Which 7-2 team is the best in the NFL?
Win your division and punch your ticket into the playoffs. It’s that simple. A few teams around the league seem to be on the verge of successfully following this blueprint and are slowly separating themselves
from the pack. Heading into week 11 in the 2010 regular season, the New England Patriots and the New York Jets are tied for first place in the AFC East, while the Atlanta Falcons sit atop the AFC South division.
While these three teams have the best record in the NFL at 7-2, other teams are not so fortunate, struggling to keep their playoff hopes alive. Here is a look at the most successful teams this year and
see who has the edge.
New England Patriots
A few weeks ago, the Patriots had Randy Moss and were cruising along just fine. Then New England decided to release Moss and acquired receiver Deion Branch. Tom Brady doesn’t seem to be fazed by the move
and the Patriots are back in their usual role as one of the NFL’s best teams with a 7-2 record. The team is a perfect 4-0 at home this season and the offence is ranked first in the league for most points scored per game.
As we approach the month of December, the Patriots’ home-field advantage will be even more apparent. Unquestionably, a lot can change in the NFL, but one thing remains certain, when it snows at Gillette
Stadium, the Patriots are that much harder to beat. Teams traveling to the East Coast will find that out the hard way in the upcoming weeks as we move into winter climate. Brady is having a fantastic year with his 17 touchdowns and just four interceptions
on the season. Look for them to continue their dominance and end the season strong.
Atlanta Falcons
At the beginning of the 2010 regular season, the Atlanta Falcons wanted to be crowned the AFC South champions. After 10 weeks of football in the books, that goal seems well within reach and the Falcons
control their destiny. They believe that they are the best team in the NFL and they are certainly making a case for themselves.
Quarterback Matt Ryan improved his career record at home to 18-1 last week with a win over the Baltimore Ravens. He has shown that he has full command of the offence and that those around him believe in
him. With him at the helm throwing the ball to receiver Roddy White, who is having a Pro Bowl year and is second in the NFL for receiving yards with 934 yards, it is hard to see this offence slowing down.
New York Jets
The Jets’ passing game is not exactly creating havoc across the league. With that said Mark Sanchez is efficiently directing late drives together and putting his team in a position to win late in the
game. Sanchez followed that script during last week’s overtime win against the Cleveland Browns after connecting with Santonio Holmes for the game-wining touchdown.
But it would be extremely difficult to overlook the resurgence of running-back LaDainian Tomlinson. He has had a huge impact on the Jets’ offence and is a main reason why this team is so balanced. He contributes
in the passing game, can block and still has the elusiveness and speed to get down the field for a big gain. He was brought in to essentially be a backup and serve as a change of pace for Shonn Greene.
However, Tomlinson leads the team in rushing with 656 yards and five touchdowns. He has been the most productive player acquired during the off-season and seems determined to prove that he has plenty of
football left in the tank at age 31.
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