10 NFL Teams That Have the Most to Be Thankful for This Year
Thanksgiving usually brings up thoughts of pie and penalty flags, and this NFL season gives more than a few fan bases plenty to smile about. While not every team is on cruise control, a handful have reasons to be grateful—ranging from surprising player breakouts to bold coaching bets that actually paid off. Here’s a look at 10 teams riding their good fortune into the final stretch.
The Chicago Bears Found a Head Coach Who Actually Knows Offense
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Chicago’s new head coach, Ben Johnson, turned what had been a stagnant, predictable unit into one of the most watchable offenses in the league. The Bears now lead in pass-block win rate, and they’re in the top five for yards per game. That’s no small feat for a team that hasn’t cracked that list since the Walter Payton era.
New England Hit the Quarterback-Coach Jackpot Again
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Drake Maye was the third overall pick, but he’s been playing like he should’ve gone first. Paired with Mike Vrabel—who’s already won over the locker room—the Patriots look like they’ve landed another long-term duo at the two most important spots. Maye’s deep-ball accuracy has energized the offense and helped fuel a nine-game winning streak.
Detroit Has a Running Back Who’s Chasing History
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Jahmyr Gibbs isn’t new to the league, but he’s playing with the speed and burst that still catches defenses by surprise. He’s now within striking distance of Barry Sanders’ record for most touchdowns scored before turning 24, a milestone that puts him in rare company for any player, let alone one this young.
Green Bay’s Gamble on Micah Parsons Paid Off
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Micah Parsons is doing exactly what Packers fans hoped when the team pulled off a surprise summer trade with Dallas. Eleven games in, he’s hit double-digit sacks again and helped turn Jeff Hafley’s defense into a top-tier unit. His presence has made life easier for the entire front seven.
The Colts Benefited From Betting on Daniel Jones
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Indianapolis made a gutsy move by shifting away from Anthony Richardson and handing the offense to Daniel Jones. The Colts sit at 8–3 and look nothing like the team that spent years searching for a stable quarterback plan. Jones has delivered early efficiency, and Shane Steichen has leaned into that momentum.
Denver Is Unbeaten at Home, and That Matters
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A 6-0 home record doesn’t happen by accident. The altitude helps, sure, but Denver’s defense deserves credit for clamping down when it counts. Patrick Surtain II leads a secondary that rarely breaks, and the team has gone 7-2 in one-score games, after going 1-6 in those same situations last year.
The Chargers Should Thank Justin Herbert’s Durability
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Two starting tackles have gone down, and the run game still sputters. Even so, the Chargers keep moving the ball, and that’s largely because Justin Herbert won’t let the offense collapse. He’s scrambling more, throwing under pressure, and converting third downs at one of the highest rates in the league.
Baltimore Is in the Right Division at the Right Time
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An early 1-5 hole could’ve sunk the Ravens, but the AFC North left the door wide open. Cleveland’s stuck with growing pains, and Pittsburgh hasn’t found its rhythm. Now, Baltimore is tied for the division lead and has a clearer path to a home playoff game than anyone expected back in September.
Philadelphia’s Midseason Trade Looks Better Each Week
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Acquiring Jaelan Phillips at the deadline didn’t make huge headlines, but it should have. He’s brought immediate pressure off the edge and helped stabilize a defense that had started to slip. With the Eagles clinging to leads and looking for answers in the pass rush, Phillips has become the difference-maker they badly needed.
San Francisco’s Backup Quarterback Saved Their Season
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When Brock Purdy missed eight games, the 49ers didn’t fall apart. Mac Jones stepped in and kept the offense on schedule. He protected the ball and gave San Francisco enough to stay in the playoff mix. In a year full of injuries, Jones’ efficiency may be what ultimately keeps their Super Bowl hopes alive.