Mid-Season NFL Review

Next week in the NFL marks Week 8 of the season. This means that already the NFL season is half-way over. With that in mind lets take a look at some of the bigger topics from the first half of 2013:

• Strong/Weak Divisions Flip-Flop
• This season has shown that usual tough divisions (AFC North, NFC North, NFC East, NFC South) are just not living up too standards this year. A lot of hype was thrown into the NFC South with the Falcons coming off of a strong playoff push, the Saints regaining their head coach, and Cam Newton and the Panthers having one more year of experience under their belt. However, this division has a miserable combined record of 8 wins and 13 losses. Along the lines of unexpected divisional results there have been several overachieving divisions as well this year. The AFC and NFC West this year have both out played their previous expectations. Both divisons did have heavyweights coming in (Broncos, 49ers, Seahawks) but it has been teams such as the undefeated Chiefs, the Chargers, and the Rams have all been playing pretty well thus far.

• Most/Least Impressive Teams
• The 2013 NFL season has not seen too many heavy favorites pull ahead of the pack, but I have noticed two teams, within the same division, that have impressed me so far. Clearly you know I am going to say the Denver Broncos. With Manning setting passing records early, the receivers and running backs playing well, and a defense improving every week the Broncos have looked as close to the most well-balanced as possible in the league. This is all being said even with the Broncos defense missing Champ Bailey and Von Miller, two defensive captains and all-NFL players. My least impressive team would have to be the Atlanta Falcons. Blame it on the injury bug for setting them back, but this team, fresh off an NFC Championship appearence, has just not played well. And I understand the need for a solid running back, but why take the risk on Jackson when he has a history of missing the majority of season with St. Louis. The Falcons are 1-4, buried third in the division behind the Panthers and Saints, and are showing no real substance on defense.

• Mid-season MVP
• Obviously I would not be considered a reliable football source unless I chose Peyton Manning as the mid-season MVP. However, I am gonna pick the MVP off who I think will win the award at the end of the season. My vote is going to go to Adrian Peterson, who had a crazy second half of the season last year.