The NFL is nearing its midway point of the season, with playoff races heating up as October comes to a close. The Philadelphia Eagles are the lone unbeaten and appear to be in control of the NFC East, yet they are not the surprise of the conference.
The Seattle Seahawks lead the NFC West and the Atlanta Falcons are in first place in the NFC South. They were supposed to be two of the worst teams in the league. The AFC is starting to have separation in its divisions, while the NFC division races remain as wide open as they’ve been all season — unless it’s the Eagles or Minnesota Vikings.
With the Sunday slate of Week 8 in the books, these are the overreactions around the league — and whether they are deserved or need a reality check.
The Falcons are the best team in the NFC South
Overreaction or reality: Reality
Granted it’s the NFC South, but some team has to win this division. Why not the Falcons? Atlanta is a surprising 4-4 and the division leaders after an overtime victory against the Carolina Panthers (who would have been in first in the division with a win).
The Falcons have rushed for 150-plus yards in six of their eight games, and Arthur Smith is getting the most out of a team that has a lot of deficiencies. Until the tampa Bay Buccaneers get things together (if they do), why not Atlanta?
The Seahawks are the best team in the NFC West
Overreaction or Reality: Overreaction
Seattle deserves to be in this conversation after a convincing victory over the New York Giants, but the Seahawks will have a much tougher challenge in this division. The San Francisco 49ers are figuring things out with Christian McCaffrey and the team is getting healthier.
Geno Smith isn’t slowing down and rookie Kenneth Walker is going to be a force the rest of the year. The Seahawks aren’t going anywhere in the NFC playoff race, yet they have a major challenger for the division in the 49ers.
The 49ers are the team to beat in the NFC West with Christian McCaffrey
Overreaction or reality: Reality
McCaffrey made his presence felt in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, just 10 days after he was traded to the 49ers. In just his second game with the 49ers, McCaffrey had a passing touchdown, rushing touchdown, and receiving touchdown — the first running back to accomplish that feat since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2005.
The 49ers put up 368 yards of offense in a dominating win over the Rams, as…
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