With eight weeks of the NFL season in the books, the excitement is building as fans start to discuss which teams have a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl. It’s been a wild ride so far, with some teams exceeding expectations and others falling short. But as we enter the second half of the season, there are a few teams that have truly stood out and established themselves as top contenders. And according to popular sports personality Craig Carton, these are the top 5 NFL teams to watch out for.
First on Carton’s list is the Kansas City Chiefs. Led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have been dominant on both sides of the ball. Mahomes has been playing at an MVP level, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns in just 8 games. And with weapons like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce at his disposal, the Chiefs’ offense has been virtually unstoppable. But it’s not just the offense that’s been impressive – the defense has also stepped up, with standout performances from players like Chris Jones and Tyrann Mathieu. With a record of 7-1, the Chiefs are clearly the team to beat in the AFC.
Next up is the New Orleans Saints. Despite losing star quarterback Drew Brees to injury, the Saints have managed to keep their season on track with backup Teddy Bridgewater at the helm. Bridgewater has been playing lights out, leading the team to 6 straight wins and showing that he’s more than capable of filling Brees’ shoes. And with a strong supporting cast including Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas, the Saints have one of the most well-rounded teams in the league. With Brees expected to return soon, the Saints are only going to get stronger as the season progresses.
The third team on Carton’s list is the New England Patriots. While this may come as no surprise to many, the Patriots have once again proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with. Led by the ageless Tom Brady, the Patriots have the best record in the league at 8-0. And with a defense that ranks among the best in the NFL, the Patriots are showing no signs of slowing down. With their eyes set on a seventh Super Bowl title, the Patriots are a team that no one should underestimate.
In fourth place, Carton has the Green Bay Packers. After a few down years, the Packers are back and better than ever. With new head coach Matt LaFleur and a rejuvenated Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have been on a roll, winning 7 out of their first 8 games. The offense has been clicking, with Rodgers connecting with star receiver Davante Adams for big plays. And the defense, led by the Smith brothers (Za’Darius and Preston), has been making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. The Packers are definitely a team to watch out for in the NFC.
Last but certainly not least, Carton has the San Francisco 49ers rounding out his top 5. The 49ers have been one of the biggest surprises of the season, starting off with an undefeated record through 8 games. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been solid, but it’s the 49ers’ dominant defense that has been the key to their success. With players like Nick Bosa and Richard Sherman leading the way, the 49ers have been shutting down opposing offenses and making a strong case for themselves as Super Bowl contenders.
As we enter the second half of the NFL season, these are the teams that have separated themselves from the pack and established themselves as the top contenders. Of course, anything can happen in the NFL and there are still plenty of games left to be played. But according to Craig Carton, these are the teams that have the best chance of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy come February. So buckle up and get ready for an exciting second half of the season as these teams battle it out for a chance at Super Bowl glory.
