It’s a tough time of year in the NFL, as coaching changes and quarterback issues are bubbling up all over the league. But it’s also a feel-good time for some, if you look around.
The Lions have faced every obstacle imaginable and remain the toast of the NFC, keeping that tremendous story rolling.
The Commanders have won three straight and are 7-2 behind precocious Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite Jayden Daniels; that franchise has only eclipsed seven victories four times in the past 15 years.
The Bengals and Rams, Super Bowl combatants three Februarys ago, have overcome rough starts to get back in their respective races.
The Chargers are relevant — and well-coached.
And in a rainy Monday night classic, Patrick Mahomes added a new page to his legend, suffering an ankle injury on the game-tying touchdown pass, leading a go-ahead drive in regulation and then the game-winning drive in overtime to keep the Chiefs unbeaten.
Times may be tough in places such as Dallas, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, New Orleans and, suddenly, Chicago. But the intrigue level remains high in a season that has taken some interesting twists and turns.
There wasn’t a ton of shakeup to the rankings this week, but there was notable movement in the NFC North and NFC West, perhaps two of the more fascinating divisions going right now.