NFL Trick or Treat: Breaking Down the Contenders

Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) reacts after throwing his second touchdown pass in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) reacts after throwing his second touchdown pass in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) reacts after throwing his second touchdown pass in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) reacts after throwing his second touchdown pass in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Who are the real contenders and pretenders in the NFL?

On the eve of Halloween, I thought it only appropriate to play trick or treat with some of the contenders and pretenders in the NFL.

In some cases, a team’s record is enough to dub them contenders. But in other cases, like the Philadelphia Eagles or San Diego Chargers, records don’t justify the actual quality of the team.

What exactly do I mean by that?

In short, the Eagles and Chargers aren’t serious contenders in the NFL.

Why?

You’ll just have to click through to find out why the real contenders and pretenders are.