of the NFL's finest receivers.
And the switch appears to have flipped for coach Jason Garrett, who looks cool, calm and collected and has yet to make any hideous errors in game management.
The Cowboys are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, and anyone who says otherwise is straight hating.
Verdict: Stock UP
Denver Broncos: Stock Up
10 of 32
As of right now, the 6-1 Denver Broncos are the best team in the NFL. And with apologies to 6-1 Dallas and 6-1 Arizona, it's not particularly close.
The Broncos are dominating on both sides of the ball, and it's been a pleasure to watch. Quarterback Peyton Manning is once again playing at an MVP level, with 22 touchdown passes against only three interceptions. Receiver Demaryius Thomas is one of the finest pass-catchers in the league, and running back Ronnie Hillman has been a revelation in place of an injured Montee Ball.
But the defense has been the true story for Denver.
After watching his team get routed in Super Bowl XLVIII by the Seattle Seahawks, Broncos general manager John Elway was determined to upgrade the defense, and thus far, the returns have been excellent. Denver has the league's fourth-ranked defense, and the unit possesses a level of physicality not recently reached in the Mile High City.
Linebackers Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware are pass-rushing terrors, safety T.J. Ward provides a physical presence in the secondary and cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris are of the shutdown variety.
Simply put: It'd be an upset if this Broncos team didn't reach the Super Bowl. And at the season's midway point, Denver must be considered the favorite to win it all.
Verdict: Stock UP
Detroit Lions: Stock Up
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These aren't the same old Detroit Lions.
Coach Jim Caldwell has the Lions playing inspired football, and they currently occupy sole possession of first place in the NFC North with a 6-2 record. Caldwell deserves a ton of credit for the team's emergence, as the Lions are now winning games they previously would have lost.
In the last two weeks, the Lions have completed back-to-back stunning come-from-behind triumphs, first over New Orleans and then this past Sunday over the Falcons in London. In the latter contest, the Lions trailed 21-0 at halftime before scoring 22 unanswered points to claim an improbable victory.
These Lions are tough, gritty and resilient—something that hasn't been said about the franchise very often over the past half-century.
Despite being without the services of star receiver Calvin Johnson for most of the campaign (he's missed the last three games and was clearly a decoy in the last two he did play), quarterback Matthew Stafford has put his team in a position to win games. Stafford has avoided the backbreaking turnover that had long been his bugaboo and is playing smart football.
And the defense has been nothing short of a revelation under first-year coordinator Teryl Austin, who deserves significant consideration for Assistant Coach of the Year. The Lions currently possess the league's top-ranked defense.
With a win over the Packers already in hand, Detroit's playoff chances look good. That makes this verdict an easy one.
Verdict: Stock UP
Green Bay Packers: Stock Up
12 of 32
To quote Green Bay Packers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers: R-E-L-A-X, Packers fans.
Even with your team's loss this past Sunday night to New Orleans, the Packers are going to be just fine.
While Green Bay's record is only 5-3, there is no shame in its three losses: at Seattle, at Detroit and at New Orleans. Those are three outstanding football teams.
The bottom line is that even with those losses in tow, the Packers have flashed the form of a legitimate Super Bowl contender. And it's mostly due to the overwhelming greatness of Rodgers.
Rodgers has thrown 19 touchdown passes against only three interceptions, and anytime he's on the field, the Packers have a chance to win. Jordy Nelson has evolved into perhaps the NFL's finest receiver, and running back Eddie Lacy is heating up after a so-so start.
While coordinator Dom Capers' defense still leaves a lot to be desired—the unit is ranked 22nd overall—it has been good enough to get the Packers to 5-3, and there is talent throughout.
As long as Rodgers remains healthy, the Packers must be taken seriously as a threat to win it all. Even though they're currently behind the Lions in the NFC North, it should surprise no one if they end up claiming their fourth straight division title.
Verdict: Stock UP
Houston Texans: Stock Up
13 of 32
Although it's only been eight games, the Houston Texans have done a wonderful job of washing the taste of 2013's disastrous 2-14 campaign out of their collective mouth.
At 4-4, coach Bill O'Brien's team has been a pleasant surprise. Running back Arian Foster has been the key on offense, as he's playing at an All-Pro level, with 766 rushing yards to go along with nine total touchdowns (seven on the ground). And defensive tackle J.J. Watt is the clear front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year.
While the foibles of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will likely prevent the Texans from returning to the postseason, the first half of the season has been an unequivocal success. If the team can finish at .500 or better after bottoming out in 2013, it'll be an excellent first year on the job for O'Brien.
Verdict: Stock UP
Indianapolis Colts: Stock Up
14 of 32
Forget about this past Sunday's horrific loss against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
And don't even mention the 0-2 start to the campaign.
None of it matters. For one reason and one reason only—the majesty of quarterback Andrew Luck—the 5-3 Indianapolis Colts are absolutely Super Bowl contenders.
Luck leads the NFL in passing yards (2,731) and is on pace for 44 touchdown passes. He's good enough to keep the Colts in every game, and he erases myriad other problems throughout the roster, including a suspect defense.
The Colts are going to win a brutal AFC South and advance to the playoffs for the third time in three years with Luck under center. And once they get to January, there isn't an AFC team that wants to draw Luck and Co.
As long as Luck remains its quarterback, it'll be difficult to ever truly say that Indianapolis' stock is down.
Verdict: Stock UP
Jacksonville Jaguars: Stock Down
15 of 32
It's been yet another bitterly disappointing campaign for the great fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
At 1-7, the season is circling the drain, and the worst part is that the team—and rookie quarterback Blake Bortles—doesn't seem to be getting much better.
After claiming their first victory of the season in Week 7, the Jaguars had a golden opportunity to fashion together a win streak this past Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, but a number of errors from Bortles and a late collapse by the defense sealed their fate. Despite only entering the lineup in Week 4, Bortles leads the NFL in interceptions (12) and has thrown four pick-sixes. He is essentially a living, breathing turnover. And no, that's not a good thing.
Along with Bortles' struggles, the run game has been mostly nonexistent, and the defense is ranked 25th overall. Other than that, the Jags have been great!
While the rebuilding efforts of coach Gus Bradley and general manager David Caldwell have always been pointed toward 2015, both men surely expected a better effort in 2014. There's still time for Bortles and Co. to turn it around, but this looks like another lost season in Duval.
Verdict: Stock DOWN
Kansas City Chiefs: Stock Up
16 of 32
After their 0-2 start, many wrote off the 2014 Kansas City Chiefs.
That was a major mistake.
Since then, the Chiefs have rattled off wins in four of five games to improve to 4-3, with three of those victories coming against AFC postseason hopefuls (Miami, New England and San Diego).
Quarterback Alex Smith is in full command of the offense, and running back Jamaal Charles is back to breaking tackles and scoring touchdowns. With linebacker Justin Houston (a league-leading 10 sacks) keying the pass rush, the defense is dangerous.
Coach Andy Reid has the Chiefs playing excellent football, which is a problem for the rest of the AFC. Don't sleep on Kansas City as a potential playoff team.
Verdict: Stock UP
Miami Dolphins: Stock Up
17 of 32
Before the team's Week 4 game against the Raiders in London, the Miami Dolphins' season appeared to be on thin ice. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was coming off back-to-back miserable performances, and coach Joe Philbin refused to publicly commit to the third-year passer.
But since then, Tannehill has amplified his level of play and the Dolphins have strung together three wins in four games to improve their record to 4-3 overall. Their only loss was of the last-second variety against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
The latest triumph came in Jacksonville, and while many will say it's a game the Dolphins should have won, they needed to weather an early storm to get it done, and they did. Credit the resilience of Philbin's team, as the squad showed it in spades this past Sunday.
The offensive line has been much better than it was in 2013, and receiver Mike Wallace has been productive, hauling in five touchdown passes in seven games. And if defensive end Cameron Wake (5.5 sacks) doesn't make the Pro Bowl, a federal investigation should be launched.
After early season troubles, the Dolphins have pulled themselves off the mat and are now in playoff contention in a wide-open AFC. It's been a successful first half of the season for Philbin, Tannehill and Co.
Verdict: Stock UP
Minnesota Vikings: Stock Up
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While it hasn't necessarily translated in wins and losses, the arrow is very much pointing up for the 3-5 Minnesota Vikings.
Why? Look no further than the result of this past Sunday's game in Tampa Bay.
The team's two first-round rookies—quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (32nd overall) and linebacker Anthony Barr (ninth overall)—were instrumental in engineering a rousing victory. Bridgewater calmly led the Vikings down the field for a game-tying field goal to force overtime, and on the first play of the extra session, Barr forced a fumble and returned it for the game-winning touchdown.
Bridgewater seems to save his best for when it matters the most, which should bring a smile to the face of even the most jaded Vikings fan. The club has done well in the absence of star running back Adrian Peterson, who remains on the commissioner's exempt list.
So while the Vikings aren't going to make the playoffs, the future looks bright thanks to Bridgewater and Barr.
Verdict: Stock UP
New England Patriots: Stock Up
19 of 32
Remember when everyone buried the New England Patriots after their blowout Monday night loss to the Chiefs in Week 4?
Well, since then, all quarterback Tom Brady has done is throw 14 touchdown passes against zero interceptions, and the Patriots have rattled off four straight wins in the process. That's also become known as business as usual for coach Bill Belichick's team.
With tight end Rob Gronkowski back and better than ever (three touchdown receptions in this past Sunday's win over Chicago), the offense is suddenly explosive, and Brady is playing at an elite level. Meanwhile, the defense, led by star cornerback Darrelle Revis, is allowing only 22 points per game.
At 6-2, the Patriots appear earmarked for yet another AFC East championship. This Sunday, we'll find out how close they are to AFC favorite Denver, as they host the Broncos in what's sure to be the most anticipated matchup of Week 9.
Verdict: Stock UP
New Orleans Saints: Stock Down
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Yes, the New Orleans Saints are coming off a rousing 44-23 victory in prime time over the Green Bay Packers.
But there can be no doubting that it's been a disappointing season for the 3-4 Saints.
Coming into the year, many (including yours truly) picked New Orleans to win the Super Bowl. But a 2-4 start derailed those thoughts, and the Saints entered full-on survival mode.
Thankfully for coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints play in the dreadful NFC South, and despite their early-season foibles, they can move into sole possession of first place in the division with a win Thursday night in Carolina.
But even if that happens, the arrow should still point down for a team that has badly underachieved through the first half of the season.
Verdict: Stock DOWN
New York Giants: Stock Down
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The New York Giants haven't qualified for the postseason since winning the Super Bowl following the 2011 campaign.
And right now, it looks like it'll be a third straight year in which Big Blue fails to qualify for the tournament.
After an 0-2 start, the Giants rebounded to win their next three games, buoyed by an improving defense and stellar play from quarterback Eli Manning. But back-to-back division losses against 5-2 Philadelphia and 6-1 Dallas have sunk the Giants into third place in the NFC East, and it's going to be a tough road back for coach Tom Coughlin's team.
The next four games will likely decide the Giants' fate. They host the Colts next Monday night and then travel to Seattle before back-to-back home games against San Francisco and Dallas. The Giants must go no worse than 2-2 in those four contests to remain in contention, which might be a tall order, especially without receiver Victor Cruz, lost for the season with a torn patella tendon.
While there's still time for the Giants to turn it around and make the playoffs, it doesn't appear to be a likely scenario.
Verdict: Stock DOWN
New York Jets: Stock Down
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The 2014 New York Jets are nothing short of an unmitigated disaster, and after yet another one-sided defeat, coach Rex Ryan's seat is ready to burst into flames.
This past Sunday, the New York Jets lost their seventh straight game, a 43-23 shellacking at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. Their record is now 1-7, and any postseason dreams have surely deteriorated into nightmares.
Playing the role of Freddy Krueger in those nocturnal horrors is quarterback Geno Smith, whose penchant for turning the ball over makes it seem as if he has escalators in his contract for doing so. Smith has now thrown 10 interceptions on the season, including three in the first quarter of Sunday's loss to Buffalo. His atrocious performance against the Bills earned him a spot on the bench, and on Monday, Ryan announced that he'll remain there for at least next week, as Michael Vick will start this Sunday in Kansas City.
Per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, Ryan said, "This is not long term, it's about the immediate future. ... He [Vick] gives us a chance. When he came into the game, it gave us a spark. I felt the energy on the sideline."
While Ryan will undoubtedly be the fall man, general manager John Idzik deserves blame as well. He's constructed a poor roster, and Smith has been an abject failure at quarterback.
At this point, Jets fans can only hope and pray that owner Woody Johnson does the right thing: Fire Ryan, fire Idzik and charge the next coach and general manager of the Jets with finding a new franchise quarterback.
Verdict: Stock DOWN
Oakland Raiders: Stock Down
23 of 32
Remember when commitment to excellence was a thing in Oakland? Or when the Raiders trumpeted "pride and poise"? Or when the organization's mantra was "Just win, baby"?
With the Raiders sitting at 0-7 and having already fired their head coach who began the season (Dennis Allen), all of those things seem like a distant dream.
The Raiders lack talent at almost every spot on the roster, which is a major indictment of embattled general manager Reggie McKenzie. Raiders fans should be hoping for owner Mark Davis to fire McKenzie at season's end and bring in new men (Jon Gruden?) to try to turn the team's fortunes around.
The one silver (and black) lining for the team has been the play of rookie quarterback Derek Carr, who has tossed nine touchdown passes against only five interceptions. Despite starting for an offense that would produce fewer fantasy football starters than the University of Alabama, Carr has looked the part and could be the passer Oakland has been seeking since Rich Gannon retired.
The goal for the Raiders over the remainder of the campaign is simple: Win a game, and don't join the 2008 Lions as the only teams to go 0-16 in a single season.
Verdict: Stock DOWN
Pittsburgh Steelers: Stock Up
24 of 32
If the NFL is the ultimate week-to-week league, then it's feasible that the Pittsburgh Steelers are the ultimate week-to-week team.
After alternating wins and losses in their first six games, the Steelers have stepped up and won two straight to improve to 5-3. Since falling behind 13-0 to the Texans this past Monday night, the Steelers have outscored their opposition (Houston and Indianapolis) by a combined score of 81-44.
And 51 of those points came this past Sunday against the Colts, when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger authored one of the finest performances in the history of the NFL. Roethlisberger threw for a staggering 522 yards and six touchdown passes, and all of a sudden Pittsburgh's offense looks potent, with Roethlisberger joined by fellow stars Le'Veon Bell (running back) and Antonio Brown (wide receiver).
The Steelers continue the quest for their first postseason appearance since 2011 on Sunday night against the Ravens, where a win would move them to 6-3.
Verdict: Stock UP
Philadelphia Eagles: Stock Up
25 of 32
Even though they dropped a heartbreaking decision to the Arizona Cardinals this past Sunday, the vibes should still be positive among the Philadelphia Eagles faithful.
At 5-2, the Eagles are still in the race for both an NFC wild-card berth and the NFC East title. With two games remaining against the first-place Cowboys, Philadelphia cannot be counted out in the divisional race.
Quarterback Nick Foles hasn't been as good as he was in 2013 (when he threw 27 touchdown passes against two interceptions), but he's still been solid. And the running game should improve once center Jason Kelce and guard Evan Mathis return to the lineup.
Coach Chip Kelly is fielding a dangerous team that can score points in bunches and make stops in critical spots. It's been a successful first half of the season for the Eagles.
Verdict: Stock UP
St. Louis Rams: Stock Down
26 of 32
Another year, another forgotten season for the St. Louis Rams.
The Rams now sit at 2-5 following a blowout loss this past Sunday in Kansas City, and their fortunes don't look to be improving anytime soon.
St. Louis still has two games against Arizona and one against San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego and Denver remaining on the schedule, and it's hard to imagine quarterback Austin Davis leading the Rams to victory in any of those contests. (Yes, I know the Rams already beat the Seahawks, but that was in St. Louis. Good luck beating them in Seattle.)
The Rams made a huge mistake by not jettisoning quarterback Sam Bradford from the roster in the offseason and drafting his replacement with either the second or 13th overall pick in this past May's draft. Now, the franchise will likely need to hit the reset button at the most important position in sports once again.
It remains to be seen if coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead will return after what's sure to be another last-place finish in the NFC West.
Verdict: Stock DOWN
San Diego Chargers: Stock Up
27 of 32
Following their 5-1 start to the season, the San Diego Chargers have lost two straight to drop their record to 5-3.
But don't you dare insinuate that their stock is down because of it.
Despite the back-to-back losses to division rivals Kansas City and Denver, the Chargers remain a likely playoff squad and Super Bowl contender thanks to the terrific play of quarterback Philip Rivers and an overachieving defense.
San Diego's three losses came at Arizona, at home to Kansas City and at Denver—nothing to be ashamed of. And the Chargers found themselves in all three games. This could easily be a 7-1 team.
With Rivers running the show, the Chargers should not be dismissed. The arrow remains pointed firmly upward for coach Mike McCoy's team.
Verdict: Stock UP
San Francisco 49ers: Stock Down
28 of 32
Coming into the season, most considered the San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl contenders.
That's why they're a disappointment, despite their 4-3 record.
At this point, it's unclear just where the 49ers are as a team. The future of coach Jim Harbaugh is up in the air, and the defense has suffered myriad injuries. The play of quarterback Colin Kaepernick has also been up and down.
Despite all of that, the 49ers are still in position to make a playoff run and should be able to move to 5-3 with a home date against the Rams up next on the schedule. But they still have two games left against Seattle and a home date with Arizona, so it's feasible the 49ers could end up finishing third in their division.
And if that happens, the 49ers could miss the playoffs entirely.
Verdict: Stock DOWN
Seattle Seahawks: Stock Down
29 of 32
First things first: The sky is not falling in Seattle. After a much-needed come-from-behind victory this past Sunday over the Panthers, the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks are now 4-3 and in the thick of the NFC playoff hunt.
But let's be real: 4-3 is a bit of a disappointment for a Seattle team many expected to be a juggernaut in its defense of the Lombardi Trophy.
From trading talented yet mercurial receiver Percy Harvin to rumors of fighting in the locker room, per Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman, the Seahawks have had to weather several storms, and thus far, coach Pete Carroll's team has gotten the job done.
The win over the Panthers was huge, and anyone who says otherwise is flat-out wrong. It doesn't matter how small the margin of victory was or that the team needed a last-minute drive from quarterback Russell Wilson to secure the result—all that matters is the Seahawks won.
No one should be surprised if and when the Seahawks go on a major run and start to resemble the team that bulldozed through the NFL in 2013. But given their expectations coming into the year, the Seahawks have to be considered an overall disappointment.
Verdict: Stock DOWN
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Stock Down
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It's comical to think that some (including the moron writing this) believed the 2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers could qualify for the postseason.
The 1-6 Buccaneers have been downright dreadful, especially on defense, as they're allowing nearly 32 points per game. When a defense predicated on the Cover 2 scheme cannot rush the opposing passer (the Bucs have recorded only 10 sacks), it has no chance of being effective.
The hand-picked quarterback of coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht, Josh McCown, was abysmal in three starts, leading to second-year passer Mike Glennon being installed as the starter. While Glennon has been better than McCown, the Bucs are just a bad football team all the way around.
Sunday's loss to the Vikings encapsulated what's been a horrid season, with a late-game collapse followed by an inexplicable turnover when it mattered the most.
The 2014 campaign, which was once filled with so much promise, now appears to be a lost season for Smith and the Buccaneers.
Verdict: Stock DOWN
Tennessee Titans: Stock Down
31 of 32
The Tennessee Titans entered the year as the NFL's most nondescript team.
And through eight games, the 2-6 outfit still holds that distinction.
Coach Ken Whisenhunt's team has already cycled through three starting quarterbacks—the soon-to-be gone Jake Locker, backup Charlie Whitehurst and rookie Zach Mettenberger—and looks light years away from competing for a playoff berth.
Rookie running back Bishop Sankey has yet to get going, and the defense hasn't flashed. It's been a sour campaign thus far in the Music City.
At this point, the hope for Titans fans should be for the club to totally crash and burn, earning the franchise a chance to draft one of the top quarterbacks (Oregon's Marcus Mariota?) this upcoming offseason.
Verdict: Stock DOWN
Washington Redskins: Stock Down
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Coming into the season, there was a sense of optimism around the Washington Redskins.
They hired a new head coach in Jay Gruden, while quarterback Robert Griffin III was entering his third year as the starter and was a full season removed from his torn ACL.
But at the midway point, the Redskins are 2-5 and are staring down the barrel at 2-6 as they get set to play at Dallas on Monday night. It's been a miserable season thus far in our nation's capital.
Griffin was hurt in the team's Week 3 win over Jacksonville, and Gruden benched backup Kirk Cousins last week in favor of third-stringer Colt McCoy, who will start against Dallas. While Griffin is slated to return to the lineup at some point in the next few weeks, it's fair to wonder aloud if he'll ever return to the dizzying level he played at as a neophyte in 2012.
The Redskins don't have a ton of talent on defense and are unsettled at the quarterback position. That's usually a recipe for disaster.
Verdict: Stock DOWN
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