The hunt for the playoffs is well underway. Several teams are already stuck in the playoffs. Others are about to punch their ticket. In no time, the race for the next Lombardi Trophy will be in full swing. But how did the best teams get there? The truth is, there are many reasons: years of roster building, weakened divisional foes, mid-season adjustments. On that last point, all of this year’s contenders have made some tweaks to become more formidable.
With that in mind, here are some of the biggest in-season moves each of the NFL’s top 10 teams have made so far:
Move: Sign Linval Joseph
Howie Roseman gave his best in the offseason, improving virtually every position necessary to build one of the most balanced rosters in the NFL. But Joseph, signed in mid-November, plugged in as an instant run tamper during Jordan Davis’ absence, helping shore up an already loaded D-line. He offers Grade-A depth behind Javon Hargrave and Fletcher Cox heading into the playoffs.
Move: Incorporate James Cook
Rather than forcing the keys for the trade acquisition of Nyheim Hines, Buffalo increasingly turned to the rookie running back as a change of pace complement to Josh Allen, and it paid off. On virtually half the number of carries Devin Singletary did, Dalvin’s brother snatched more 20 yards than everyone but Allen, giving an already potent offense more electricity.
Move: With Jerick McKinnon
Andy Reid has relied on many committees of running backs over the years, but their more extensive use of sneaky veteran reserve McKinnon has given perhaps MVP favorite Patrick Mahomes a better safety valve. safety out of the backfield. Four times since November, McKinnon has recorded at least six catches, totaling more than 250 yards from scrimmage in weeks 14-15 alone.
Move: Acquisition of TJ Hockenson
Kevin O’Connell’s side were already moving the ball long before Hockenson arrived at the trade deadline, but the former Lions player made a smooth transition, catching at least five assists in five of his seven matches in purple. His ability to finish in the top 10 at that position also opened up plenty of avenues for Justin Jefferson, who is rightfully vying for the first-season 2,000-yard receiving yardage.
Move: Give control to Joe Burrow
Wondering why Cincinnati moved the ball despite wide receiver injuries and a slow start to the year? According to NFL mediaJoe Burrow gained more control over audibles and play calls starting in Week 5. Since then, the Bengals have won six of seven, and Burrow is an MVP favorite thanks to his precise, no-nonsense management. pocket effort.
Move: Acquisition of Christian McCaffrey
When San Francisco mortgaged multiple picks for the ex-Panthers star at the deadline, it felt like a luxury gesture. Now, with two reserve QBs injured and Deebo Samuel also banged up, it looks like a necessary gamble. McCaffrey has been exactly the versatile threat he was meant to be, and his dual-threat reliability is perfect for Kyle Shanahan’s heavy system.
Move: Feeding Tony Pollard
Ezekiel Elliott is technically still “headlining” Dallas backfield, but they finally leaned on Pollard this year, and the speedy complementary back rewarded them with more than 1,200 scrimmage yards in 14 games, all averaging six yards per touch. If Dak Prescott can’t control the ball in critical time, at least they can get it into Pollard’s hands.
Move: Acquired Roquan Smith
For Lamar Jackson’s sake, you wish their big splash had been released widely. But the addition of Smith in a trade with the Bears has really set the heart racing for the Ravens’ now stingy defense, which is allowing an average of just 18.8 points per game. The Pro Bowl linebacker has been a ball magnet in six games since moving, and his strength will come in handy in January.
Move: Promote Fabian Moreau
Short of the cap and content to let Brian Daboll max out a transition roster, the Giants’ big adjustment isn’t a season change, but it has helped bring unexpected stability to the secondary. With Adoree Jackson injured, Moreau stepped in from the practice squad as an adequate No. 1 corner on the outside, recording career marks in opposition completion percentage.
Move: Cameron Dicker’s signature
If the Chargers are good at anything, it’s playing particularly dramatic close games. In this case, a clutch kicker is invaluable, and Dicker, an undrafted rookie signed in November, has been an ace as a go-to in times of crisis. Nearly perfect (25-26) on extra points and field goals with LA, he also had three game-winning kicks during the year, including two with the Chargers in just over a month.