NFL Studs & Duds Halfway Through The 2017 Season

     We are now getting through the heart of each team's schedules where every games become more crucial! Players and teams are going to and have to step up if they want to put themselves in a good position down the stretch. Here are my studs and duds through the halfway mark of the season.



 Studs


     Antonio Brown

    Arguably the best Wide Receiver in the NFL, Brown is on pace to exceed 1,700 receiving yards on the season. Which would be the 2nd most of his career. While he may not reach double digits in touchdown receptions this year, it is easy to see he is a huge factor in the Steelers offense and leads the league in receiving yards!

Demarcus Lawrence

    While the Dallas Cowboys are off to a slower start this season, one bright spot has been Defensive End Demarcus Lawrence. Lawrence currently leads the league in sacks with 10.5 and also has forced three fumbles. A pro bowl appearance sure looks like it will be in the cards for the 4th year DE out of Boise State.

Alex Smith


     One of the headliners of the 2005 NFL Draft was Alex Smith. It took him a while before he really got a chance to prove himself. While he may not be the flashiest or most dynamic Quarterback in the game, he has proven to be reliable. 2nd in passing yards (only trailing Tom Brady for league best) Smith has 16 touchdowns passes and an unbelievable ZERO interceptions through the team's first 8 games. Very solid and one of the reasons why Kansas City is in first place in the AFC West.

Duds


Oakland Raiders


    Had them as duds in the first quarter of the season, still have to consider and repeat that this team has under performed. Derek Carr got hurt again and put the Raiders in a tough position again and were not able to adjust very well without him once again. While they were able to defeat Kansas City, they were not able to beat Buffalo and were rather handled easily in that game by a score of 34-14 and drop to a record of 3-5. Again, this team was probably considered a Super Bowl contender by some and definitely primed for a playoff run. Unless something changes quick, all that may be gone out the window.

A.J. Green


     Yes A.J. Green is still a big time threat to secondaries. Yes he still can and does make big plays. But so far through 7 games, Green has not been very consistent. He only has had two games where he reached the 100 yard mark in receiving and only has 4 touchdown receptions to go with it. Although he is not living up to what is expected of him, teams will still not take him lightly. Lets see if Green can have a better second half to the season.

Cam Newton


     The Carolina Panthers are in a good spot right now. Already a big improvement from last season, they are sitting good with a 5-3 record and only a half game out of first in the NFC South. But quarterback Cam Newton has struggled at times. He is tied for the most interceptions in the league and has lost a fumble. If the Panthers want to make it back to the playoffs, they are going to need Newton to limit the turnovers.

Feel free to let me know what you think and who some of your studs and duds are at the moment!

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