We are in Week 10 of the Premier Madden League and it is a little over the halfway point in the season. I am going to take a look at the top and bottom of each division and give my thoughts on their seasons so far. In this article I will go over the NFC and in the next I will go over the AFC.
NFC North:
Green Bay Packers (7-2): The Packers without Aaron Rodgers have not missed a beat this season. They have the second best record in the NFC and are fighting for the top spot at the moment. They have the best rushing attack in the league and the best rushing defense in the league. With this combination they can shorten the game, while making their opp pass against their very good secondary. The Packers will be either the one or two seed come seasons end.
Minnesota Vikings (4-5): The Vikings have not been as good as expected. Their coach had expectations of being a playoff contender, however, with the NFC as close as it is, they are finding themselves in must win games for the rest of the season. They have a top ten offense, however the defense is one of the worst in the league and severely hurting them. Mix this with Cousins in the top of the league in interceptions thrown and you have a losing combination. The Vikings will contend in each game but will fall short in the playoff race.
NFC West:
SEattle Seahawks (7-1): The Seahawks are doing exactly what everyone thought they would. THey are the best team in the NFC record wise at the moment and it is due to their top ranked defense. They have a great rushing game, which is putting up points, while their defense is limiting teams to an average of just 20 points per game. When you can keep teams below three touchdowns, you have a great chance at winning the game. They are fighting with the Rams for division dominance and have one more game against them. I feel that they can beat them, which will lead to them winning the division and going far into the playoffs.
Arizona Cardinals (2-8): Tanking allegations are swirling for this team. Some say how can a coach who did so well last cycle have one of the worst records in the league. That answer is easy, he has possibly the worst roster in the league. They are the worst rated roster. The offense isn’t something to write home about but their rag tag group of evolve defenders are top in the league in rushing and passing defense. I think they will string some wins along and they will fall out of the bottom five in the league.
NFC South:
New Orleans Saints (6-3): The Saints are leading a division that they were expected to win, however, they have some competition from the newly formed super team, the Atlanta Falcons. Derek Carr is running one of the best passing offenses in the league and even got himself to superstar status before being taken away due to some stat padding allegations. I believe that the Saints will fight through adversity and get Carr another dev game which will catapult them to division winner by season’s end.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-6): The Bucs without Tom Brady are not doing well. In the previous cycle this roster which is similar to the present one went to the superbowl. They have all of the same pieces and a lot of superstars, but no Brady. They opted to go with Baker Mayfield this season and he has played well, but he got hurt and no one has stepped up in his absence. The Bucs are losing but they are competing. I don’t think they have what it takes to get a playoff spot, but they have what it takes to get out of the bottom ten.
NFC East:
Dallas Cowboys (6-1-1): The Cowboys were predicted to win this division in the beginning of the season and they took that to heart. They have one of the best rosters in the league and they are using it to their advantage. Dak is playing like he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and the Cowboys are putting up points at a whim. The defense ranks dead last in passing defense and total yard defense, which is confusing given they have the best corner trio in the league. The Cowboys will continue their dominance and make a run for the superbowl baring an unimaginable collapse.
New York Giants (2-7): The Giants offensive scheme goes against what they currently have on their team. Their best player on offense is Saquon Barkley and he should be getting 20 touches a game. He isn’t, whether that be due to injury, or useage, or just dumb schemes but it’s costing the Giants games. Instead they continue to throw with Daniel Jones when they know he isn’t reliable. The offensive line has had some injuries with three of them out for multiple weeks at some points but that is not an excuse for not adjusting and getting the run game going. Coach Burn has stated that the Giants are going to put together a win streak to end the season.