Overrated and Underrated NFL Teams: Week 10 NFC Contenders and Pretenders

The NFL season is a long one with lots of ups and downs. Every year, certain franchises capture the spotlight with early-season success, while others silently climb the ranks, avoiding the media's attention.

In the world of professional football, the line between being a contender and a pretender is razor-thin, and it's a subject that sparks passionate debates among fans and experts alike.

In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the dynamic landscape of the NFL and examine the overrated and underrated teams that have emerged as contenders or pretenders in the NFC ahead of Week 10 of the 2023 NFL season.

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Week 10 Overrated NFC Teams

Detroit Lions

• Record: 6-2
• Current Division Standing: First Place (NFC North)

I have a feeling this is going to be an unpopular opinion. I get it. You love Dan Campbell, I love Dan Campbell, everybody loves Dan Campbell. The meathead turned coaching savant has undeniably done a phenomenal job turning around this long-suffering franchise, instilling a toughness and winning mentality that I can't remember the Lions possessing in my lifetime...but is this team as good as their 6-2 record indicates?

The Detroit Lions are the new America’s Team. Troy Aikman confirmed.

In Brad Holmes we trust. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/IwOeLXR1rm

— MAYOR OF HITSVILLE 🥷🏽 (@AaronDontJudge) October 31, 2023

After building positive momentum with a 9-8 season in 2022, Campbell's bunch has been a rocket ship in 2023 by getting off to a 6-2 start that's given them a stranglehold on the NFC North. Honestly, the Lions likely aren't slowing down anytime soon, as their remaining schedule is dotted with divisional opponents like the Bears, Packers, and Vikings, as well as out-of-division foes such as the Broncos and Saints.

A great record, sound statistical output, and a clear path to a division title, so how are the Lions overrated? It's tough to put a finger on, but a Week 7 38-6 beatdown at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens raises some red flags about how this team stacks up against a quality, physical opponent outside of the comforts of the dome at Ford Field.

Outside of that game and a season-opening trip to Kansas City, has Detroit really been tested this season? If we toss out the Ravens and Chiefs, the combined record of the Lions 2023 opponents is 19-30. The schedule certainly isn't Detroit's fault, but it's fair to wonder if the loveable Lions are as good as their record indicates. This week's matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers will be a nice measuring stick.

Seattle Seahawks

• Record: 5-3
• Current Division Standing: Tied for First Place (NFC West)

Despite being currently tied atop the NFC West with a 5-3 record, the Seahawks seem to be in a precarious position. After facing one of the league's easiest schedules across the first half of the season, Pete Carroll's squad must still face the division-rival 49ers twice, in addition to both the Eagles and Cowboys down the stretch.

While the Seahawks are currently on the right side of the Win/Loss column, they have actually been outscored by their opponents in 2023 by a tally of 171 to 175. That hasn't really been against great competition, either, as Seattle's 2023 opponents currently sport a combined record of 30-38.

After a breakout 2022 campaign for quarterback Geno Smith, Seattle has struggled to find a great rhythm this season. Smith is averaging a mediocre 214.5 passing yards per game, while the ground game has sputtered to just an average of 97.3 rushing yards per game.

The Seahawks have only defeated two teams that currently have a winning record and are coming off their worst loss of the year in Week 9, a 37-3 blowout at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens.

Move forward. pic.twitter.com/A1BhteSbgM

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 5, 2023

Week 10 Underrated NFC Teams

San Francisco 49ers

• Record: 5-3
• Current Division Standing: Tied First Place (NFC West)

Who are the San Francisco 49ers? Are they the team that looked dominant en route to a 5-0 start to the season or the squad that's now lost three straight?

The answer probably falls somewhere in the middle, but I think the Niners are closer to the latter than the former, as the public perception of Kyle Shanahan's team currently sits at rock bottom. Have some cracks started to show for San Francisco? Sure. Does this bad stretch mean this team can't still win the Super Bowl? Probably not.

Back at it 💪#FTTB x #SFvsJAX pic.twitter.com/nIAK1Qr1OM

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 8, 2023

Brock Purdy was never going to go undefeated as the team's starter and some injury issues have certainly stalled out the second-year quarterback's progress as of late. That injury theme always seems to be at play with the Niners, who have also dealt with their dynamic star wideout Deebo Samuel missing multiple games.

While getting healthy is an unpredictable part of the puzzle for San Fran, the prospect of a postseason run remains high, as they are ultimately an extremely talented, well-coached football team.

Minnesota Vikings

• Record: 5-4
• Current Division Standing: Second Place (NFC North)

There are lots of reasons why the Vikings shouldn't be 5-4 right now, including the absence of star wide receiver Justin Jefferson and the season-ending injury to starting quarterback Kirk Cousins. Despite those setbacks - and an abysmal 1-4 start to the season - Kevin O'Connell's squad has shown some serious grit while winning their last four games.

With Jefferson designated to return from Injured Reserve soon, and trade acquisition Joshua Dobbs seemingly solidifying the QB position to an extent, the Vikes' situation suddenly doesn't appear quite as dire as it did just a couple of weeks ago.

We're going to say it.

Sunday was a ... MOVIEEEEEEE! 🎬@cambeezy_ pic.twitter.com/p9bD4OGdUd

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 8, 2023

With the offensive line continuing to gel and Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores' aggressive defense improving weekly, Minnesota could remain a factor in the NFC North down the stretch, especially with two matchups remaining against the division-leading Detroit Lions.

The Vikings could extend their unlikely winning streak over the next month. Minnesota's immediate schedule offers four winnable games, as they are set to square off against the Saints, Broncos, Bears, and Raiders in succession. Although this squad has been left for dead by many, don't be surprised if their Week 16 and 18 matchups with the Lions have very real divisional stakes.

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