As the National Football League season enters Week 11, it's time to look at the big picture and evaluate where clubs are in terms of their Super Bowl chances and NFL playoff odds. It's fascinating to watch how the season is shaping out and what the oddsmakers say about each team's chances.
Thanksgiving marks the end of the regular season in the NFL, with the Super Bowl less than three months away. Teams from all over the league are vying for a postseason berth and, ultimately, a berth in the Big Game in February. Of course, the Super Bowl odds fluctuate week to week depending on game results, major player injuries, and other variables. Here's a brief breakdown of all the major players who will be looking to be in the mix this year.
Buffalo Bills
As we head into Week 11, the Buffalo Bills have emerged as a new Super Bowl favorite. Last season, the Bills advanced to the AFC Championship Game, only to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills have a 6-3 record through 11 weeks, and their attack is ranked in the top 10 in all vital offensive statistics, including second-best scoring offense and second-best third-down conversion percentage. The Bills have also been dominant on defense, ranking first in total yards allowed, second in passing yards allowed, third in rushing yards allowed, first in points allowed, and first in third-down stops.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have lost two straight games, but panic has yet to grip the team. They still have one of the league's most potent attacks. They also have the most clutch quarterback in the game's history wearing their jersey if they need to win close games.
Kansas City Chiefs
Everyone was upset with the Chiefs' start, as they went 1-2, then 2-3, before winning three straight games. The offense will be OK down the stretch, but the defense, which ranks in the lowest third of the league in total and passing yards allowed, has me concerned. One thing I've learned is that writing Patrick Mahomes off is never a good idea.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers are humming along in the NFC, proving that no one can be ruled out. And, even though the Packers lost a game to the Chiefs two weeks ago, Rodgers did not play in that game, so toss that out the window. Both sides of the ball have been strong for the Packers. With an inside track to the NFC's top seed and games at Lambeau Field through the Super Bowl, the Packers are a club to keep an eye on and invest in now, before the number sinks much lower.
Los Angeles Rams
Last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers became the first club to win on their own field, and the Rams have a chance to do the same this year. Matthew Stafford, the new quarterback, appears to be an excellent fit for Sean McVay's high-octane offense. Thanks to a solid offensive line and wide receiver core, this club should be entertaining to watch again. The Glazer family, who own Manchester United, celebrated in Tampa, and this time it may be Arsenal CEO Stan Kroenke in the spotlight.
Baltimore Ravens
In Baltimore, it's all about the quarterback position. In Week 5, Lamar Jackson's 500-yard, four-touchdown effort against the Indianapolis Colts was one of the best regular-season games we've seen in a long time. With that said, the AFC North will undoubtedly be competitive. However, in Week 10, the Miami Dolphins used safety blitzes to shut down Jackson, and there are still some significant long-term doubts about the running back position in Baltimore. In four of the team's ten games this season, the once-feared defense has allowed more than 340 passing yards. While there are numerous causes for their difficulties, the loss of Marcus Peters is undoubtedly one among them.
Tennessee Titans
Without Derrick Henry, we'll see if Tennessee can still win the AFC South. Sure, the defense has difficulties (23 points allowed per game), and losing King Henry for the season is a blow, but the combination of Ryan Tannehill, A.J. Brown, and Julio Jones make this offense one of the best in the league.
Indianapolis Colts
Carson Wentz is making sure the Indianapolis Colts aren't forgotten, while Jonathan Taylor leads the NFL in rushing yards with 1,122. The crown, thought to belong to the Titans, is now being contested by the Colts.
New England Patriots
It's an entirely different story when Bill Belichick's defense has an excellent pass rusher like Matt Judon. In addition, the New England Patriots rookie quarterback, Mac Jones, has been a fantastic leader and is ready to lead this club to the playoffs. In 2021, they are yet to lose on the road, making them a dangerous Wild Card team.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are still figuring out how to be more consistent after making a significant breakthrough this season. With that said, they have a solid recipe for performing well in the final stretch. Joe Mixon can help propel them to victory even if Joe Burrow has a bad day. On Sundays, Ja'Marr Chase is the icing on the cake.
