TO CLOSE

You live under a rock? Do you miss the first half of the NFL season? Well, Trysta Krick is here to talk to you quickly.
UNITED STATES TODAY & # 39; HUI

Most NFL teams have reached the half-time of their 2018 season. It is natural to re-evaluate priorities and make adjustments. With this in mind, here's a major question every club faces:

AFC

Baltimore Ravens: Is the future near? After a promising start 3-1, they sit at 4-4 with the arrival of Steelers, division leaders, in town. We know that General Manager Ozzie Newsome is about to go out. It seems unlikely that rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson will replace Joe Flacco as long as the club's chances for the off-season will not be exhausted. Right?

Buffalo Bills: How do they help Josh Allen? An unpolished prospect carrying the hopes of a franchise on his howitzer arm deserves better. Prior to an elbow injury in Week 6, Allen was running regularly for his life relying on a 30-year-old halfback (LeSean McCoy) as his primary weapon. The development of Allen could be seriously compromised without a major course correction.

Cincinnati Bengals: What if they do not care about business? The same old stripes? It's a talented group sitting at 5-3, good for AFC's second-place card at the moment, which will end with at least 10 wins by beating the remaining teams of its calendar with records. .500 or worse. But Cincy tends to be small. Will there be noticeable repercussions this time if the core of the list turns out to be radioactive to success again?

Cleveland Browns: Who is the next coach?Once Hue Jackson is out, they can begin to seriously look for his successor. General Manager John Dorsey must surely find an offensive specialist who can connect with Baker Mayfield, hoping the quarterback rookie season will not turn into a lost experience.

More: In dismissing Hue Jackson, the Browns are gone again to pay for lack of plan

More: NFL standings: Which coach is next to follow Hue Jackson?

Denver Broncos: Do they have good leadership? This is a delicate issue considering the pandemonium at the management / property level in the midst of Pat Bowlen's failing health and legal maneuvers from his family. But on the football front, the failure of general manager John Elway to acquire an unqualified quarterback Peyton continues, and second-year coach Vance Joseph is about to lead the team to successive seasons. defeats for the first time since 1972.

Houston Texans: Can they absorb the absence of Will Fuller? QB Deshaun Watson and WR DeAndre Hopkins are the legitimate stars of the offensive. But Fuller, who tore up an access checklist during week 8, is an essential element as his maximum speed maximizes Watson's arm and, more importantly, paves the way for Hopkins and gambling. runtime. The arrival of Demaryius Thomas barely compensates for the loss of Fuller.

Colts of Indianapolis: Should they consider closing Andrew Luck? It may sound like silly thinking for a team that is rebuilding around its new star, which clearly needs representatives with so many relatively unknown teammates. However, given that Luck's reconstructed shoulder recorded 342 assists, a win in the league, is it worth it to rest at one point – assuming the viability of the Indy playoffs? faint – to potentially showcase Jacoby Brissett's backup as an off-season commercial bait? Just say.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Is it time to face the facts of Blake Bortles? In all fairness to the quarterback, loopholes in the offense go beyond his problems. But there is no doubt that Jags have to answer tough questions about whether Bortles really is the answer. Even if the reception still believes that the answer is yes, does the cloakroom do it?

Kansas City Chiefs: Is this year Andy Reid's year? He is one of the best coaches in league history, a complete stop – and even better when a team earning close to 13 points per week does not cause criticism of Reid's clock management. These leaders could be something special now that Reid has masterfully incorporated Patrick Mahomes' talents into this game book. Are they special enough to finally conquer the Lombardi Trophy that has long eluded their coach?

More: Mid-season NFL Award: Todd Gurley of Rams is the most valuable player, while Deshaun Watson is the best back

More: USA TODAY Sports NFL 2018 Mid-Season Predictions for Super Bowl LIII, MVP and More

Los Angeles Chargers: When will Joey Bosa play? This guy is really good – 23 sacks in 28 games of the NFL, or .82 per. (J.J. Watt's career average per game is 0.88.) But the mysterious foot injury that Bosa had been gripping for three months continues to marginalize him. His presence could make the difference between the legitimate and laughable aspirations of the Super Bowl.

Miami Dolphins: Where's Ryan Tannehill? The so-called quarterback of the franchise is injured, again, and the ends are left to trample water. There are still two years in Tannehill, which carries a large number of shots on the ceiling. But this organization can not continue to operate in limbo and should probably start considering potential alternatives such as Teddy Bridgewater or even Jameis Winston – if not the 2019 version – in order to clear a secondary path that allows the team to progress effectively without Tannehill.

Patriots of New England: Can they resist the story? Did you know that the Pats have never reached a Super Bowl season after losing it? They are on track for another AFC East title – Yawns – but the competition for the conference looks much stronger than last year's, and one has to worry about the Rob Gronkowski, Sony Michel and others ability to reach the finish line. .

New York Jets: What is our identity? General Manager Mike Maccagnan has done a good job of leveraging the free agent market in recent years for players like CB Morris Claiborne and G James Carpenter. But with more than $ 200 million in funds available over the next two years, Maccagnan and his staff need to look closely at their foundations to determine how to allocate resources to a reconstruction that needs to accelerate around Sam Darnold.

Oakland Raiders: Where will they play in 2019? Amid the turmoil around Khalil Mack, the ghostly tears of Amari Cooper and Derek Carr, there is not much handwriting – for now – since this team does not have a stadium lease for next year. So … Oakland? Vegas? Santa Clara? San Diego? Peoria? High risk for minnow that may require further development for M. Raider.

More: Jon Gruden says the players call him "dying" to join Oakland Raiders

Pittsburgh Steelers: How To Love The "Veon? The RB All-Pro The & # 39; Veon Bell will surely show up no later than Nov. 13th when he will want to spend the much sought-after season as an independent player that he desperately craves. But how do the Steelers reinstate him in the family, let alone the offense, without upsetting the basket of apples for a group currently at the top of AFC North? These players, many of whom scoffed at Bell's absence for Week 1, were very successful in ensuring James Conner's responsibilities.

Tennessee Titans: Is Marcus Mariota the guy? The intangible assets of fourth-year fourth and, apparently, his internal support are not taken into account, especially when he fights an elbow injury. But is he regressing more between the lines while trying to lead an attack that ranks third among the league's worst performances? The franchise can postpone the decision on Mariota's next contract … but not for long.

NFC

Arizona Cardinals: Is This The Ideal Environment For Josh Rosen? Unexpectedly, the Cards managed to write the quarterback which, in their opinion, will lead them to the promised land. Still, Rosen is trying to learn the tricks of the trade under the orders of a rookie head coach and, now, an offensive coordinator for rookie, not to mention staffing issues, namely the lack of money. ; O-line.

Atlanta Falcons: do they have time to bounce back? They would obviously like to be the first team to play a Super Bowl at home (I would like to do too). Atlanta has never reached the playoffs after a 1-4 start and has to play six of its last nine games on the road. But the Falcons have won their last two games, Matt Ryan getting closer to his level of player par excellence in 2016 and LB Deion Jones and RB Devonta Freeman could return from IR if their teammates offer a reasonable opportunity.

Carolina Panthers: Can they win on the road? Cats are 5-2, but 1-2 far from Charlotte. Five of their last nine games are roadies. Largest image, at the time of Cam Newton, this club is 3-1 at home during the playoffs and 0-3 away. And, unless they can overtake the Burning Saints of the South NFC, the Panthers will not be home if they are still alive in January.

Chicago Bears: can they stay healthy enough to fight? This is a concern that concerns all teams. But a young man like this, trying to stay afloat in a brutal division, can hardly afford to be without veterans like Khalil Mack, Allen Robinson or Kyle Long – he is definitely absent for a long time with an injured foot .

More: Winners, NFL losers during mid-season: Jameis Winston among young QB who can not stand out

More: USA TODAY & # 39; HUI Sports Week 9 NFL Choice: Aaron Rodgers-Tom Brady standout, the Rams-Saints game marking a memorable weekend

Dallas Cowboys: Have we seen the best of Dak Prescott? Yes, another question of quarterback. But it's particularly compelling given that Prescott, who is expected to earn $ 720,000 in base salary next year, will qualify for his first extension. Jerry Jones has awarded him a new No. 1 receiver in Amari Cooper (good name, Jerry?) And a new O-line coach (good name, Jerry). It is now up to Prescott to prove that his career has not reached an immediate plateau, at Bortles, Jay Cutler, Robert Griffin III and Colin Kaepernick.

Detroit Lions: How will they handle the departure of Golden Tate? Easy to defend the veteran Wideout job and just as easy to tear the move. What is less clear, is how the offense will adapt less to its No. 1 receiver or how a team in the midst of cultural change will react to a prospective decision that undermines the ability to win now.

More: Winners and losers of NFL transaction deadlines: Packers and Patriots are perplexed in different ways

Green Bay Packers: Will the frustration of Aaron Rodgers overflow? The highest paid player in the NFL is probably also his best. But is Rodgers the most salty of all? He was not happy about the release of WR Jordy Nelson, nor the call of the game early in the season, and he was certainly moved by the comeback force of Ty Montgomery's return, Sunday, to Los Angeles. If a team capable of doing much more steady hovers at .500, you have to wonder if Mount Rodgers will blow.

Los Angeles Rams: What is their weakness? They are 8-0. They have great – awesome – Players on both sides of the ball and a fantastic – fantastic – coaching staff. To look for a fatal flaw is to look at the plans of the death star. There may be a heat exhaust port somewhere, but it will not be easy to find … or hit.

New Orleans Saints: Can they capture the best seed of NFC? This only happened once in the Sean Payton-Drew Brees era, and it was in 2009 – whether or not it was a coincidence, the only time this franchise has won the Super Bowl. Although the Saints of 2018 seem built for all climates, it would be nice to have the family kitchen of the N & # 39; awlins in the Superdome, since the other five playoff trips since 2006 have all come across voodoo on the road. Sunday's competition with the Rams is very important.

New York Giants: Should Eli be unplugged? At least Pat Shurmur knows how do not to handle this situation (thanks, McAdoo). But given the surprise "traffic contract" of rookie Kyle Lauletta, not to mention his inexperience in big game, the real question may not be whether to put Eli Manning at the helm. bench, but rather to let him go entirely in 2019.

Minnesota Vikings: will they put everything together? One week, Kirk Cousins ​​and the passing game have a $ 28 million luster. The following week, he and Stefon Diggs team up for a fatal choice. One week, the Vikes are plowed by Buffalo, then they face the Rams. What will be Dalvin Cook's contribution? What about Everson Griffen? Oops, that's turned into several questions.

Philadelphia Eagles: Can they overtake Washington? This is the eighth time in nine years that NFC East has sent a single playoff team. If they are the current champions, currently 4-4, they will have to be healthy, stop turning the ball and – perhaps the most important – may have to sweep the next two games against the Redskins, first place (5-2).

San Francisco 49ers: Can Kyle Shanahan Stay Competitive? Their season ended in the third week when Jimmy Garoppolo's left knee sagged. But the Niners are almost always competitive since, despite a forgivable eruption for the Rams in Week 7, and won their second win Thursday night defeating Oakland. With opponents even easier to beat, Shanahan and Co. can continue to cultivate its winning DNA for 2019.

Seattle Seahawks: Have they restarted successfully or is there a smoke screen? They run the ball at the Beast mode. Russell Wilson plays some of the most effective ball of his seven-year career. An almost entirely reworked defense ranks in the top five. Are the & # 39; Hawks back? Or do they live well since they did not beat a team with a winning record and that they should have three other freebies against Arizona and San Francisco?

The Buccaneers of Tampa Bay: What Happens to Jameis Winston? The No. 1 draft of the 2015 draft, which started this season on the suspensions list, now sits on the bench for his football failures. The Bucs face a decisive decision for the franchise during the off-season, when they will probably have to decide whether to keep Winston in 2019 or let him go to face the obstacles that will arise.

Washington Redskins: Can Adrian Peterson continue? A living legend has had a rebirth season as the league's fifth scorer despite arriving in his new squad at the end of August. But as much as he tries to challenge age, "AD" is still 33 years old and has collapsed in the past two seasons. This limited offense simply can not afford to lose it.

***

Follow Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis

Automatic reading

Thumbnails poster

Show captions

Last slide next