Parity is something every pro sports league strives to attain. Nobody wants to see the same teams winning championships year after year.
If the first two months of the NFL season have been any indication, then pro football might have the most parity of any league going.
In simple terms, every game is winnable and every game is losable. Now of course that’s always been the case. But going through some of the results this year, it seems especially true.
Who would’ve given the winless, injury-depleted New York Giants any chance to beat the Denver Broncos in prime time last week? When the reigning NFC champion Atlanta Falcons had a three-score lead over the (allegedly) dismal Miami Dolphins, did anyone honestly think the Fins had a shot at coming back?
Yet both the Giants and Dolphins pulled out those victories, proving yet again that the gap between the good teams and the bad teams is closer than it’s ever been.
Which begs the question: are we witnessing the end of dominant NFL teams? In a league with so much parity, will we ever again see a juggernaut like the Steel Curtain Steelers, Joe Montana’s 49ers, or even the Brady/Belichick Patriots?
History looks fondly on teams who are head-and-shoulders above their peers. But more and more it’s looking like those days are coming to an end.
My bad
Just last week, I proclaimed Aaron Rodgers to be the most valuable player in the NFL. And what does he do early in last week’s Green Bay-Minnesota game? He breaks his collarbone, likely ending his season.
Rodgers joins J.J. Watt and Odell Beckham Jr. as superstars who have had their seasons cut short due to injuries. This is a big deal for a league that has a limited number of players that even the most casual fan would be able to identify at first glance.
For its own sake, the NFL had better hope that more young superstars start to emerge, or it can add a lack of star power to its growing number of problems.
On to the picks:
Tampa Bay at Buffalo
With Jameis Winston slated to start on Sunday, Buffalo fans won’t get to see old friend Ryan Fitzpatrick take the field. It shouldn’t make a difference, however, since the Bucs haven’t looked sharp at all even with the former Heisman winner under center. The Bills remain undefeated at New Era Field.
Nick’s pick: BILLS
Carolina at Chicago
The Bears are showing more spark with Mitchell Trubisky under center and an underrated defense providing a safety cushion. This is a big game for Carolina, who can’t let their guard down against a team that they must beat, even on the road, to remain a playoff contender.
Nick’s pick: PANTHERS
Tennessee at Cleveland
With Marcus Mariota back in the lineup, the Titans are a completely different team, though still a few steps away from being a legitimate contender. The Browns, on the other hand, have precisely nothing going for them. Mariota should plan on feasting on Sunday.
Nick’s pick: TITANS
New Orleans at Green Bay
Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending injury deprives fans of a chance to see two of the very best QBs in the business go head-to-head. With Drew Brees playing at a typically elite level and a defense that’s starting to come into its own, the Saints will take advantage of a Rodgers-less Packers outfit.
Nick’s pick: SAINTS
Jacksonville at Indianapolis
Even coming off of a disappointing loss to the Rams, the Jags still look like a very solid team. They bring what might be the league’s best defense to Indy to face what (minus Andrew Luck) is probably the league’s most impotent offense. I foresee a blowout.
Nick’s pick: JAGUARS
Arizona at L.A. Rams
Rams head coach Sean McVay is the front-runner for Coach of the Year, and with good reason. He’s turned a once-directionless franchise around and is getting the most out of what’s proven to be a talented roster. The Cardinals have been sneakily decent so far, but the Rams look like they’re for real.
Nick’s pick: RAMS
N.Y. Jets at Miami
An enormous divisional matchup between two scrappy teams that not many people expected to be hanging around the playoff race. The Jets in particular have turned a lot of heads by not being an embarrassment, but I feel like their general lack of talent will catch up to them eventually.
Nick’s pick: DOLPHINS
Baltimore at Minnesota
Despite having an offense hit big by the injury bug, the Vikings have emerged as the front-runner in an unpredictable NFC North. If they can put up some points against the Ravens’ stout defense, Minnesota’s own strong ‘D’ should be able to shut down Baltimore’s woeful offense.
Nick’s pick: VIKINGS
Dallas at San Francisco
Coming off of a bye, the Cowboys get to face a 49ers squad that might be one of the best 0-6 teams you’ll see. San Francisco has lost an incredible five straight games by a field goal or less. That type of futility in close games speaks to both a lack of talent and luck, something Dallas usually has plenty of.
Nick’s pick: COWBOYS
Seattle at N.Y. Giants
Give credit to Giants coach Ben McAdoo: he had his undermanned team ready to play against what looked like a far superior Broncos team and was able to earn N.Y.’s first ‘W’ of the year. The Seahawks have some issues on offense, but the Legion of Boom remains as formidable as ever.
Nick’s pick: SEAHAWKS
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh hopes that defeating the previously-unbeaten Chiefs last week will be a turning point in what’s been an underachieving season so far. The Bengals have rebounded from an awful start, and have a stingy defense that might make things tough for Big Ben and company.
Nick’s pick: STEELERS
Denver at L.A. Chargers
Left for dead just a couple weeks ago, the Chargers have won two straight and will look to make it three against a Denver team trying to shake off a stunning loss to the Giants. If the Broncos can get a little more of Trevor Siemian, their defense will be enough to win the day.
Nick’s pick: BRONCOS
Atlanta at New England
The Super Bowl rematch figures to have plenty of fireworks thanks to two stellar QBs going up against two of the weaker defenses in the league. Things may start to unravel if the Falcons lose big in this one, which would be a third straight loss to an AFC East team (Bills, Dolphins).
Nick’s pick: PATRIOTS
Washington at Philadelphia
With the Chiefs stumbling over the past two weeks, the Eagles can lay a claim to being the league’s best team on national TV. But the Redskins are no pushovers, and Kirk Cousins and Carson Wentz should both pile up the passing stats in this one. I’ll go with the upset here thanks to Washington’s underrated defense.
Nick’s pick: REDSKINS
Last week: 8-5
Overall: 42-29
