The midpoint of the NFL regular season is upon us, with some teams already turning their thinking towards next year.
Sorry Oakland Raiders; looks like 2014 is another lost cause.
Others are exceeding expectations. It is a massive surprise to see the Arizona Cardinals near the top of the league’s power rankings after eight weeks.
With eight more weeks before the play-offs, which teams are making things happen and which are not?
WHO IS HOT: Cardinals, Broncos and Lions
Not exactly sure how Arizona (6-1) have surged, considering quarterback Carson Palmer had to sit out for a month with an injury, but coach Bruce Arians is looking like a genius.
Take away one poor overtime possession in Seattle and Peyton Manning and Denver (6-1) might be undefeated.
Calvin Johnson’s bum ankle has not helped things in Detroit (6-2), but their defence is ranked first in the league.
WHO IS IN THE HUNT: Cowboys, Patriots, Chargers
Running back DeMarco Murray is having a career year for Dallas (6-2), and he is bringing Tony Romo and the rest of the Cowboys along for the ride.
In New England, quarterback Tom Brady has quietly thrown 14 touchdowns and zero interceptions for the Patriots (6-2) in their past four games, all wins.
Quarterback Philip Rivers may be in the running for league MVP, and the defence for the Chargers (5-3) has shown glimpses of brilliance.
WHO IS STILL FIGHTING: Colts, Eagles, Packers
Quarterback Andrew Luck is driving the high-powered Indianapolis (5-3) offence, which is ranked No 1 in the league.
A weakened offensive line in Philadelphia (5-2) has hampered the running game, but watch out for a second-half explosion from running back LeSean McCoy.
Green Bay (5-3) are capable of lighting up the scoreboard, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers is limiting his mistakes.
DO NOT COUNT THEM OUT: Ravens, 49ers, Steelers
No AFC side have allowed fewer points than Baltimore (5-3), who have had little trouble running the ball without Ray Rice.
There has been a void within the linebacking corps at San Francisco (4-3), but they seem primed to make a late run.
Antonio Brown may be the best receiver in the league and brings a needed spark to the Pittsburgh (5-3) offence.
BARELY HANGING ON: Saints, Giants, Seahawks
Tight-end standout Jimmy Graham is starting to catch fire again in New Orleans (3-4), but the defence needs to do more.
November could be tough on the injury-ravaged New York Giants (3-4) as young skill players get more repetitions.
Super Bowl champions seem to be their own worst enemy as off the field distractions persist in Seattle (4-3).
WHO IS NOT: Raiders, Buccaneers, Jets
Rookies Khalil Mack and Derek Carr are future stars, but Oakland (0-7) are not fun to watch.
The defence in Tampa Bay (1-6) is awful and the offence is struggling to pick up the slack.
Quarterback Geno Smith probably does not deserve to start in the NFL, as the New York Jets (1-7) can confirm.
agray@thenational.ae
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