NFL’s Best Team Is…

…a squad with a duel-threat QB, strong running game, great tight end, and a solid, three-tier defense. 

I can’t remember the last time there were so many good teams heading into Week 12.

If the regular season ended today, the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers would have the top seeds at 9 – 1 in the AFC and NFC, respectively. But are the Pats and ‘Niners the two best teams in the NFL? I’m both a Brady believer and a lifelong 49ers fan, and even I can’t make up my mind!

We’ll find out a lot more about how “real” San Francisco is when they face Aaron Rodgers and the Packers on Sunday Night. And the reigning Pats will get a test of their own when the Cowboys ride into Foxboro with smokin’ hot Dak Prescott.

San Franciso’s test doesn’t end Sunday, either. The Niners still have to play the Seahawks (again), the NFC South-leading Saints, and the Ravens. And after the Dallas game, New England has to play the high-flying Chiefs, the rough and tough Bills, and the Texans, who are atop the AFC South. Those are tall orders for both conference leaders.

To summarize, where are currently, here are the teams with the best records in the NFL now:

9-1: San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots

8-2: Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and

8-3: Minnesota Vikings.

I’d say it’s a pretty safe bet that all of those teams will make the playoffs. But the big question is: Who’s the best of the best? Which squad can take it all the way? Who has the best players, coaches, and schemes?

Well, here’s my take.

Lamar plays ‘catch me if you can.’ Bengals couldn’t (photo 98 Rock)

I look at the NFC and conclude that whatever team makes it through the playoff gauntlet deserves high praise. The NFC playoffs will be vicious, heart-pounding, and a lot of fun to watch! Figuring out the AFC is simple. Right!? Who’s going to play the Patriots in the AFC Championship?

Well, my money is on the Baltimore Ravens, who, in my opinion, are the best team in the league currently. Lamar Jackson is the NFL MVP right now. Yes, arguments can be made for Russell Wilson and Christian McCaffery, but Jackson is a human highlight reel. And not only does Baltimore’s offense give defenses fits, but its defense is S T R O N G!

Already, these Ravens have beaten the Seahawks, Patriots, and Texans–all within the last month–and they won each game convincingly. This team will continue to click on all cylinders as long as Jackson stays healthy and keeps finding TE Mark Andrews in the end zone.

With that analysis, here are my Top 10 teams:

1. Baltimore Ravens
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. New Orleans Saints
4. New England Patriots
5. Minnesota Vikings
6. Green Bay Packers
7. Seattle Seahawks
8. Buffalo Bills
9. Dallas Cowboys
10. Kansas City Chiefs