In the 1970s, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle didn’t like seeing the league dominated by a handful of teams. During his tenure, the number of teams and divisions increased, the NFL draft (begun way back in the 1930s) continued to evolve and strengthen, and the rules of free agency changed. All that change, over time, allowed many more cities to experience the excitement of the playoffs. Today, parity is a reality — to the point that there are no longer any dynasties.
 
And so it is that, in 2022, NFL fans are enjoying (or hating) seeing former cellar dwellers become contenders. The mighty are falling week after week. Teams that have glorious histories are being pummeled by teams that just ‘arrived’ yesterday. With the most fluid free agency and coaching environment in the sport’s history, the fortunes of teams can rise and fall quickly.
 
At the halfway mark of the 2022 season, what can we say is clear? The Vikings are running away with the NFC North. That’s about it. Even the undefeated Eagles are not a lock to win their division, although they are just about a lock to make the playoffs.
 
Recall that my 14 playoff picks were (alphabetically): NFC - Bucs, Cowboys, Eagles, Falcons, Packers, Rams, Saints. AFC - Bengals, Bills, Chiefs, Colts, Raiders, Ravens, Titans. All of my picks are still healthy and in the hunt, although the Colts, Packers, and Raiders need to turn things around — and fast. All 32 teams still have 8 or 9 games left, so let’s withhold judgment a while longer.
 
My top match of Week Ten will not be nationally televised; it is Vikings at Bills on Sunday. Catch it if you can. Two very big NFC showdowns take place later on Sunday: the Packers trying to right the ship versus the Cowboys and the Cardinals trying to stay alive in the NFC West versus the Rams. I also think that inter-conference Sunday night game — Chargers at 49ers — will be quite entertaining and will strongly affect both West coast divisions.

Last weekend, my picks went an excellent 10-3. Here are the Week Ten matches — and my picks:
 
1.     Falcons            at Panthers     Falcons            TNF
2.     Seahawks        at Bucs            Bucs               in Munich
3.     Vikings             at Bills             Bills
4.     Lions                at Bears           Bears
5.     Jaguars            at Chiefs          Chiefs
6.     Browns            at Dolphins      Dolphins
7.     Texans             at Giants          Giants
8.     Saints              at Steelers       Saints
9.     Broncos           at Titans          Titans
10.  Colts                at Raiders        Raiders
11.  Cowboys           at Packers       Cowboys
12.  Cardinals          at Rams           Rams
13.  Chargers           at 49ers         49ers               SNF
14.  Commanders at Eagles            Eagles              MNF
 
The Bengals, Jets, Patriots, and Ravens have byes. 
 
Let the second half begin!