We’re rounding the midway point of the season now that Week 9 is winding down. We still have quite a bit of parity, but it also feels like more clarity is coming with each passing week. There’s more buzz around perennial heavyweights like the Ravens, Bills and Chiefs. There also is more genuine hope in places like New England, Indianapolis, Chicago and Carolina these days.
That’s a great thing to see. It means the games will be even more meaningful in the coming months. We don’t have to wait wistfully for epic matchups like the one between Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes that played out once again in Buffalo (with the Bills winning, 28-21). Instead, we can anticipate a number of huge games happening in the second half, especially with so many competitive division races in the works.
This edition of The First Read wants to jump into that space, since we know postseason bids won’t come easily this season. The theme this week focuses on the people who will heavily influence how the second half plays out. These are the ones who make the most sense …