Grading Each NFL Team Halfway Through the Season

The NFL season is a little more than halfway over, and nothing has gone the way it was expected. The New England Patriots, 16-0 last season and AFC Champions, have struggled to a 5-3 mark. The New York Giants, in their quest to defend their Super Bowl title, lead the highly competitive NFC East with a 7-1 record.

21 of the 32 teams in the NFL have a non-losing record, the most ever at this point of the season. Three full divisions in the NFL can brag that each of their teams has a non-losing record: the AFC East, the NFC East, and the NFC South.

Each team below is graded on their progress during the 2008 NFL season, upon the completion of Week Nine. They are graded upon their expected progress for the season, but injuries will be factored in as well.

For example, the New England Patriots will be rewarded for their divisional lead without MVP quarterback Tom Brady, instead of being penalized for their three losses.

Arizona Cardinals: 5-3, First in NFC West

The Cardinals dominate their division. They lead by three games at the halfway mark and could practically coast to a division title. They might be able to lose every game for the rest of the year and still win the division. Kurt Warner is putting up MVP numbers, while Fitzgerald and Boldin have combined for almost 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Cardinals rank 12th in total defense.

Bottom line: This team can start preparing for a home playoff game in early January. Grade: A-

Atlanta Falcons: 5-3, Third in NFC South

The Falcons were picked by many to win only one or two games all season. Thanks to their rookie sensation at quarterback, Matt Ryan, they rank third in the competitive NFC South. Michael Turner has rushed for 794 and six touchdowns on five yards per carry. Roddy White has transformed into one of the top receivers in the NFL, and John Abraham has sparked the defense with ten sacks.

Bottom line: The Falcons are 0-2 in the division and must win three of their remaining four divisional games to have a chance at a playoff spot. Grade: A

Baltimore Ravens: 5-3, Second in AFC North

The Ravens have surprised the rest of the AFC North by remaining competitive, despite starting a rookie at quarterback in Joe Flacco. The three-headed running back of Willis McGahee, Le'Ron McClain, and Ray Rice has gained over 1,000 yards with eight touchdowns, but only one player on the roster has more than 200 receiving yards.

Defense has won ballgames for this club, as they rank second in total defense (fourth against the pass, first against the run). Linebacker Terrell Suggs has been a beast (five sacks, seven stuffs, two interception touchdowns). Joe Flacco will need to continue to find a way to keep his offense in games.

Bottom line: The Ravens will need to prove themselves by beating Pittsburgh at home if they expect to win this division. If not, a wild-card berth is possible, but not likely. Grade: B+

Buffalo Bills: 5-3, Third in AFC East

The Bills started off strong, winning their first four games but have stumbled as of late and trail the Patriots and the Jets in the division at the halfway point. Trent Edwards has yet to develop into a superstar quarterback, but he doesn't make many mistakes.

Marshawn Lynch has struggled, although he has scored five touchdowns. Lee Evans has almost 700 receiving yards and the defense currently ranks 10th in the NFL.

Bottom line: The Bills must beat the Patriots this week to avoid falling out of the playoff hunt. A division title is still within reach, but the Bills would likely need to beat each of their divisional opponents in the second half of the season. Grade: B

Carolina Panthers: 6-2, First in NFC South

The Panthers win games with their defense, which has given up the fewest points in the entire NFC. Jake Delhomme has thrown nine touchdowns against only five interceptions, and the duo of DeAngelo Williams and Johnathan Stewart has combined for 884 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns.

Steve Smith's 613 receiving yards and four touchdowns lead the team, despite the superstar receiver missing the first two games of the season due to suspension. Kicker John Kasay been been a pleasant surprise, as the 39-year-old veteran has converted all 16 field-goal attempts this season.

Bottom line: The Panthers will need to win two of their final three divisional games for John Fox to capture his third division title as head coach. A 3-5 second-half record could still earn the Panthers a wild-card spot, but 10 wins will probably be needed to make the playoffs. Grade: A-

Chicago Bears: 5-3, First in NFC North

Just when Kyle Orton had developed into the mistake-free quarterback that the Bears had been desperately searching for, Orton injures his ankle and will now miss a month of play.

Rex Grossman will be the starting quarterback. Rookie Matt Forte has been a pleasant surprise at running back, with 641 rushing yards and six total touchdowns. Six players on the Bears have totaled more than 200 yards receiving (Rashied Davis, Greg Olsen, Devin Hester, Brandon Lloyd, Desmond Clark, and Forte).

The defense ranks only 18th in the league, and return man Devin Hester can no longer win games for this team.

Bottom line: The Bears cannot win the division with Rex Grossman at quarterback. Their defense just isn't good enough. Kyle Orton needs to heal quickly, but the Bears lead the division by a game and hold a tiebreaker with Philadelphia for the potential wild-card spot. Grade: B+

Cincinnati Bengals: 1-8, Fourth in AFC North

This team is absolutely pathetic. An injury to Pro Bowl quarterback Carson Palmer forced Ryan Fitzpatrick into the starting role. Fitzpatrick has thrown only four touchdown passes and has not received help from the running game, as Chris Perry and Cedric Benson have been pathetic (494 rush yards, three touchdowns, five fumbles).

T.J. Houshmandzadeh has outperformed Chad Johnson, but neither has been able to lift this team out of the gutter. The Bengals' defense has been terrible. They've recorded only nine quarterback sacks all season, and they have given up more points than any team in the NFL that has actually won a game this year.

Bottom line: Head Coach Marvin Lewis will be fired, probably before the season is over, and the Bengals will finish in last place. Grade: F

Cleveland Browns: 3-5, Third in AFC North

The Browns have struggled for the majority of the season but did dismantle the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants on Monday Night Football. Derek Anderson has flopped at quarterback, and the team announced that 2007 first-round pick Brady Quinn will start against the Broncos on Thursday.

Jamal Lewis has struggled running the ball, and Braylon Edwards leads the NFL in dropped passes with 12, including one that might have cost the Browns a game (and Derek Anderson's job, as well as a future playoff spot) last Sunday. Joshua Cribbs is still a bright spot for this team, but with a 25th-ranked defense, the Browns' season is in big trouble.

Bottom line: This team would need to find a way to win all four divisional games and seven of their remaining right to reach the postseason. Grade: D+

Dallas Cowboys: 5-4, Fourth in NFC East

The Cowboys were picked by many, including me, to reach the Super Bowl. It wouldn't have surprised me if they were 9-0 right now. Instead, they are 5-4 and staring at the cellar in the NFC East.

Tony Romo has played well, but a broken pinkie has resulted in three games with the 40-year-old Brad Johnson at quarterback. Marion Barber has surprisingly struggled, but rookie running back and kick returner Felix Jones has been amazing (8.9 yards per carry, three touchdowns; 27.5 yards per return, one touchdown).

Terrell Owens has been good, but not great, and star tight end Jason Witten has been playing with a broken rib. The Dallas defense has been dreadful. Pacman Jones is nonexistent, and the entire team has intercepted just three passes in nine games.

Bottom line: The bye week will help Romo and Witten heal. This is a team that could still win the division and even reach the Super Bowl. They could also miss the playoffs. A 3-4 conference record means that if the 'Boys lose to the Redskins (again) after their bye week, their season is likely over. Grade: D

Denver Broncos: 4-4, First in AFC West

Somehow, the Broncos are in first place. They are the only first place team in the NFL without a winning record, and they should be 3-5, if the referees hadn't given them a win against San Diego in Week Two. Jay Cutler has played well and has transformed into one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL.

Michael Pittman and Selvin Young will combine for close to 1,500 yards this season and wide receiver Brandon Marshall is now a legit offensive weapon. The defense has been atrocious, intercepting just three passes and allowing 221 points, third most in the AFC.

Bottom line: The Broncos lead the division but are not the best team in the AFC West. 8-8 could win this division. So could a sweep of the Chargers. Grade: C-

Detroit Lions: 0-8, Fourth in NFC North

This is one of the worst teams I have ever seen. Daunte Culpepper will become the third quarterback, after unsuccessful stints by Jon Kitna and Dan Orlovsky. Rudi Johnson and rookie Kevin Smith have been subpar running the football, but Calvin Johnson has been splendid as the team's primary target. The Detroit D has intercepted two passes and has allowed almost 30 points per game, excuse me, loss.

Bottom line: This team is absolutely pathetic. They might win a game this year. They might not. Grade: F

Green Bay Packers: 4-4, Second in NFC North

Aaron Rodgers is no Brett Favre, but this season, he has outperformed the future Hall of Famer. Rodgers has tossed 13 touchdowns against only five picks and has run for three touchdowns. Ryan Grant has struggled running the ball, but Greg Jennings has blossomed into a superstar wide receiver and a nice complement to Donald Driver. The Packer defense has struggled, but Charles Woodson and Nick Collins both have four interceptions and two touchdowns.

Bottom line: The Packers are in the thick of the NFC North race. Their 2-0 division record will help in their quest for a potential division title, but they are only 3-3 in the conference and will need solid play from Aaron Rodgers for the rest of the season. Grade: C+

Houston Texans: 3-5, Fourth in AFC South

Matt Schaub has performed above expectations at quarterback, with a stellar 91.0 passer rating. However, a torn MCL will sideline Schaub for a month and pave the way for Sage Rosenfels. Former West Virginia stud Steve Slaton will likely top 1,000 yards on the ground.

Andre Johnson leads the NFL in receiving yards and is on pace for 120 catches. Sophomore Jacoby Jones has returned two punts for touchdowns. The atrocious Houston defense has allowed the fourth-most points in the AFC. Defensive end Mario Williams, however, continues to shine (eight sacks).

Bottom line: The Texans are not as good as their record indicates. They might win six games this season but will finish in last place. Grade: C-

Indianapolis Colts: 4-4, Second in AFC South

As Peyton Manning goes, so do the Colts. The 32-year-old, future Hall of Famer is on pace to set career-lows in touchdown passes and passer rating (excluding his rookie season), while tossing his most interceptions in six years. Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai have been dreadful running the football, and while Reggie Wayne is still very productive, Marvin Harrison may want to consider retirement. The Colts' defense has only 10 sacks and has allowed more points than they have scored.

Bottom line: The Colts have been lacking this season. A second-half turnaround by Peyton Manning could easily land this team a wild-card spot, where anything is possible. Grade: D

Jacksonville Jaguars: 3-5, Third in AFC South

David Garrard usually does enough for his team to win football games. This season, it's not working. Maurice Jones-Drew has contributed in the running game, but Fred Taylor is another AFC South future Hall of Famer who may need to contemplate retirement.

Matt Jones will probably top 1,000 yards receiving, but as a whole, the team has only caught six touchdown passes. Jacksonville's defense hasn't been terrible, but it can no longer win games.

Bottom line: People predicted the Jaguars to finally topple the Colts in the division this year. While they may finish ahead of the Colts in the division, they will be lucky to earn a wild-card spot. Grade: D

Kansas City Chiefs: 1-7, Fourth in AFC West

The Chiefs need a quarterback. Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle have been terrible and are currently injured. Tyler Thigpen cannot win games in the NFL. Larry Johnson is no longer a superstar running the football, but the Chiefs might have a future franchise player in 21-year-old Jamaal Charles (266 yards, 5.7 yards per carry).

Wide receiver Dwayne Boye and tight end Tony Gonzalez will combine for close to 2,000 receiving yards, but the fact is that the Chiefs have only two players with more than 115 yards receiving all year (the Eagles had three 100-yard receivers in the first game of the season).

The Kansas City defense has only four sacks all year (Joey Porter had four in one game against the AFC champion New England Patriots), and they have allowed the second-most points in the AFC.

Bottom line: The Chiefs need to find a quarterback and they need to do it quickly. They are only three games back in the division race but their season is over. With a little luck, they will receive the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. Grade: F

Miami Dolphins: 4-4, Fourth in AFC East

Chad Pennington, owner of the highest career completion percentage in NFL history, has worked his magic and turned the Dolphins from a one-win team into a .500 club at the midway point.

Ronnie Brown has rushed for eight touchdowns and has been an unbelievable weapon on direct-snap plays. Greg Camarillo leads the club in receiving but has only one touchdown. Miami's defense has been led by linebacker Joey Porter, arguably the best defensive player in the NFL (11.5 sacks, three forced fumbles).

Bottom line: The Dolphins have been the surprise of the NFL for their exciting play this season. They have done well in the division and in the conference. However, they will not reach the playoffs unless they win at least six more games. Grade: B+

Minnesota Vikings: 4-4, Third in NFC North

Gus Frerotte has played poorly at quarterback, as expected, but Adrian Peterson has carried the team, as expected. He projects for almost 1,700 yards and 12 touchdowns, although three lost fumbles have hurt.

Bernard Berrian and Visanthe Shiancoe have each caught four touchdown passes. Punt returner Charles Gordon has been absolutely dreadful. The Vikes have 25 "stuffs" on defense but have picked off only six passes.

Bottom line: The team should be in first place. The Vikings were picked by many to reach the Super Bowl this season. They may still reach the playoffs, but the season has been a disappointment. Grade: D

New England Patriots: 5-3, First in AFC East

Cut Matt Cassel a break. He's not Tom Brady, and replacing a legend is not easy. Cassel has completed 67 percent of his passes for seven touchdowns and a respectable 83.4 passer rating.

Sammy Morris and 32-year-old Kevin Faulk have averaged over five yards a carry, but Randy Moss is suffering from the loss of his favorite quarterback (536 yards, four touchdowns, two lost fumbles). The special teams have been fantastic, thanks to Ellis Hobbs and Stephen Gostkowski. The D has been good, not great, but Rodney Harrison may have suffered a career-ending injury.

Bottom line: Bill Belichick is one of the best coaching minds in the history of professional sports, and he will find a way to win games for his team. The Patriots are out to prove that they can succeed without Tom Brady and will probably win the division for the sixth consecutive season. They will not be expected to advance far in the playoffs, but hey, they are the Patriots. Grade: B+

New Orleans Saints: 4-4, Fourth in NFC South

Drew Brees has been an early MVP candidate (101.6 passer rating, 15 touchdowns). Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister have underachieved running the football, but Bush has been absolutely unbelievable returning punts (21.9 yards per return, three touchdowns). The Saints have allowed 196 points this season but have outscored their defense by 21 points.

Bottom line: The Saints have been competitive this season and have the league's best quarterback in Drew Brees. They missed the playoffs last season and are eager to return to their division-winning form of 2006. They will need to win three of their last four division games to reach the playoffs. Grade: C-

New York Giants: 7-1, First in NFC East

Eli Manning is playing the best football of his life (12 touchdowns and only five interceptions). The Giants have a fantastic three-headed running attack in Brandon Jacobs (680 yards and seven touchdowns), Derrick Ward (6.4 yards per carry), and Ahmad Bradshaw (5.4 yards per carry).

The 44-year-old John Carney has excelled while replacing the injured Lawrence Tynes, a playoff hero from last season. The Giants' defense has played very well, especially without Pro Bowl defensive ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. Justin Tuck (8.5 sacks, interception touchdown) and Corey Webster (12 passes defensed, three interceptions) have led the attack.

Bottom line: The Giants have defended their Super Bowl title thus far this season. They will not have an easy path to their first division title since 2005, however, as the Redskins, Eagles, and Cowboys will all likely finish with winning records. This is a team that could be a surprise early exit in the playoffs. Grade: A

New York Jets: 5-3, Second in AFC East

Brett Favre can still bring the heat (15 touchdown passes). He also throws a lot of interceptions still (12, including his 300th last week). Thomas Jones will rush for over 1,000 yards and Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles form a very good one-two punch at receiver.

Darrelle Revis has intercepted four passes, tied for the NFL-lead, and the defense has scored three touchdowns, but their inability to stop the pass may cost them a postseason spot.

Bottom line: Brett Favre has improved this offense, as expected, but the defense has struggled. The Jets were an early pick to win the division but will likely end up as the wild-card team, a major improvement over last year's 12-loss campaign. Grade: B

Oakland Raiders: 2-6, Third in AFC West

JaMarcus Russell has struggled. Big time. The first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, Russell has completed less than 50 percent of his passes, although he has only thrown four interceptions.

Rookie running back Darren McFadden has averaged over five yards per carry but has only one touchdown. No player on the entire team has caught more than a single touchdown all year. Sebastian Janikowski has been exciting at kicker, as he has attempted a 76-yard field goal.

He also converted a 57-yard try in overtime, the longest overtime kick in NFL history. The Oakland defense has been poor, but not terrible (201 points allowed).

Bottom line: This team is just as boring as they are terrible. They have no offense and a below-average defense. They will probably finish third in the division, though, thanks to the Chiefs. Grade: D

Philadelphia Eagles: 5-3, Third in NFC East

The Eagles' season has been full of ups and downs. They ride a three-game winning streak into the midpoint of the season, but an 0-2 division record won't help this team reach the playoffs.

Donovan McNabb has played above expectations, and Brian Westbrook, when healthy, has been phenomenal. DeSean Jackson has helped a depleted receiving corps that is just returning to form. The defense still packs the punch to win ballgames by itself.

Bottom line: The Eagles can beat any team in the NFL when Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook are healthy and clicking. If this is the case, look for them to steal the division title from the Giants.

If not, they will probably reach the playoffs by virtue of a wild-card spot, but will be forced to play three road games to reach the Super Bowl. Grade: B

Pittsburgh Steelers: 6-2, First in AFC North

The Steelers have proven themselves as the second-best team in the NFL. Although Roethlisberger is struggling (only 10 touchdown passes along with eight interceptions), the running game has survived without Willie Parker, thanks to Mewelde Moore.

Hines Ward only has 445 receiving yards but has caught five touchdowns. Kicker Jeff Reed hasn't missed a field goal, and the defense currently ranks No. 1 in the entire NFL. James Harrison and LaMar Woodley have been beasts on defense (19.5 sacks, five forced fumbles) and Troy Polamalu was voted as the half-season AFC North Most Valuable Player in an ESPN blog.

Bottom line: The Steelers lead their division by "only" one game but should have no problem wrapping up their second consecutive division title. How far they go in the playoffs remains up to the play of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Grade: B+

San Diego Chargers: 3-5, Second in AFC West

Philip Rivers has been the best quarterback in the AFC this season. He leads with 19 touchdowns and a 107.6 passer rating. L.T. has uncharacteristically struggled running the ball (551 yards, 3.9 yards per carry, four touchdowns). Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, and Chris Chambers have combined for almost 1200 yards and 14 touchdowns receiving, and Darren Sproles has been fantastic, returning kickoffs (27.2 average, one touchdown).

The defense has struggled without MVP-candidate Shawne Merriman and lost a potentially costly season opener to Carolina on the game's final play.

Bottom line: Philip Rivers has been amazing and L.T. is still L.T. Although they are 3-5, the Chargers have scored 25 more points than they have allowed. The Chargers will look to overtake the division-leading Broncos in the second half of the season. Once in the playoffs, anything can happen with this offense, especially if L.T. returns to his old form. Grade: C-

San Francisco 49ers: 2-6, Third in NFC West

The J.T. Sullivan experiment at quarterback flopped, and Shaun Hill will likely start for the rest of the season. Frank Gore projects for 1,258 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, but the receiving corps of the veteran Isaac Bruce, Arnaz Battle, and Bryant Johnson have underachieved.

The San Francisco defense has been dreadful, but middle linebacker Patrick Willis has been an animal (71 tackles, eight passes defensed, and one interception touchdown).

Bottom line: Nobody cares what the 49ers do in the second half of the season. They will not make the playoffs. They might finish as high as second, potentially with four wins, but they need to start rebuilding for next year. Grade: D

Seattle Seahawks: 2-6, Second in NFC West

Matt Hasselbeck has struggled at quarterback and is currently injured, but Seneca Wallace has performed well so far (four touchdowns, one interception). Julius Jones has been average running the football, and the team's receiving corps has been banged up all season.

Tight end John Carlson leads the team in receiving yards, while the leading wide receiver, Koren Robinson, has 182 yards (almost half on one record-setting play against the Eagles). Olindo Mare has succeeded in replacing Josh Brown at kicker. The defense has been awful (three interceptions, 210 points allowed).

Bottom line: The Seahawks have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL this season. Depleted by injuries at quarterback and at wide receiver, the 'Hawks trail the Cardinals by three games with eight games to play. However, if any team in the NFC West surpassed the Cardinals to win the division, it would be Mike Holmgren's Seahawks. Grade: D-

St. Louis Rams: 2-6, Fourth in NFC West

Marc Bulger has struggled at quarterback. He was initially benched, but interim coach Jim Haslett has reinstated Bulger behind center. Steven Jackson has been average running the football, and superstar receiver Torry Holt has struggled. Donnie Avery adds speed and should be an asset in the future.

The now-average Dante Hall returns kicks, while the former Seahawk Josh Brown has excelled kicking the football (average field goal: 40.8 yards). Oshiomogho Atogwe leads the NFL in interceptions with four, but the rest of the defense has been dreadful (236 points allowed).

Bottom line: Nobody would have been too surprised if the Rams had won eight or nine games. They're 2-6 and have virtually no chance of overtaking the Cardinals for the division title. However, both of their wins came against teams with winning records—the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins, and hopefully Jim Haslett can build off that in the offseason. Grade: D

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-3, Second in NFC South

The quarterback "combination" of Jeff Garcia and Brian Griese has combined for nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. Earnest Graham and the ageless Warrick Dunn have combined for almost 1,000 yards rushing, and Antonio Bryant projects for over 1,100 yards receiving.

The Bucs have been receiving contributions from each player on defense, as eight Tampa Bay defenders have intercepted at least one pass this season.

Bottom line: Gruden knows how to keep his team in the playoff race. 38-year-old Jeff Garcia continues to work his magic. The Bucs have a 5-2 conference record and will probably be able to earn at least a wild-card berth. Grade: B+

Tennessee Titans: 8-0, First in AFC South

Undefeated with Kerry Collins at quarterback? That's what these Titans are. The one-two combination of rookie Chris Johnson and third-year player LenDale White has been unbelievable at running the football (1,119 yards and 15 touchdowns).

No Titans receiver has caught more than one touchdown pass, but with their defense, nobody has noticed. Cortland Finnegan and Michael Griffin tie for the NFL lead in interceptions (four each), and the team has allowed only 103 points all season.

Bottom line: Remember these Titans. This team might be better than the 1999 team that went to the Super Bowl. They have a very good offense and an amazing defense, led by MVP candidate Albert Haynesworth.

Jeff Fisher's squad will wrap up the division title in early December and will most likely earn home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. But can they win a Super Bowl with Kerry Collins at quarterback? Grade: A+

Washington Redskins: 6-3, Second in NFC East

Quarterback Jason Campbell (92.4 passer rating) and running back Clinton Portis (995 rushing yards, seven touchdowns) have both been early MVP candidates. Santana Moss has been explosive at wide receiver (672 yards, five touchdowns), but return man Antwaan Randle El is no longer a scoring threat every time he touches the ball. The Redskins' defense leads the NFL with 58 passes defensed (16 by cornerback Carlos Rogers).

Bottom line: This team has overachieved in the first half of the season and has only outscored its opponents by three points. Look for Head Coach Jim Zorn to falter under the pressure of a second-half schedule packed with three more division games. The best scenario for this team is a wild-card berth. Grade: A-