Taking a look at the top 10 teams on this list, how different were they than what we expected going into the year? Sure, the Broncos let us down. The Vikings surprised us. The Dolphins emerged faster than we could have imagined. But largely, we are looking at these kind of immovable (for now) stalwarts who are defined by elite quarterback play (the 49ers, who may have the deepest offensive roster in the NFL, aside).
It puts into perspective just how gross, stupid or plain unreasonable a team will get in order for a shot at putting themselves in this orbit. That’s why Cleveland did what it did. That’s why the Broncos, who fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett on Monday in the ultimate scapegoat maneuver, did what it did to get Russell Wilson. That’s why the Colts seem to be doing what they're doing (purposely veering the vehicle off a steep cliff) right now.
Will it seem worth it a few years from now?
