At the World Cup, we talk about a group of death when a country is stuck in the same group as other major powers. In the NFL, this version clearly goes to the North Division of Conference USA, all four of which would be playoff teams if the tournament began today.
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Not only do the Ravens (7-2), Bengals (5-3), Browns (5-3) and Steelers (5-3) have winning records, but the four rivals all have at least two games over. 500. This is a situation that has never occurred this late in the season, in Week 10, since the divisions were realigned between four clubs in 2002.
It has never happened before that four teams in the same division find themselves in the playoffs. It shows that what is currently happening in the North Division is extraordinary.
In the current format, seven teams qualify for each conference. That means the Chiefs, Dolphins, Jaguars and the four representatives from the North would be in play in the American Conference starting today.
Given this extremely rare context, it is certain that the picture will change, but the fact remains that it is the most competitive division in football.
Trench warfare
The current frontrunner, the Ravens, appear to be on the road this season if the injury issues that crop up every season can give them a year of rest.
All eyes are on Lamar Jackson, but the quarterback is far from solely responsible for the team’s success. The offense ranks sixth in the league in points per game (26.6), and the ground game ranks first.
The defense is allowing touchdowns on just 8.7% of opponents’ possessions this season. According to TruMediaSports, only one defense in league history has performed better, that same Ravens’ legendary defense in 2000.
By the way, their weekend rivals will be none other than the Browns, who have no weaknesses defensively compared to the Ravens.
Their defensive unit actually ranks first in yards per game (234.8), passing yards (145), quarterback sack percentage (11.5% of games), first downs (12) and third-down attempt success rate (25). .9%).
It’s a big, big task, but we’ll have to see if the offense can keep up with the enigmatic Deshaun Watson.
The Bengals, for their part, are recovering admirably from a difficult start to the season and benefiting from the best quarterback of the quartet in Joe Burrow. There are no major defects in its alignment.
However, costly early losses to the Browns and Ravens have left them just two shots away from winning the division title. In addition, all opponents that are on their schedule until the end of the season, except the Colts and Texans, would currently have a place in the playoffs.
The big secret
Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are winning games despite inconsistent performance. Getty Images via AFP
As for the Steelers, this is without the slightest exaggeration the biggest mystery in the NFL.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, they are the 34th team in history to gain fewer yards than any of their opponents through the first eight games of a season. Of this number, they are the only ones who were able to present a convincing argument in this context.
Overall, their opponents gained 790 more yards than them and, most importantly, scored 30 more points. It’s hard to believe that this team has won five games despite ranking 31st in offense and 30th in defense!
The Steelers have a knack for opportunism and committed 16 turnovers, the third-highest total in the league. They also have a knack for winning close games, with head coach Mike Tomlin posting a 94-59-2 record in one-possession games. Fascinating!
You might as well prepare the popcorn, the fight in the Northern Division promises to be bloody.
WEEK 10
THURSDAY
MY CHOICE
Caroline in Chicago BEARS
SUNDAY
MY DECISIONS
Indianapolis in New England (in Frankfurt) (9:30 a.m.) PATRIOTS
Cleveland at Baltimore (1 p.m.) RAVENS
Houston at Cincinnati (1 p.m.) BENGAL
San Francisco to Jacksonville (1:00 p.m.) 49ERS
New Orleans in Minnesota (1 p.m.) VIKINGS
Green Bay at Pittsburgh (1 p.m.) STAHLER
Tennessee at Tampa Bay (1 p.m.) TITANS
Atlanta, Arizona (4:05 p.m.) FALCON
Detroit at LA Chargers (4:05 p.m.) CHARGER
NY Giants at Dallas (4:25 p.m.) COWBOYS
Washington at Seattle (4:25 p.m.) SEAHAWKS
NY Jets at Las Vegas (8:20 p.m.) robber
MONDAY
MY CHOICE
Denver at Buffalo (8:15 p.m.) BILLS
*Teams furloughed: Dolphins, Chiefs, Eagles, Rams
LAST WEEK’S RESULTS: 10 out of 14 (71.4%)
OVERALL THIS SEASON: 89 out of 136 (65.4%)
SELECTION OF NEWSPAPER
Indianapolis Colts (4-5) vs. New England Patriots (2-7)
HARD TO HOLD
Despite the difficult times at the moment, Bill Belichick has never lost a game abroad. Getty Images via AFP
Is it a nostalgic impulse? Has the weight of years ingrained in my brain that Bill Belichick should never be doubted? It’s hard to say, but the fact remains that despite the Patriots’ current antics, they are still difficult to bet against. Maybe it’s because the duel is taking place in Germany and Belichick is undefeated abroad (3-0). Unless it’s a complete lack of trust in Gardner Minshew that will spot Belichick. I’ll try the pats and then stop, I promise! Patriots by 2
Cleveland Browns (5-3) vs. Baltimore Ravens (7-2)
DEFENSIVE SHOCK
Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward are still making a lot of noise in the Browns defense. Getty Images via AFP
These are the two best defenses in the league featured. The Browns are first in yards allowed, followed by the Ravens, who are first in points allowed. In fact, the Ravens have only scored nine offensive touchdowns in nine games. Unlike the duel in Week 2, the Browns will face Deshaun Watson this time, but their quarterback still hasn’t won an away duel in the North Division (0-3). It will be hard-fought, but the Ravens are more complete. Ravens at 3
Houston Texans (4-4) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (5-3)
TWO QUARTERS IN FIRE
Joe Burrow has been unstoppable since recovering from his leg injury. Getty Images via AFP
CJ Stroud delivered a masterful performance for the Texans last week. However, it’s hard to be more enthusiastic than his counterpart, Joe Burrow. The Bengals center has thrown 10 touchdown passes and completed 75% of his passes in his last four games. It’s mouth watering knowing what the Texans defense gave to Baker Mayfield not reaching Burrow’s ankle. The Texans only have 17 sacks (including 6 in one game) and Burrow should have time to play. Bengals at 9
San Francisco 49ers (5-3) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2)
CURRENT TRENDS
The 49ers could re-sign Deebo Samuel. Getty Images via AFP
The 49ers return from a bye after a three-game losing streak. The Jaguars also return from a bye, albeit with a five-game winning streak. Except against the Bills, however, none of these wins fall into the “feat” category. The Niners hope to re-sign ace tackle Trent Williams to neutralize defensive end Josh Allen. Receiver Deebo Samuel should also provide a target that Brock Purdy lacked. More specifically, the Jags are 30th against the pass (263.5 yards per game) and haven’t beaten the 49ers since 2005. 49ers with 6
New Orleans Saints (5-4) vs. Minnesota Vikings (5-4)
TO BE TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
Joshua Dobbs is trying to save the Vikings’ season. Getty Images via AFP
What is happening with the Vikings is impressive. They continue to win without Kirk Cousins or Justin Jefferson. With four wins in a row, they are right in the middle of the playoff race. But now the Saints have found their means on offense, giving up just 19 points per game and only 192 passes per week. All the elements are in place to put the beautiful story on hold, but Josh Dobbs isn’t going to turn into a pumpkin right away. Vikings at 1
Green Bay Packers (3-5) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3)
LOW POINT OF VIEW
TJ Watt always makes the right plays at the right time for the Steelers. Getty Images via AFP
The Steelers always have a knack for getting involved in the closest games possible, with the exception of the two losses this fall. The Packers aren’t the type of team this year that will score enough points to wash anything other than their dirty clothes. They protect Jordan Love quite well (18 sacks), limiting TJ Watt’s wild swings without completely containing them. In a low-scoring game in Pittsburgh, you might as well bet on the locals. Steelers at 5
Tennessee Titans (3-5) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)
WILL LEVIS’ TEAM
Rookie Will Levis will be the Titans’ starting quarterback in the coming weeks. Getty Images via AFP
The Titans announced that Will Levis will be the team’s quarterback through the end of the season. This is a logical decision by Mike Vrabel. On the one hand, the young second-round pick is showing good things. With Ryan Tannehill, however, the offense had reached an offensive stage. The Buccaneers fell back to earth after four straight losses so hard that there were reports of a crater forming in Tampa. In those four losses, they gave up an average of 335 yards through the air. Titans at 4
Atlanta Falcons (4-5) vs. Arizona Cardinals (1-8)
A great return
Kyler Murray is ready to return to action. Getty Images via AFP
It’s finally the return of quarterback Kyler Murray for the Cardinals, who will make his first start since December 12th. When an athlete who relies heavily on their mobility returns from a torn cruciate ligament (knee), they are sometimes more static in the first few weeks. Still, the Cards should do better than their average of 16.8 points. Unless Murray is more focused on the new Call of Duty video game than his playbook… Falcons of 7
Detroit Lions (6-2) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (4-4)
POSSIBLE SURPRISE
Justin Herbert keeps the Chargers in the game. Getty Images via AFP
The Lions have undeniably improved defensively compared to last season, but they’ve only held back one credible quarterback this season, Patrick Mahomes in Week 1. Since then, Lamar Jackson and Geno Smith have come out on top, while a number of other shady ones have Individuals may have helped their cause. The Chargers’ aerial attack is far from perfect, but Justin Herbert still commands respect. The defense is starting to play better. Fees by 3
New York Giants (2-7) vs. Dallas Cowboys (5-3)
READY FOR A MASSACRE
The Cowboys have made life difficult for the Giants in recent years. Getty Images via AFP
The Cowboys have beaten the Giants 12 times in the last 13 meetings. This week’s question is not whether they will defeat them, but whether they will wipe them off the face of the earth. In fact, since 2010, the Giants have been part of a select club with two teams that have averaged fewer than 11.5 points after nine games. The worst part is that they have to try to save face with Tommy DeVito at quarterback. And a defense that has given the Cowboys at least 28 points in 7 of the last 10 games. Pray for you! Cowboys at 17
Washington Commanders (4-5) vs. Seattle Seahawks (5-3)
Time to get back on your feet
Dre’Mont Jones and the Seahawks have had opposing quarterbacks injured since the start of the season. Getty Images via AFP
The Seahawks aren’t quite at their best with a .500 record in their last four games. The offense averaged 15 points and committed 9 turnovers in the period. It is even more generous than giving a Jehovah’s Witness the opportunity to finish his talk in your doorway on a beautiful weekend morning. After all, the defense boasts 27 quarterback sacks, which makes Sam Howell and the Commanders fear the worst. The boy is good, but that’s the gap in his game. Seahawks par 4
New York Jets (4-4) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (4-5)
SAD SUNDAY EVENING
The Jets’ offense with Zach Wilson isn’t getting out of trouble. Getty Images via AFP
It’s hard to believe that the NFL is forcing this matchup on us on a Sunday night. The New York television market dictates everything, but the most basic common courtesy would have been not to force the Jets’ obnoxious offense into prime time two weeks in a row. But we will give them credit for their defense putting in a good performance. The Raiders were so distressed by the departure of Josh McDaniels that they scored more points in the first half on Sunday (24) than in any other game this season (21). Raiders by 3
Denver Broncos (3-5) vs. Buffalo Bills (5-4)
NOT WON IN ADVANCE…
Josh Allen and the Bills have experienced their fair share of frustration lately. Getty Images via AFP
The Bills are struggling with three losses in five games and an offense that hasn’t scored more than 25 points since October 1st, a lifetime ago. The fact is that they are a superior team to the Broncos, but be careful! The latter are returning after a 14-day break and the defense, a real laughingstock at the start of the season, has only given up 15 points per game in the last three games. It’s not impossible that the Broncos have finally had the epiphany, but the Bills will open the valves and regain their aggressiveness. Invoices by 7