What’s Happening in each division through week 5
Credit: AP/Kin Cheung
The divisions around the league are stirring things up. Following blockbuster trades and substantial movement in the league during the offseason, fans and players alike had big expectations for the new season. Some teams looked like they were playoff bound while others were doomed to fail. We are now approaching week six. Let's take a look.
AFC East
There is lots to look at here in the AFC East. The Buffalo Bills entered the season with a loaded roster and lots of momentum. They had a great 2021-2022 season until it came to a dramatic end against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
So far, they seem to be on track to repeating their playoff run and hungry for a championship. The Dolphins, led by Tua Tagovailoa, displayed greatness through week four. Now, plagued by injuries, it will be interesting to see how Miami can keep the energy up.
The New York Jets have presented a pleasant surprise this season, blowing out the Dolphins 17-40 at home. Bill Belichick and the Mac Jones-less Patriots are cycling through back up quarterbacks trying to get back on track.
The AFC East could provide multiple playoff teams come January. However right now, the Bills have the division on lock.
Bill Wippert/ Buffalo Bills
AFC West
Coming into the season, one could have argued that the AFC West was one of the most talented divisions of all time. The winningest quarterback through nine seasons, Russell Wilson, joined the Broncos on a five-year $245 million contract.
Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes has led the Kansas City Chiefs to continuous successful seasons. Justin Herbert and Derek Carr as well have impressive resumés. It was expected that one, if not two wild card teams were going to come from this division.
But now, I’m not so sure. The Raiders, Chargers and Broncos have struggled to find a rhythm through week five. Wilson has underperformed for Denver, Herbert has dealt with a rib injury, and Carr has demonstrated some success but the raiders remain 1-4 thus far. Overall, the AFC west has been a large disappointment.
AFC South
Donald Page/ Tennessee Titans
In the preseason, the Indianapolis Colts seemed to be set up for success with the acquisition of Matt Ryan and with Jonathan Taylor running the ball. So far, Taylor is not having the performance he did last season but that is possible to change following his return from injured reserve.
The Colts have not looked great through five weeks, having got shut out 0-24 by the Jacksonville Jaguars in week two. Indianapolis also racked up a tie against the Houston Texans which will surely spice things up as we get closer to playoff time.
The Titans started the season 0-2 but have turned it around to lead the division at 3-2. Still, each of their wins have been hard fought for in very tight games. As of right now, the AFC South seems to be a fight between these two teams while the Jaguars and the Texans struggle to get moving.
AFC North
The AFC North is up for grabs, heavy with lots of talent and high expectations but low performance. The Cincinnati Bengals are reigning AFC champions looking to repeat that success but they currently sit at 2-3 having lost to the Ravens and the Steelers (providing them their only win of the season thus far).
The Steelers are struggling with Kenny Pickett under center, collecting their fourth consecutive loss after getting blown out 38-3 by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
With a Cleveland Browns loss on Sunday in addition to defeating the Bengals, the Ravens sit atop the division at 3-2. We will see how long that lasts.
Michael Chow/The Republic
NFC East
No one saw the New York Giants being contenders this season in a division with the excited Philadelphia Eagles and the persistent Dallas Cowboys.
Many thought it was a blimp in the early season but the Giants showed everyone up with a comeback win in London against the Packers during week five.
Despite the Eagles continuing to put up a 0 in the losses column, The Big Blue have energy; I can get behind that.
NFC South
Entering the season, there was no reason the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could not repeat their playoff run as division champions, and that likely will still transpire. This team has the most talented roster in this division.
However, Tampa Bay and Tom Brady faced two back to back losses during weeks three and four, one to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs and the other to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, two of the Bucs more challenging opponents so far this season.
On Sunday, the quarrel around Brady and the Bucs resurfaced, as they were gifted a first down late in the game on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons when a controversial flag was thrown for roughing the passer which ultimately secured the game for the Bucs.
When asked about it in his post game interview, all Brady had to say was “I don't throw the flags." That win over Atlanta could be a game changer in the NFC South playoff picture later in the season. The New Orleans Saints are 1-2 within the NFC South which makes it difficult to be playoff contenders and the Carolina Panthers are struggling on the most important fronts at Head Coach and quarterback. Once again, Brady’s division is secure in his hands.
Tori Richman/ Tampa Bay Buccaneeers
NFC West
There was a lot to be excited about in this division during the preseason. The 49ers had Trey Lance looking like he was going to do big things in San Francisco.
Now with Jimmy Garoppolo in his place, the tide has shifted. The 49ers had a rough start to the season with two ugly losses to Denver and Chicago through week three. Come week four, the Niners were able to defeat the defending Super Bowl Champions 24-9, sacking Matthew Stafford seven times.
Speaking of the Rams, they are also in the NFC West looking to repeat their Super Bowl success this season. However, we all know that is rather challenging as it has only been done seven times before.
While the Seattle Seahawks have faith in Geno Smith, the Arizona Cardinals haven’t recorded an impressive win this season, only defeating the Panthers and the Raiders in overtime. All things considered, I am excited to see who takes the cake here.
NFC North
The Minnesota Vikings are 3-0 against NFC North opponents. With several offensive weapons in Christian Darrisaw, Dalvin Cook, and Justin Jefferson, who could arguably be the best receiver in the league, I am confident that the Vikings will top this division this season.
Out of the gate, Green Bay hasn’t shined going 3-2 to start the season. With their week one loss to the Vikings, the Packers are facing an uphill battle in the back half of the season.
The Detriot Lions are productive in the red zone and on offense as a whole, but struggle to produce on the defensive end.
Fans argue that absent many injuries, including cornerback Savion Smith’s scary neck injury from Sunday, the Lions would be real contenders. Time will tell.
