The NFL has already gifted us a better-than-expected 2019 season: A from-nowhere, analytically supercharged juggernaut forming in Baltimore. A futuristic, front-loaded defense in San Francisco. A masterclass in quarterback play from Russell Wilson in Seattle. Enough formidable challengers to New England’s sustained dominance to keep us interested, even as New England evolves before our eyes.
While the stage isn’t set for the next phase of the football calendar, it’s coming into clear-enough focus that we can start to look at the playoff picture without anticipating too many insane vacillations between now and the end of December.