Almost one-third of the 2022 NFL season is in the books, and while a few predictions have come to pass, at least so far, there have also been some unexpected developments and even a few surprises.
There may be one clear-cut favorite to win the Super Bowl in the Buffalo Bills, but other than them, there is a lot of parity, not to mention several other teams that could be holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy this February.
Such is the appeal of the NFL, a league that generally boasts more parity and unpredictability than Major League Baseball and certainly the NBA, which means that fans of more teams can reasonably hope for glory come wintertime.
Here are three takeaways that we feel cannot be ignored at this point.
Several Contenders Aren’t Looking Strong Right Now
In the AFC, the Bills’ biggest challengers were expected to be the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals and Las Vegas Raiders, with some mentioning the New England Patriots are a dark horse.
Other than the Chiefs, who are 4-1, all the other aforementioned teams are dealing with issues.
The Chargers are trying to manage a rash of injuries to key players, such as quarterback Justin Herbert, five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen, pass rusher Joey Bosa and offensive lineman Rashawn Slater.
The Broncos, Bengals and Patriots are all 2-3, mainly because of struggles on the offensive side of the football.
The Raiders, despite the big trade for Davante Adams, are a pitiful 1-4 after blowing big leads in two contests and a questionable decision on Monday to go for a two-point conversion while down by one point late in the fourth quarter.
Raiders 1-4 and at 14 lol https://t.co/chRjWJErAW
— Raider 🅿️eyton ● (@PeytonRaider) October 12, 2022
What was thought to be a hyper-formidable AFC West is looking rather tame right now.
“The AFC West is gonna be a bloodbath this year!”
The AFC West: pic.twitter.com/EHgEXdlVI6
— payton (@toshirosburner) October 11, 2022
Meanwhile, in the NFC, the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams are just 2-3.
The NFC East Is Strong And Deep
Coming into the season, the NFC East looked somewhat weak, as some thought the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys would have a shot at the playoffs, but that they wouldn’t do much if they got there.
But through five contests, the Eagles, Cowboys and New York Giants have won at least four games, and the Eagles are the league’s only undefeated team.
The Cowboys have played well despite an injury to QB1 Dak Prescott, so much so that some say Cooper Rush should continue to start under center even after Prescott recovers from his broken thumb.
Philly, meanwhile, somehow ranks fifth in points and second in total yards, as it has gotten big years thus far from A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
It’s hard to imagine any of these three teams winning the world championship or even reaching the Super Bowl, but anything is possible in the wild world of the NFL.
The Minnesota Vikings May Be Putting It Together
The Vikings have had impressive talent over the last few years, but they have chronically underachieved, as they’ve made the playoffs just once since Kirk Cousins took over at QB.
But right now, they’re 4-1, and they started the season off on the right foot with a 23-7 statement win over the rival Green Bay Packers.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson leads everyone in receiving yards with 547, and he appears to be continuing to emerge as one of the best at his position.
Minnesota could very well have a shot at the Super Bowl ring that has eluded it throughout its entire existance.
NEXT: 3 NFL Players Who Need A Better Week 6