The NFL season's big games confirmed existing narratives rather than revealing new information about the teams involved. The Kansas City Chiefs, despite losing to the Denver Broncos, are showing signs of decline, particularly in their offensive line and inability to win close games, though they remain a potential playoff threat if they qualify.
The Buffalo Bills continue to rely heavily on Josh Allen's performance, as evidenced by his six touchdowns in a victory over Tampa Bay, but face a challenging schedule ahead. The Los Angeles Rams solidified their lead in the NFC West over the Seattle Seahawks in a defensive battle, with the Rams' defense proving superior.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, while underachieving offensively, are still considered the team to beat in the NFC due to their dominant defense, which stifled the Detroit Lions. The Lions, meanwhile, demonstrate the risks and rewards of coach Dan Campbell's aggressive play-calling.
The Denver Broncos' eight-game winning streak is impressive, but many of their victories have been by narrow margins, highlighting a reliance on fourth-quarter comebacks and a dominant defense to overcome an inconsistent offense. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are seen as capable of winning their division but not making a deep playoff run, with their defense struggling against top teams and quarterback Sam Darnold experiencing significant struggles in crucial games.
The overall state of the league after eleven weeks suggests a highly competitive landscape in both conferences, with many teams still in contention.
