Over the past 16 weeks of the NFL, numerous surprises have reshaped the league and kept fans engaged throughout the season. 4 teams in particular have undergone dramatic changes as the season has progressed.
The Indianapolis Colts came out the gates strong as a team that previously was not expected to perform. Jonathan Taylor emerged as debatably the best running back in the entire NFL, helping the team go on an impressive 8-2 run before their momentum was halted due to their quarterback, Daniel Jones, suffering a torn achilles amongst other issues he had faced throughout the season. In response to the loss of their QB, the Colts scrambled to find a replacement when they decided to come back to the once retired Phillip Rivers, who decided to come back to his team. This maneuver hasn’t prevented the Colts fall off as they are currently on a 4 game losing streak, highlighting just how devastating injuries can be.
While the Colts were on the way up, the Chiefs were busy going through a complete collapse. Having lost 9 of their 15 games, and especially with this weeks loss to the Titans, it seems like the once back to back Super Bowl champions won’t be turning things around anytime soon. Their roster, with one of if not the most consistent tight end in Travis Kelce, every referee’s favorite Patrick Mahomes, and star wide receiver Rashee Rice, it’s shocking to see how this once dominant roster can fall so quickly from grace.
No team highlights the unpredictability of the season better than the Carolina Panthers. Headed by Bryce Young and Rico Dowdle, the Panthers have had incredible upsets both for and against them. Through first 8 weeks, the Panthers maintained a steady 4-4 record with every game falling within expectations. From week 9 onwards, it has become impossible to foresee what the team might do next. Defeating playoff contenders like the Buccaneers and Packers, then losing twice to the lacking Saints lineup, than beating the Super Bowl favorite Los Angeles Rams to cling onto their divisional lead. Whether the Panthers will continue their run into the playoffs or fall just short, these next two games will be critical for the future of the team.
Going into the season, the Denver Broncos weren’t a team on most people’s radars. Now by week 16, they lead not just their division, but the entire league, alongside the Seattle Seahawks at 12-3. Their success can be largely attributed to a lockdown defense, second year quarterback Bo Nix, and reliable roster of rushing and receiving players. The Broncos don’t win games by blowouts, but by consistently outperforming in close games. One notable exception of this play style however, was in week 5 when they came back by 33 points in the 4th quarter against the Giants in one of the most electric games of the season. Despite the flack they’ve gotten for keeping their games close, the Broncos are a team that have proven themselves time and time again to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
