Midseason NFL Report: 2010-11 Pretenders and Contenders

The season is halfway over and I have now assessed which teams are legit and which teams will disappoint their faithful fans. 

Contenders

New York Jets

The Jets are coming off a loss to the Green Bay Packers. This still doesn't change how I feel about this team. The Jets are the best team in the AFC. They were plagued by drops last week and that seemed to be the reason they lost the game.

I don't think this team will consistently drop passes and for this reason the Jets shouldn't really think too much about that game. L.T. and Shonn Greene are running the ball incredibly well and the defense looks great. Once Revis is back in full-game shape, this will be the Jets you saw win five games in a row. 

Indianapolis

This game going on right now that is just about over is showing me that these team is the same Colts we're used to. I know a couple of Colts fans who were panicking early, but this game should show them that you should never count out Mr. Manning.

The offense looks great and they made a great passing attack in the Texans look horrible. With Peyton calling the shots on offense and Freeney anchoring the defense, this team will always have a chance at winning the Super Bowl. 

Kansas City

Alright, well, I was on the fence about this one to be honest, but I've just been seeing them win too much to leave them off here. I thought they'd be 1-6 at this point in the year, but they're sitting at 5-2 with some impressive wins.

The Jets showed me last year in the playoffs that if you can run the ball and play defense you should never be counted out. Well, this team is running the ball as good as any team in the league and their defense is just about matching the offense's production. Matt Cassel is a smart QB who won't lose you games and the coaching staff has everybody playing just like him. 

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh wins close games. That's what separates them from a lot of the teams trying to take their game to the next level. With Roethlisberger back, they have a QB good enough to match their excellent running game and superb defense. 

New York Giants

The Giants are back from the slide they took after their Super Bowl victory. Eli Manning is playing great despite inconsistent play from his WRs. Nicks has emerged as one of the best targets in the league. Ahmad Bradshaw is finally doing what Giants fans have expected him to do for years and the defense is, well of course, the Giants defense.

They get in the quarterback's face and make it difficult to move the ball. They have made the best RBs in the league look like scrubs and they are ready to challenge for the title of NFC champions and maybe even Super Bowl champions. 

Green Bay Packers

The last team from the NFC that I will put on this list. The Packers are banged up and will continue to be all season, but they are too good to leave off this list. The offense can beat a good defense on any day of the week. The defense is finally playing at a level that will allow Rodgers to take his team to the next level. Clay Matthews is a man-beast and is looking to get this team to the Super Bowl.

Honorable Mentions: Baltimore Ravens (good, but not Super Bowl good), Tennessee Titans (same as Ravens) and Philadelphia Eagles (lack of certain full-time starting QB concerns me).

Pretenders

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This team is 5-2 and Raheem Morris claims they are the best team in the NFC. I disagree. Yes, this team has racked up five wins and they are playing well right now, but c'mon son. When this team had to play against the Saints they were embarrassed.

Freeman looks like he's going to be a stud, but I don't think he's ready yet. He still makes some dumb decisions and I'm not sure this team has the experience needed to do any damage the rest of the year. 

Seattle

You would never know Seattle is sitting pretty with a winning record right now. The Seahawks have quietly played their way to a 4-3 record, but they are not an above .500 team. Hasselback is old and washed up. He no longer makes the plays needed out of a QB expected to lead a team.

They have an inconsistent running game and their defense is way too hit or miss. They'll hold you to less than 10 points some games and get blown up for 45 in others. Bottom line...this team won't be there at the end of the year. 

New England Patriots

Crazy...I know. This team has the best record in football. They are coached by the mastermind, Bill Belichick and their QB is Tom Brady. How can they be pretenders with those two and a 6-1 record?

Well, they don't have a good defense. Their secondary made Mark Sanchez look like Peyton Manning and their recent good performances haven't necessarily been impressive, but more so team's not making plays that they should. They don't have good WRs anymore without a healthy Welker and Moss gone and they have never really had a great running game.

This team is 6-1, but they're looking at an early exit in the playoffs. 

That's all I have for midseason pretenders and contenders. Comment and tell me what you think. By the way, follow me on twitter!

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