This artcle is aimed at accomplishing something we all enjoy doing, prognostacating on who we believe will win what award, with a focus on the four Rookie of the Year awards up for grabs come year end. We've already seen some clutch performances from these young players, who are looking to make a mark on their team and the league.

AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year

Inside Position

Patrick Reyes - QB - Baltimore Ravens
62-106 932 Yards 7 Touchdowns 4 Interceptions
The #1 overall pick, Patrick Reyes has helped the Ravens to a 2-2 record after their disasterous 2016 campaign. Reyes may have only thrown for 120 yards in their most recent game against the Dolphins, but he easily guided them to a 52-24 victory. The speedy Reyes has only carried the ball 5 times on the season, as he has proven critics wrong when they said he can't operate from the pocket.

Jackson Ayers - QB - Denver Broncos
56-97 856 Yards 6 Touchdowns 3 Interceptions
While Ayers is already on his second coach during his short wFL career, but has already begun to light it up in Denver. Ayers has one of the strongest arms in the league and is not afraid to thread the needle. In three games Ayers has yet to be sacked, a testiment to the offensive line assembled in front of him.

Donnie Dixon - QB - Tennessee Titans
52-79 852 Yards 8 Touchdowns 3 Interceptions
Dixon has been the best rookie quarterback this season, with his most recent performance (345 yards 6 touchdowns) setting the rookie touchdowns in a game record. Dixon is third in the league with a 119.8 passer rating, and has fans in Tennessee forgetting Marcus Mariota who is now calling signals in Miami. The Titans have a tough schedule ahead of them, but if Dixon can keep performing they'll have a shot.

Devan Patrick - HB - Baltimore Ravens
39 Carries 345 Yards 3 Touchdowns
Devan Patrick has been electric averaging 8.8 yards per carry on the season so far. Coupled with fellow rookie Patrick Reyes the duo has lit it up on offense for the Ravens. If they can both stay healthy, this team could end up the most improved when the season is over.

Jerald Gilbert - WR - Tennessee Titans
11 Catches 313 Yards 5 Touchdowns
Third round pick Jerald Gilbert has exceeded expectations so far this season for the Titans, so much so they decided John Brown was expendable, shipping off the veteran receiver for corner Jason Verrett. Gilbert has electrifiyed in each game this season, making defenders miss on the way to five touchdowns in just his first 3 games.

Outside Shot

Wayne Vaughn - QB - Kansas City Chiefs
32-57 593 Yards 5 Touchdowns 6 Interceptions
Vaughn has had his ups and downs, but has given the Chiefs something they haven't had in a long time, a quarterback with the ability to push the ball down the field. If Vaughn can improve on his decision making he could be in the running come the end of the season.

Desean Turner - HB - Indianpolis Colts
68 Carries 213 Yards 1 Touchdown
Turner has been pounding the rock, but at just 3.2 yards per carry something will need to change. Turner is a massive 234 pound back, but has the lateral mobility and agility to make players miss. Turner can be a difference maker if he can figure it out.

Gabe Harper - WR - Oakland Raiders
22 Catches 290 Yards 6 Touchdowns
A quiet first game, Harper has turned it on over the past three. While he may not blow past anyone down the field, Harper just catches footballs. On an offensive with Julio Jones and Amari Cooper, Harper is quickly becoming a reliable and dangerous target for Derek Carr.

NFC Offensive Player of the Year

Inside Track

Aerion Mosley - WR - Arizona Cardinals
18 Catches 332 Yards 3 Touchdowns
Mosley was booed on draft day by the Cardinals fans in attendance, but has quickly converted many of them. Mosely had over 200 all-purpose yards in his debut and has continued to perform for the Cardinal offense.

Dion Hawkins - WR - Chicago Bears
16 Catches 301 Yards 1 Touchdown
Hawkins has given the Bears something they've lacked over the past few seasons, a receiving target to help take the pressure off Jeremy Langford andthe running game. At 5'9 Hawkins isn't jumping over anyone, but what he does is make people miss in space, and blow past everyone.

Morris Boyce - WR - Detroit Lions
18 Catches 199 Yards 2 Touchdowns
Boyce has big shoes to fill in Detroit with the soon to retire Calvin Johnson on the field with him, but Boyce is off to a good start with the Lions. A reliable target, Boyce has continued to help move the chains and make big catches to start the season

Outside Shot

Ryan Sam - QB - New Orleans Saints
37-68 647 Yards 5 Touchdowns 7 Interceptions 108 Yards Rushing 1 Touchdown
Ryan Sam has all the makings of a massive offensive weapon, and has shown that over the first quarter of the season, helping the struggling Saints franchise to a 2-1 record and a lead in the NFC South. Sam is a dynamic playmaker, who needs to focus on cutting down the turnovers before he becomes a true threat.

Brian Hunter - TE - Dallas Cowboys
12 Catches 181 Yards 3 Touchdowns
Jason Witten left some pretty big shoes to fill, but Brian Hunter has gotten off to a good start in Dallas. Hunter has been getting more involved in the offense, and that should only helps the Cowboys get back on track.

AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year

Inside Track

Max Phillips - ROLB - Pittsburgh Steelers
22 Tackles 1.5 Sacks 2 Interceptions 2 Forced Fumbles

What hasn't Max Phillips done in the first quarter of the season? Phillips has been a tackling machine, has gotten to the QB, has caused turnovers...he's done it all. Phillips has been a force on defense.

Eric Dawkins - FS - Tennessee Titans
14 Tackles 1 Interception
Dawkins is fast and can cover, which has given the Titans one of the fastest playing secondaries in football. Dawkins has shown good ball skills and is constantly found around the ball.

Jermyrin Brandon - CB - New York Jets
14 Tackles 2 Passes Defended
Brandon has been a solid piece for the Jets defense, and while he hasn't forced a turnover yet, opposing receivers only have been allowed 2 catches against him.

Outside Shot

LeRoy Haynes - CB - Baltimore Ravens
10 Tackles 1 Interception
A lot of young corners struggle, but Haynes has not. Opposing QBs will need to take head when throwing against the Ravens for the next few seasons to come.
 

NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year

Inside Track

Jayrone Chapman - FS - San Francisco 49ers
26 Tackles 1 Sacks
Chapman is one of the leaders on the 9ers in tackles, and has also defended two passes. The youngster has helped solidify at least one position in a shaky secondary.

Renee Agurs - FS - Detroit Lions
26 Tackles 2 Interceptions
Agurs has made his impact felt at a position that has been a weakness in the past for the Lions. He's already racked up two interceptions, and has continued to lay the lumber on opposing receivers.

Jamen Malone - LE - Green Bay Packers
7 Tackles 3 Sacks
Malone has fought his way into the rotation in Green Bay and has paid dividends for his coaches, getting to the quarterback 3 times already on the season. Malone is lanky at 6'7 and extremely quick and that has caused issues for opposing offensive lines.

Outside Shot

Dimitri Morris - DT - Dallas Cowboys
4 Tackles 3 Sacks
Morris has given the Cowboys something they've lacked over the past few seasons, a pass rush. He is powerful and does one thing extremely well, get after the quarterback.

In what could be labeled one of the most competitive seasons in wFL/GMCFL history the playoff matchups are finally set and we are about ready to begin the march towards crowning a champion. Today we'll take a look at the 12 teams fighting for the title, and try and predict the unpredictable!

AFC Playoff Picture
New York Jets (12-4) 1st Seed
The Jets won't be confused with the greatest show on turf any time soon, but their defense is the crowned jewel of the AFC. Allowing the least amount of points and yards per game the Jets secured homefield throughout the playoffs with an emphatic 30-6 win against hated divisional rival New England in week 16. New York then stumbled Week 17 against the Bills with not much left to play for. Don't expect that to continue into the playoffs. Geno Smith is a game manager, throwing for less than 3,000 yards on the season, but the Jets don't turn the ball over and that will be the key to their success moving forward.
Super Bowl Odds: 7:1

Tennessee Titans (12-4) 2nd Seed
When Marcus Mariota went down midseason and the Titans lost two straight it looked as if Tennessee might struggle down the stretch and be lucky to win the division. Mariota came back and led the team to a 4-1 record to wrap up the season, but more impressively threw 13 touchdowns to just 3 interceptions over that span. Lance Dunbar ran for nearly 1,500 yards while Martavis Bryant had 1,310 yards and 13 touchdowns in just 14 games with the team. With plenty of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball the Titans defense may go unnoticed, but that wouldn't be wise for any team they run up against. The Titans rank 3rd in points allowed and 2nd in yards allowed per game, a formidable no-name unit led by Brian Orakpo.
Super Bowl Odds: 11:1

Cincinnati Bengals (12-4) 3rd Seed
The Red Rifle leads the Bengals into the playoffs with a favorable home matchup in the Wildcard round. AJ Green was terrific as expected, hauling in 11 touchdowns and over 1,500 yards. The Bengals defense may have been middle of the road yardage wise, but don't let that fool you. This unit turned opposing offenses over at a high rate. The Bengals can also hit you from the ground as Jeremy Hill averaged 5.5 yards per carry on his way to nearly 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Super Bowl Odds: 13:1

Oakland Raiders (11-5) 4th Seed
This team may be the dark horse out of the AFC to go to the Super Bowl. A team that can be scary when they're on, consistency has been their biggest issue this season, as they have on occassion played down to their competition. If you let Latavius Murray get going it could be a long day. With nearly 400 touches, Murray led the league in rushing and had 93 catches on the season, a PPR machine. The Raiders put up points in bunches, but it is their underrated defense that could end up being the difference.
Super Bowl Odds: 16:1

Cleveland Browns (10-6) 5th Seed
The Browns may have boasted a middle of the road offense, but their pass defense was what really shined this season, allowing under 200 yards per game they also forced a ton of turnovers. Johnny Football got his shot and threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. The Browns will need to play mistake free football as they tangle with the Raiders in the Wildcard round if they are to make some noise in the playoffs.
Super Bowl Odds: 27:1

Indianpolis Colts (8-8) 6th Seed
The Colts exceed expectations in season 1, finishing 8-8 and taking a wild card spot. With a few key victories the Colts were able to find a place in the promise land. A mediocre at best offense led by Andrew Luck, the Colts will need to find the running game that has avoided them all season if they have a shot to beat the Bengals. Can their defense do enough to slow down AJ Green and Jeremy Hill? Most think not, but if the Colts somehow find a way their path would get no easier in the Divisional round with a trip to Jet Life Stadium.
Super Bowl Odds: 40:1

NFC Playoff Picture
Carolina Panthers (13-3) 1st Seed
Most people think defense when they hear Carolina Panthers, but that would be underselling this football team. The Panthers put up nearly 25 points per game and controlled games with their offense. Cam Newton put up nearly 4,000 yards passing and 29 touchdowns and Jonathan Stewart added almost 1,300 yards on the ground highlighting a balanaced attack that should serve the Panthers well in their chase for the title.

While having perhaps a middle of the road run defense, the Panthers defense gave up just 16.9 points per game, good for 4th in the league, and only 282.5 yards per game, good for 6th. Kwann Short led the league in sacks with 11 for a defense that knew how to get after the quarterback, leading them to force 34 turnovers. The Panthers will be a tough out for anyone.
Super Bowl Odds: 8:1

Green Bay Packers: (13-3) 2nd Seed
Home of the wFL MVP, Green Bay seemingly scored at will this season. Aaron Rodgers threw for over 4,700 yards and a mind numbing 45 touchdowns leading an offense that averaged 32 points per game, and almost 400 yards of offense. The Packers could also pound the rock as Eddie Lacy not only had 1,000 yards rushing, Bishop Sankey had over 500 on just 75 touches.

The Packers were involved in their fair share of shootouts, allowing over 20 points per game, but their defense is in the top half in yard per game, and passing yards allowed. Will their offense continue to hum in the playoffs? That will be their key.
Super Bowl Odds: 10:1

Seattle Seahawks (12-4) 3rd Seed
Beast Mode was just that, rushing for over 1,400 yards but Russel Wilson lit up opposing defenses as well. Wilson distributed the ball better than any other QB, with his top three targets having 57, 52, and 52 catches respectively. Their defense may be suspect, with the 23rd ranked pass defense. They will need to improve against the pass, especially with a potential date with the Packers if they are able to advance.
Super Bowl Odds: 18:1

Dallas Cowboys (11-5) 4th Seed
Dallas could be the jekyl and hyde of the wFL. Boosting a top 3 passing attack and a team that can put up points in bunches, the Cowboys have disappeared at times during the season. When the Cowboys are balanced they are a dangerous team. They will need to get the run game going if they are going to cause some havoc. One thing they can do though is shut down opposing quarterbacks to the tune of the 3rd ranked pass defense in the league.
Super Bowl Odds: 20:1

Atlanta Falcons (12-4) 5th Seed
Julio Jones duh goat. Jones had nearly double the yards of the next closest target on the Falcons Jacob Tamme. Despite the constant presence of double teams Julio just got open for Matt Ryan. If a defense is able to slow him down, what will the Falcons do? Probably rely on Devonta Freeman and the run game. Freeman handled the load to the tune of 1,313 yards and 10 touchdowns for Atlanta.

How far the Falcons go will be dependant on their defense. Allowing just 15.9 points per game the Falcons shut down opposing running attacks, giving up just 62 yards per game on the ground. Despite being the 5th seed, they will be an extremely tough out for the Cowboys in the first round.
Super Bowl Odds: 23:1

Chicago Bears (12-4) 6th Seed
A 12-4 6th seed, the Bears and Jeremy Langford are an old school, smash-mouth football team. They led the league in rushing with 134.6 yards per game on the ground, but don't let that fool you. RG3 threw for over 3,600 yards and 28 touchdowns on the season in a resurgent effort.

Can the Bears be good enough on defense to give them a chance? That is the big question mark. They were in the bottom half against the run during the regular season. If they can control the ball and get enough stops, the Bears may be the dark horse in the NFC.
Super Bowl Odds: 25:1
 

Looking to upgrade their weapons around young signal caller Marcus Mariota, the Titans announced during their bye week they had acquired second year wide receiver Martavis Bryant from the Steelers along with 4th year tackle Kelvin Beachum in exchange for this year's 1st and 3rd round draft picks.

GM Alotta Beerz spoke to reporters on Friday morning briefly, but touched on the deal that brought the 6'4 speedster to Nashville. "We had a chance to add a special talent to our offense, and to give Marcus [Mariota] another weapon that can help with his development."

Bryant burst onto the scene last season for Pittsburgh, hauling in 48 passes for 989 yards and 13 touchdowns. His big-play ability is something sorely needed, as through the first three games the Titans have only had two pass plays over 25 yards, neither to a receiver.

When asked about the addition of Kelvin Beachum, Beerz added "Kelvin is a youngster, but brings a certain degree of nastiness to our offensive line that we felt may have been lacking. Adding Kelvin will allow us to be more flexible on the line, and gives us another young player to add to our core."

In related news the Titans shipped off second year running back Bishop Sankey to the Packers in exchange for a 2nd round pick. Sankey had been beaten out in camp by free agent Lance Dunbar, who is averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Tennessee brought in Robert Turbin to fill the roster spot left by Sankey leaving.

The Jacksonville experiment is over in the GMCFL officially after the first regular season game took place in San Antonio, as the now Express hosted the Denver Broncos. A history of mediocrity is something the Express are trying to shake, as the former Jaguars gave their fans one last taste of the playoffs before abandoning them for greener pastures.

The last thing the organization wanted for their move was to keep the same face of their franchise as they transitioned to new beginnings, so a week before the Super Bowl they announced that quarterback Blake Bortles and their 2017 4th round pick would head to San Francisco in exchange for the bicep kissing Colin Kaepernick.

This would not be the last move involving a San Antonio draft pick, as they transformed the look and feel of their franchise during the offseason. Let's take a look at the other moves the Express made, in a transformational offseason.

San Antonio Acquires LT Xavior Stallworth from the Giants in exchange for their 2017 1st, 5th and LT Derek Sherrod

While Sherrod was serviceable, Stallworth provides a young potential franchise left tackle to protect Colin Kaepernick's blindside. A hefty price to pay for a tackle, the Express believe Stallworth stalwart for years to come.

San Antonio trades for ROLB Damion Brackett with Washington for Guard Tim Lelito their 2017 6th and 2018 5th

Brackett couldn't get enough playtime in Washington with their young linebacking core, but will have plenty of field time to show his talents in San Antonio. Brackett is a sideline to sideline defender who can drop into coverage as well as rush the passer who is about to come into his prime. Coupled with the emergence of Telvin Smith, the pair of outside linebackers give the Express a speedy duo on the outside to stop the run, and help contain the pass.

San Antonio Acquires Pittsburgh's 2017 2nd and 2018 1st for their 2017 2nd and 3rd, 2018 2nd and 3rd, and 2019 2nd

A heavy duty trade of picks that could change the face of both franchises. The Express are banking on a solid 2017 campaign for themselves, and another down year from Pittsburgh to even this trade out. Either way San Antonio comes out with a second first round pick next season, for a team who may just be that one piece away from a deep playoff run.

San Antonio Gives FS Micah Hyde 5 years and $70M

In an effort to continue to transform their 30th ranked defense the Express gave 26-year-old safety Micah Hyde the largest contract in history for someone at his position. Hyde brings a dimension lacking in the deep secondary, with the speed and talent to cover over the top, and the instincts to make plays for a secondary who desperately needs them. In his first game in an Express uniform Hyde recorded 9 tackles and an interception.

San Antonio agrees with C Travis Frederick, 4 years $55M

In an effort to replace Tim Lelito the Express gave the former Cowboy Frederick franchise center type money. Frederick is your traditional mauler of a center, who is known as a ferocious run blocker, but is still learning to pass defend. With the addition of Frederick it allows San Antonio to move their more athletic center Tracy Levingston to guard.

The Express capture CB DJ Hayden for 4 years, $35.5M

With a huge need a cornerback for a defense who was burnt consistently DJ Hayden was given a princely sum in order to help limit the big play receivers in the AFC South. Hayden had three quiet seasons in Oakland, but is a playmaker who can stay with the better wideouts in the league. 

With the 7th pick of the 2nd Round, the Express select TE Louis Chapman

Chapman is a 6'5 pass-catching tight end with skills similar to a young Rob Gronkowski. Now if he can develop into something similar is unknown at this time, but Chapman can be a solid target for Kaepernick in the short yardage and red zone passing game, to compliment Charles Clay. Chapman could easily turn out to be the best tight end of an extremely deep tight end class.
 

AFC East Shakes Up as NFC Settles Down

As we hit the home stretch, and teams begin to make their playoff pushes or fall to irrelevancy it's time to take a look at the haves and have nots in this edition of the GMCFL Power Rankings.

32  (0-10)
The Cardinals have been a train wreck in 2016, and that's most impart to the awful play of Quarterback Ryne Wooten. Wooten has just 8 touchdown passes to go along with his 27 interceptions, which leads the league. This has put their defense consistently in a hole which has led to them giving up over 30 points per game.

31   (0-10)
The Ravens haven't been much better. With three different Quarterbacks throwing at least 40 passes, the Ravens traded for Jimmy Garoppolo who has been thrust into the fire, and has performed decently. The real question between the Ravens and Cardinals is who will end up with #1 and have the ability to draft one of these playmakers?

30(1-9)

Take your pick where to begin with this squad. DeMarco Murray is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry, and second year starter Banks Moon has just 5 touchdown passes (with 20 interceptions) through the first ten games. If I were drafting in Dallas this year, I'd be trading my top 5 pick and trading down to get some offensive line help. Dallas needs too much help to not explore trading their first for a bounty of picks to a team looking to add just one more piece.

29 (1-8)
Oakland rebuilt their defense in the offseason, and has a solid core there but the other side of the ball has been suspect. Nick Foles has no one to throw to, which has been their biggest issue. The top of the draft is stocked with difference making receivers for the Raiders to choose from.

28  (2-7)
The G-Men have struggled of late, dropping games to Washington, Tampa Bay, and St. Louis. Their offense has consistently put up points, but their defense has been easier to score on than Lisa Ann. The good news for New York is that the upper part of the draft is filled with defensive talent.

27 (2-7)
Since handing over the reigns to fonsoc this team has been more competitive, knocking off the Broncos but he started in a hole this team just won't be able to climb out of. This team has talent on offense, but will need to add a linebacker or a DB with their top pick in the draft.

26  (3-7)
What has happened in Blitzburgh? The Steelers have been a solid team through the first two seasons in the GMCFL, but have fallen on hard times in 2016. The loss of LeVeon Bell has neutered the ground and pound Steeler offense. Their defense is still top notch, but without a real running threat this team has struggled. Former ROTY Carter Hayes has struggled, but there are not enough weapons around him to pass to.

25 (3-7)
The Colts looked great before the bye, sitting at 2-4 and putting the fear of God into the Vikings. They came out strong after the bye to beat the Lions, but have fallen off the face of the Earth since then. Their defense has given up 114 points in the last three games, as Andrew Luck and the offense has turned the ball over 12 times. That's not going to win many games. They have yet to play the Titans for the second time, and have not met with the surging Jags yet this season. That gives the Colts the ability to affect the playoff picture, even if they have no chance of making it themselves.

24 (3-7)
Look out for Duh Bears! They've won two of their last three, and have been competitive since their 45-10 beating from the Texans. Despite missing their starting QB Hugh Owens, the Bears have thrived under Jason Wells. They will need to draft some playmakers this offseason as both Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall have lost some steps. 

23 (3-6)
The Dolphins started 1-6 after knocking off the Browns last season in the playoffs, but have turned it around the past two weeks, getting back to what made them successful a year ago. Miami, even at 3-6 will be a dangerous team to face down the stretch if they can keep it going. The real issue is this team has gotten old. 9 starters over 30 years old, the Dolphins need to make some moves to get younger.

22 (4-6)
While you may hear from Bucs management that they just don't have the talent, they have weapons on the offensive side of the ball that many would die for. The real issue they have their is their porous offensive line. Their best lineman, Anthony Collins is 30 years old. They will need to go hard in free agency and the draft to rebuild that line. It may not be sexy, but a look through the top teams in the league will show; offensive lines win championships.

21 (5-5)
Sitting at .500, with a new owner who just put a beating on the Colts, this is a hard pick. Denver has weapons everywhere except quarterback. Mettenberger could be the answer. The Broncos will need to look for help in the backfield and the secondary in the offseason, but these guys could be a dark horse to make the playoffs out of the AFC.

20 (4-5)
What has happened to Seattle? We've become accustomed to them starting slow and then powering into the playoffs, but they have struggled this season. Occasionally we get glimpses of what made them a top team over the past two seasons, but then, when they have a chance to make a statement, lay an egg. They have a lot of cap trouble as well, so big changes are in store up in the North West.

19  (5-5)
The Washington Football Club has been a doormat the first two seasons in the GMCFL, but Coach Bobby Heenan has his squad turning heads with a chance at their first winning season. They have been beating the teams they should, but have struggled at times. If Washington can play a more consistent game the 6th playoff spot in the NFC could be theirs.

18 (4-6)
Wow. In the upset of the year the Thunderbirds ambushed the visiting Patriots, scalping Tom Brady to the tune of 5 interceptions (and 2 fumbles) on their way to a dominating 34-10 victory. Where has this Toronto team been all season? The week before they were blitzed by the Jaguars, but they put it together to slam hated division rival New England. Can this team string it together and make the playoffs? Probably not. Can they harm some playoff aspirations down the stretch? Absolutely.

17 (4-6)
Houston has struggled in the games that have mattered most this season, with a 1-3 record in the AFC South and having to line up against the Titans once more. Sam Bradford will be heading to Houston for next season, which should help with a few games, but for this year they'll need to continue to rely on a rotating door of quarterbacks.

16  (5-5)
After not winning a single game in the first two seasons, the Falcons hired a new coach who has seemingly righted the ship. If they haven't won a game, they've at least been competitive in it, something Atlanta fans haven't had in a long time. You could call them a dark horse for a playoff spot in the NFC, but outside of playing the Saints and Chiefs over the last six games, these guys could actually be favored in the other four. Could we see the Falcons soar into the playoffs?

15  (5-5)
Not if the Panthers have anything to say about it. Ace Boog1e and company have struggled without Cal Daniel, but with their star wideout back the Panthers are primed to make a run towards the playoffs over the final six weeks of the season. If they want a chance to do that though, Cam Newton will need to stop turning the ball over so much. If he can't they'll be on the outside looking in when the playoffs roll around.

14  (5-5)
Having a CPU(currently) team this high is not a joke. Green Bay knocked off Jacksonville 63-7, followed by a 13-7 victory over Houston. St. Louis restored the balance, but not before Aaron Rodgers nearly stole another victory. Hopefully an owner can take over this team and continue their winning ways.

13 (6-4)
The Bengals started out a sizzling 6-1, but have been run off the field in each of their past three games against solid competition. Their biggest issue has been turnovers, as has a lot of teams lower on this list. After agreeing to a trade in principle for the offseason to send Geno Smith to Jacksonville for Blake Bortles, Smith seemed to quit on the team against the Jets. Can they get solid play from Smith down the stretch, or will the Bengals be golfing in January?

12 (5-5)
Another playoff team from last season struggling to find their way. The Lions sit at 5-5 and in the final playoff spot in the NFC if the season ended today. Unfortunately for them it doesn't, and their schedule down the stretch includes a trip to Jacksonville, and hosting Carolina. The Lions do however have a chance to make it in to the playoffs if they can put together some wins.

11 (6-4)
Kansas City has been wildly inconsistent this season. Their saving grace has been their dominance over the AFC West, which may change with the new coaching staff in Denver. They have a leg up now, but will need a strong finish if they want to win the West for the third straight season. Their defense has consistently been a top in the GMCFL, but they will need to add some fire power on offense if they want to get over the hump.

10 (7-3)
The start of the top 10. San Francisco has been a surprise this season, but they have played consistent football all season. They may not catch the Rams in the NFC West, but they have firmly planted themselves in the playoff picture for the first time. If they can add some weapons at the wide receiver position San Francisco could be an even scarier opponent come 2017, but with Jermichael Finley and Vernon Davis the one-two punch at tight end is frightening enough this season.

9  (6-4)
That's right, the Jets have broken the top 10 thanks in part to a six game winning streak. Early in the year it looked as if the Jets would be competing for the top pick in the draft, but a complete turn around after the bye. The Jets brought in weapons on the outside, and rookie QB Cornell Albert has shined. If their defense can keep creating turnovers and putting their offense in favorable position this team could be very dangerous come playoff time.

8  (7-3)
After starting 1-2, the Jaguars have raced out to a 6-1 record and have taken control of the AFC South's second position behind Tennessee. They turn the ball over more than any of the top 10 teams, but have made enough big plays with their rookie tandem of Correy Milliner and Keshaun Boatwright to make up for it. Bortles has been solid the past two weeks, but has been a turnover machine this season. If the Jags stop turning the ball over so much they can hang with any team left.

7 (8-2)
The Saints. Ramses Barden just catches touchdown passes. No one has been able to stop him this season, except for the injury he suffered earlier in the year. He's back and making plays, and that makes New Orleans dangerous. The two games without him they scored 30 points, total. The three games around that they scored no less than 30. You figure that one out. As the playoffs come around, will the Saints be able to put up points if teams are able to take away Barden? That'll be the biggest question for the Saints as they look to make a run to a Championship.

6  (8-2)
What was once thought to be a real race in the AFC North sees Cleveland now two games ahead and in the drivers seat. They would like nothing more than to earn a bye in the Wildcard round and get some rest, but they will need to get passed the Titans in Week 15. They'll have a lot of people cheering for them to do just that. Johnny Jam Boogie has put on another MVP performance this season, and will need to continue to confuse defenses if the Browns are to earn a bye.

5 (8-2)
How the mighty have fallen. The defending Super Bowl champions loved to tout their 23 game winning streak before being knocked off by the Titans in Week 10. A hiccup most said, as the Titans have been rolling this season. Then Week 11 came around and the Thunderbirds not just beat, but dominated the Patriots. That has a lot of people in Patriot nation worried about the future. With the Jets twice, the Niners, Seahawks, and Dolphins left to go the Patriots will need to right the ship and quickly. I'll leave this here...is Brady done?

4  (9-1)
St. Louis may not have made the playoffs last season, but they have been a dominating team since the GMCFL began. With their high-powered offense, the Rams can score at will. They don't turn the ball over much and play a "hide and seek" defense. When you think you have someone open BAM Manti Te'o makes something happen. No matter who they get in the playoffs, the Rams will be a tough out.

3 (9-1)
The defending NFC Champions have continued their winning ways. They run the ball at will most games, and play great defense. They have been the most consistent regular season team over the past three seasons, and outside of a game with Minnesota have one of the easiest schedules down the stretch. It looks almost certain a bye week will head to Philadelphia again, but they will need to keep themselves focused to make sure someone doesn't trip them up along the way.

2  (9-0)
The Vikings have quietly run off to a 9-0 record this season behind Teddy Bridgewater. Their schedule takes a turn for the worse over their last 7 games with contests against Philadelphia and Tennessee. After those two games the Vikings could cement their place as a Super Bowl favorite, or be looking at a first round date instead of a week of rest. Their defense, led by Linvall Joseph and his 11 sacks takes advantage of the rest offered by their ball control offense and AP, who seems ageless at this point. Minnesota will need to draft a successor at some point though, as Peterson can't play forever.

1  (10-0)
It's un-American to have the Titans at number one, but they have been the best team in the league this season, so far. However they will be tested over the final six games, with the Vikings at home, but trips to Cleveland and Jacksonville to close out the season looming. LeSean McCoy has run the ball well, but nothing like last season. In that place Duncan Hartley has put up big numbers with newest target Julius Thomas. The front runner in the AFC, the Titans will need to continue to make plays on defense if they want to have a chance to run the table.