7. Detroit Lions
The defense has been dealing with injuries, and they have been getting lit up in the passing game because of it. Still, when this team is healthy, they are very tough to beat, especially because of how well-balanced the offense is with Goff slinging it around and the tremendous ground game with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The biggest issue for the Lions is that they play in a highly competitive division that has four teams that are capable of making the playoffs.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Are they lucky and good, or just really darn good? The Buccaneers have been winning close games, led by Baker Mayfield, who has a flair for the dramatic in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter. He has played most of the season with his best offensive weapons injured, and still, the Bucs have one of the best records in the league. Although there is no team that they can’t beat, there are teams that are better on paper.
9. Green Bay Packers
This is a team that hasn’t played its best football since the first couple of weeks of the season, yet they are finding ways to win games that they have no business winning. Micah Parsons has finally started showing just how dangerous he can make this defense when he is healthy. The loss to the Panthers in Week 9 is one that they can’t afford to lose.
