Can These Surprise Teams Hold On?

Halfway through the season, the NFL has offered some pleasant surprises. But how will these teams respond to the second half of the season?

• San Francisco 49ers: The Niners have gotten off to an 8-0 start thanks to a dominant defensive line led by Nick Bosa (seven sacks, one interception) and Arik Armstead (5.5 sacks, 28 tackles). Their rushing attack has also been strong, with the second-most team rushing yards in the NFL (171.1 team yards per game). There isn't a dominant rusher, but the play action scheme ran by Kyle Shanahan, combined with a balanced rushing attack, has put San Francisco on top of the NFC. Can They Hold On? It certainly seems like it. The Monday night game against Seattle will be a barometer of if San Francisco will win the NFC West and they have a tougher second half schedule with games against the Rams, Ravens, Packers, and Saints. But the Niners should make the playoffs and will be a better team if Jimmy Garappolo can put together a solid second half.
• Carolina Panthers: Carolina has gotten off to a good start thanks to Christian McCaffrey's MVP-caliber season; the running back has 735 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards a carry. Carolina's also getting to the quarterback thanks to a strong linebacker group; they're tied for second in the NFL with 30 team sacks, with Mario Addison (6.5 sacks) leading the way. Can They Hold On? The game against San Francisco exposed Carolina on how to beat them: pressure the quarterback and disrupt the passing game. They also have a tough second half schedule, with games against the Saints (twice), Seahawks, Colts, and Packers. It'll be tough with the NFC playoff picture being tight. But if the Panthers just rely on their formula to get them by and win the games they need to win, they should be in the hunt.
• Oakland Raiders: Yes, the Raiders are 3-4, which is not a promising record. But they do have a win against Indianapolis and a good running back in Josh Jacobs (620 rushing yards, five yards per carry, four touchdowns). Derek Carr has also been sufficient, completing 72.1% of his passes for 1,695 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions. Can They Hold On? The Raiders have the biggest offensive line in the NFL, which has helped move the offense. The Raiders also have a tame second half schedule; only the Chiefs are above .500 and will play the Raiders in the second half. Considering how weak the AFC is, it's possible the Raiders can make a second half run to make the playoffs.
  
• Buffalo Bills: Bills Mafia has been jumping through some flaming tables for joy lately, for the Bills are 6-2 and holding one of the two wild card spots in the AFC. A strong secondary (194.4 passing yards per game allowed) has buoyed a defense (third-fewest yards allowed with 303.9 total yards per game allowed) that has shut opponents down. Frank Gore (422 rushing yards, 4.4 rushing yards per game) has also seen a renaissance in his career. Can They Hold On? As mentioned earlier, the AFC is not a strong conference. But it's on the Bills to get Josh Allen to be better. They won't catch New England in the AFC East, but they should be a wild card team if they get the passing game going.