Emmerson Cattich | Opinion Editor
The NFL season has been filled with surprises, upsets, and most of all, injuries. As we approach the trade deadline (November 5), the top teams will look to fill in the holes injuries have left in their rosters.
Below is my analysis of the updated (as of Tuesday, 10/29/24) top four teams in the Week 9 ESPN Power Rankings:
1. Kansas City Chiefs (7-0)
Fresh off a close win against their division rival Raiders, the Chiefs continue yet another dominant season. Kansas City hasn’t waited for the deadline to hit. They’ve already traded for Deandre Hopkins from the Titans, who posted a meager two receptions for 29 yards in his first game with the team, and more recently, outside linebacker Josh Uche from the Patriots. Despite these moves, the Chiefs still have cap space to spend and will be looking to target more pass rush–like Khalil Mack (Chargers) or Chase Young (Saints)–or possibly Marshon Lattimore (also from New Orleans) to bolster their secondary. But do they even have any more assets to offer up?
2. Detroit Lions (6-1)
The Lions look like the best team in the NFC after a massive 52-14 win vs. the Titans. The Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery two-headed rushing attack is lethal, however, there is a glaring hole in the defense. Star edge Aiden Hutchinson is out for the season after a gruesome leg injury, and the Lions need to replace him to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive. Some names to watch for at the trade deadline are Chase Young, Za’Darius Smith (Browns), and Jadeveon Clowney (Panthers); all of which they wouldn’t have to give up much to get.
3. Buffalo Bills (5-2)
Josh Allen, Keon Coleman, and James Cook looked dominant in their 31-10 road win vs. the Seahawks. As they gain steam, they look more and more like a team capable of taking down the Chiefs. After acquiring Amari Cooper from the Browns, the team will still be looking to pad their receiving core. The Bills have been involved in multiple trade rumors: Jadeveon Clowney and Cooper Kupp (Rams). The Kupp trade may be seemingly impossible, but don’t be surprised if it happens.
4. Green Bay Packers (6-2)
Despite quarterback Jordan Love going down with a groin strain early in the Packers’ Week 8 contest vs. the Jaguars, the team still pulled out the win 30-27. Love is considered day-to-day, and Green Bay will need him and the deadly passing game he provides to make a push in their huge matchup vs. the Lions this week. At the deadline, the Packers need to bolster their pass rush and secondary. They should look to add Azeez Ojulari (Giants) or Greg Newsome II (Browns). Or, in a dream world, Maxx Crosby (Raiders).
These four teams are favored to end up being in the conference championship games at the end of this year, and the moves they make at the deadline could make or break their hopes of a Super Bowl.
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