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Following 136 games in the NFL season, Yahoo Sports analysts Frank Schwab and Eric Edholm evaluated all 32 teams at the halfway point. Schwab assessed the AFC, while Edholm reviewed the NFC, highlighting the top performers, disappointments, and biggest surprises as teams head into the second half.
AFC East and North Assessment
In the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills lead the division at 7-1, powered by Josh Allen’s MVP-level play and trade deadline addition Amani Hooker, earning an A- grade despite a slow defensive start. The Miami Dolphins sit at 1-7 under first-year head coach Jeff Hafley, receiving a C grade for their hard-fought effort despite injuries and a weak roster. The New England Patriots hold a 5-4 record, earning a C- following inconsistent performances from quarterback Drake Maye. The New York Jets languish at 2-7 with a D- grade, though they hold multiple high draft picks for 2027.
In the AFC North, the Cincinnati Bengals hold a 6-2 record and an A grade after keeping Joe Burrow upright and acquiring defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II. The Pittsburgh Steelers also stand at 6-2, leaning on a strong run game and veteran leadership under Mike McCarthy. The Cleveland Browns reached 5-4 under head coach Todd Monken despite quarterback challenges and an exciting young rookie class. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens received an F grade after injuries sidelined Lamar Jackson and the defense faltered, effectively ending their Super Bowl hopes.
AFC South and West Overview
The Jacksonville Jaguars lead the AFC South at 6-2, boasting the league’s top point differential and DVOA ranking as they target a Super Bowl appearance. The Houston Texans sit at 3-5 with a D grade, falling short of high expectations despite strong play from quarterback C.J. Stroud. The Tennessee Titans hold a 1-7 record following a massive free-agent spending spree, while the Indianapolis Colts dropped to 2-7 after firing general manager Chris Ballard and struggling offensively with Daniel Jones.
In the AFC West, the Kansas City Chiefs rebounded to 6-2 and earned a B+ grade after reinventing their offense around running back Kenneth Walker III. The Denver Broncos reached 7-2 with a B grade behind crucial quality victories, though questions remain about their close wins. The Las Vegas Raiders hold a 4-5 record and a C+ grade, showing progress under a new front office plan. Conversely, the Los Angeles Chargers collapsed to an 0-8 record, earning an F- grade after a disastrous start and poor play from quarterback Justin Herbert.
NFC East and North Breakdown
In the NFC East, the New York Giants lead at 5-2-1 under head coach John Harbaugh, overcoming major injuries with J.J. McCarthy taking over at quarterback. The Dallas Cowboys sit at 4-5, hindered by defensive struggles despite a productive offense. The Washington Commanders are 2-5-1 after battling numerous injuries to key players like Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin. The Philadelphia Eagles hit rock bottom at 2-7, suffering a disastrous stretch compounded by health concerns for quarterback Jalen Hurts.
In the NFC North, the Chicago Bears captured a 7-2 record and a four-game win streak, emerging as serious contenders under head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams. The Green Bay Packers recovered from a slow start to reach 6-3, driven by Jordan Love’s MVP-caliber play. The Detroit Lions sit at 6-2 on a four-game win streak led by Jahmyr Gibbs, while the Minnesota Vikings hold a 6-2 record and acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins to bolster an elite defense led by Brian Flores.
NFC South and West Analysis
In the NFC South, the Carolina Panthers hold first place at 3-5 despite ongoing inconsistencies and defensive vulnerabilities. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sit at 3-6 with a D+ grade, suffering six one-score losses while managing Baker Mayfield’s thumb injury and the offseason departure of Mike Evans. The Atlanta Falcons are 3-6 after dropping recent matchups by wide margins, and the New Orleans Saints stand at 3-5 while searching for a clear offensive identity under Tyler Shough.
In the NFC West, the San Francisco 49ers lead the division at 7-1, overcoming persistent injuries thanks to strong coaching by Kyle Shanahan. The Los Angeles Rams stand at 5-4, relying on a resilient defense anchored by Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald. The Seattle Seahawks hold a 5-4 record, facing offensive hurdles due to injuries and struggles for Sam Darnold. The Arizona Cardinals sit at 3-6, playing near expectations with a 3-3 road record as they prepare to start their third quarterback in Carson Beck.
