The Scariest NFC and AFC Teams So Far In 2017
By Erik Lambert
By now most people have gotten a sense of what the best and worst NFC and AFC teams are looking towards the halfway point of 2017.
There are plenty of surprises to be sure. Did anybody expect the New York Giants to crumble like they have after going 11-5 last year? On the flip side is the resilient crosstown New York Jets who have overcome supposed roster deficiencies to start 3-2 when everybody thought they’d be the worst team in football. This is why the sport is so captivating at times.
Most people by now know who the best teams are, but who are the scariest? To understand the definition, it means as follows. A team that may not have the best record in the league but is starting to play really well. They have all the makings of a roster that can accomplish a deep playoff run, especially if they remain hot moving forward.
Here is one team from each conference that fits the definition and why it’s important to fear them.
NFC: Philadelphia Eagles
Their 5-1 record should be a clear indication of how good they are. In truth there’s more to it than that. The Philadelphia Eagles are winning games and one could argue they’re not playing their best football. Key players haven’t been entirely healthy (Fletcher Cox) or have gotten off to a slow start (Alshon Jeffery). If they’re managing to still win games when some of their best players aren’t clicking yet, it’s hard to imagine what will happen when they do. Carson Wentz is living up to his potential and they have a strong defense balancing things out.
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AFC: Denver Broncos
It’s starting to feel like the Broncos are getting their swagger back. The team that suffocated opponents in 2015 en route to a Super Bowl championship just didn’t feel the same last year. No doubt a good amount of fallout from losing Peyton Manning and key free agents didn’t help. Also the upheaval with the coaching staff. Now that those things have been settled and the offensive personnel improved, the team is looking mighty strong. Better yet they can run the football and stop the run even better than that championship year. An incredible thought.