Below are the Undercovers.us mid-term grades for each NFL team. Our grades are based on both where teams are at the halfway point of the season and how the teams are performing versus preseason expectations. In our humble opinions, only one team merits an A+, which goes to the only undefeated team, and we didn’t have the heart to give any team a failing grade – but there are a few D’s to go around.
“A+” Graded Team
Philadelphia Eagles – When the 1972 Dolphins are rooting against you, you know you’re doing something right.
“A” Graded Teams
New York Giants – Saquan Barkley is in his rookie season form and Brian Daboll should be in the Coach of the Year discussion.
Minnesota Vikings – Last year, the Vikings played in more close games than any team in the league and unlike last year, now they are winning those close games.
Seattle Seahawks – The ‘Hawks look like the clear winners of the Russel Wilson trade, and their rookie class looks phenomenal.
Dallas Cowboys – When Dak Prescott went down it looked like the Cowboys season was done, but Cooper Rush saved the day, and now Dak and a powerhouse D are leading the ‘Pokes on a playoff run.
New York Jets – 6 wins and an upset win over the Super Bowl favorite Bills gets you an A in our book.
“A-” Graded Team
Kansas City Chiefs – They lost a showdown at home against Buffalo, but Mahomes is in MVP form and no one will be surprised if the Chiefs find themselves in Arizona in February.
“B+” Graded Teams
Buffalo Bills – They may be the best team in the league, but they are still proving to be prone to the occasional dud road game.
Tennessee Titans – The team that everyone wanted to write off went on a five-game win streak and gave the Chiefs all they could handle in KC… plus, Derrick Henry is still a beast.
“B” Graded Teams
Baltimore Ravens – The addition of Roquan Smith was the most significant of the trade deadline and should ensure another playoff berth for Harbaugh, Lamar, and company.
Miami Dolphins – Tyreek Hill has been a godsend to this offense and their offensive explosion against the Ravens was legendary.
Atlanta Falcons – Marcus Mariota is running an offense that is perfect for his skill set, and the Falcons have far exceeded preseason expectations.
“B-” Graded Teams
New England Patriots – Back-to-back wins to close out the first half of the season have helped the Pats avoid a quarterback controversy, but rookie Bailey Zappe just may be the best signal caller on the team.
Los Angeles Chargers – The Bolts responded to an embarrassing home loss to the Jags by winning four of five and find themselves only a game behind the Chiefs at the halfway point.
“C+” Graded Teams
Cincinnati Bengals – After starting 0-2, Cincy has rebounded and has a winning record, despite continued problems protecting Joe Burrow.
Washington Commanders – It looks like addition by subtraction with Taylor Heinicke taking over for an injured Carson Wentz.
“C” Graded Team
San Francisco 49ers – Meet the new boss, same as the old boss in Jimmy Garoppolo, who has had mixed results in his return under center for the ‘Niners.
“C-” Graded Teams
Cleveland Browns – The Browns wait for the return of DeShaun Watson, but the problem is not at the quarterback position, it’s with a defense that has a hard time stopping the run.
Jacksonville Jaguars – The Jags overcame a 17-point deficit to beat the Raiders and snap a five-game losing streak, and while questions remain about Trevor Lawrence, his Clemson teammate Travis Etienne is the real deal.
Chicago Bears – It appears they have thrown in the towel as they parted ways with their top two defenders at the trade deadline.
New Orleans Saints – The Saints have been hit hard by injuries which is reflected by their 3-6 record, but in the putrid NFC South, 3-6 puts the Saints only one game out of first place.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Bucs’ running game is nonexistent as a rebuilt offensive line keeps Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay offense stuck in neutral.
Arizona Cardinals – The return of DeAndre Hopkins is a boost to the offense, but Kyler Murray and Kliff Kingsbury are the heads of a dysfunctional Arizona family.
“D+” Graded Teams
Detroit Lions – Detroit is in desperate need of a D, so we just gave them one.
Carolina Panthers – Trading Christian McCaffrey may yield some long-term benefits, but for now Panthers fans lament the loss of the most exciting player they’ve ever had.
Indianapolis Colts – The Colts’ offense finally bottomed out against the Patriots and it cost Frank Reich his job.
Los Angeles Rams – The Rams offense that scored in bunches is a distant memory and keeping Matthew Stafford upright needs to become a higher priority for the disappointing Rams.
“D” Graded Teams
Pittsburgh Steelers – Making the move to Kenny Pickett was the right move, but this team has problems on both sides of the ball.
Houston Texans – At what point does this team start getting better?
Denver Broncos – The defense is one of the best in the league, but the Russell Wilson led offense is, well, offensive.
Las Vegas Raiders – Losers in Las Vegas are tourists who play roulette with 2 zeroes on the wheel – and the Raiders.
“D-” Graded Team
Green Bay Packers – If you want to play wide receiver in the NFL, call the Packers because they’re hiring.