NFL midseason grades: 2 teams go from Super Bowl hopes to Fs, while overachieving Giants, Browns receive high praise

The New York Giants and Washington Commanders, who were once Super Bowl hopefuls, have taken a nosedive this NFL season, while the overachieving New York Giants and Cleveland Browns have received high praise.

In the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills have had a stellar first half of the season with a 7-1 record. They are in a prime position for the first seed in the AFC, thanks to their MVP-level quarterback Josh Allen and the acquisition of safety Amani Hooker at the trade deadline. However, their defense has struggled to begin the season, which could be a concern going into the playoffs.

The Miami Dolphins, on the other hand, have struggled, falling to 1-7 despite battling hard under their new head coach Jeff Hafley. Rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez has had some promising moments, but the team as a whole has fallen short of expectations.

In the AFC North, the Cincinnati Bengals have been impressive, with a 6-2 record. They have successfully kept their star quarterback Joe Burrow healthy and have also fielded a solid defense, positioning themselves well for a potential Super Bowl run. The Pittsburgh Steelers have also had a solid season, with a 6-2 record. While they may face skepticism about their staying power, they have managed to win games and improve, thanks in part to their run game and defense.

The Cleveland Browns have had a more mixed season, with a 5-4 record. Head coach Todd Monken has managed to get the team to a winning record despite having a challenging quarterback situation. The Browns' young cast, including rookie receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, is exciting, but they still need to address their quarterback situation before the 2027 NFL Draft.

In the AFC South, the Jacksonville Jaguars have had a very good first half of the season, posting a 6-2 record. They have made significant moves at the trade deadline and currently lead the NFL in point differential. The Houston Texans have had a tougher season, starting 0-4 and suffering losses in high-stakes games. While they have talent, they have not been able to capitalize on their potential yet.