With the NFL season halfway done and in full swing, there are several teams that have risen above the rest. However, the league seems to be more competitive than ever this season with many games turning out to be closer than anyone ever thought they’d be.

1. The New England Patriots – The Patriots are the clear choice to be named the best team in the league thus far. With Tom Brady MIA via suspension for the first four regular season games, the world expected him and his Pats to be forced to recover from a slow and possibly tumultuous start – this was not the case. Backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and other key players lead the team to a surprising 3-1 start. With the strong start, it was Brady time. As usual, he has not disappointed. He leads the league with a 91.5 QBR and is also excelling with 12 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Currently sitting at 7-1, the Pats hold a three game lead over the second place Miami Dolphins, and no one is expecting that to change anytime soon.
2. The Dallas Cowboys – To this point, the only team competing with the Pats for the number one spot in the league is the Cowboys. No one called this one, though. With the fragile Tony Romo injured as usual, rookie QB Dak Prescott has stepped up in a major way. As unprecedented as it is, Prescott has lead America’s team to 7 straight victories as 7-1. Another rookie making huge gains is breakout running back Ezekiel Elliot. Elliot is taking the league by storm as he is currently on pace to rack up enough yardage to take the second most season rushing yards for a rookie in league history. Look for the Cowboys come playoff time.
3. The Seattle Seahawks – As everyone expected entering the season, the Seahawks are back and showing the same skill and talent that had led them to their ongoing success over the span the last number of years. However, success hasn’t come as easily for the Hawks this season as it has before. With the absence of the now retired Marshawn Lynch, the team has the third least overall rushing yards in the league and has struggled to put up large numbers on offense. The defense, however, is back to its same tricks and pulling out all important wins for Seattle. Sitting at 5-2-1, expect the Seattle Seahawks to return to the NFC Championship and potentially even the Super Bowl.
4. The Oakland Raiders – Unlike the majority of the teams on this list, no one expected this team to be sitting at 7-2 through nine games in with a commanding lead in the always competitive AFC West. This Cinderella story team has picked up key victories against the league’s best against teams like Denver, Baltimore, and New Orleans and is showing no signs of slowing down. Currently on a three game winning streak, expect Derek Carr and the Oakland Raiders to ride this momentum to the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
5. The Atlanta Falcons – The Falcons seem to always consistently find themselves on the brink of success without actually obtaining it. Part of the blame can be placed on the Carolina Panthers’ and New Orleans Saints’ constant success in swiping the division title from the hands of the Falcons. However, this season both division rivals are struggling, and Atlanta has taken a commanding divisional lead in route to a playoff berth. The Falcons currently lead the league in points scored per game and hope to continue to ride the backs of offensive stars Matt Ryan and Julio Jones as far as they can into the postseason.