The ninth week of the NFL Season has concluded, and this time of year is when the contenders start to isolate themselves from the pretenders. Playing bad teams and winning ugly is the sign of a pretender while finding an identity and establishing a consistent winning culture is the sign of a contender. Let's take a look at a handful of NFL teams and decide what category they fall in...

Miami Dolphins: PRETENDERS

The Dolphins have taken advantage of their easy schedule, as they are 6-3 and atop the AFC East. Though they've shown flashes of greatness, Miami has struggled to compete with the upper echelon of teams in the AFC. Tua and the Dolphins are 6-0 against losing teams but have yet to win a game against a winning club. The offense looks pedestrian against top defenses, and they've had trouble on the road. Miami has been fun to watch, but it's evident that this team's ceiling for this year is a first-round playoff exit, especially if they encounter a team like Buffalo in the Wild Card...

Baltimore Ravens: CONTENDERS

The Ravens are the best team in the AFC, and you could make a tangible argument that they are the best team in the entire league. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are running all over teams, as their running back-by-committee offense is working like a charm. Mark Andrews and the pass catchers are improving each week, and Baltimore is finally establishing a consistent passing attack to pair with their potent run game. Finally, the Ravens' fearless defense, led by Roquan Smith, are completely shutting teams down. Baltimore's defense is allowing just 13.8 points per game this season, and DC Mike Macdonald is arguably the best assistant coach in football. The Ravens' combination of offense and defense is terrifying, and they'll be a formidable challenge for anyone in the AFC come January...

Seattle Seahawks: PRETENDERS

Much like the Dolphins, Seattle has floundered against the top teams in the league, outside of their OT win over the Lions in Week Two. The Seahawks got obliterated on the road in Baltimore, and their biggest deficiencies were on full display. Seattle's injury-riddled and lackluster O-line broke down in pass protection on Sunday and couldn't establish movement in the run game. On paper, the Seahawks' receiving corps is one of the more talented units in the league, but they've yet to mesh well together. Geno can be superb at times, but he can't be the engine of an offense like Mahomes and Jackson are for their teams. The defense is hit or miss, and Pete Carroll's coaching style is becoming obsolete. Seattle could win a playoff game in January, but that's their ceiling...

Kansas City Chiefs: CONTENDERS

Until Patrick Mahomes retires, the Chiefs will be contenders. The offense hasn't been outstanding, but Kansas City is always a sluggish offensive team to start the year. Mahomes and Andy Reid will likely cook up an unthinkable solution to their issues offensively relatively soon, and they have the time to do so because their defense is playing lights out. KC's Defense is allowing just 15.2 PPG this season and have shut down multiple potent offenses, including Jacksonville and Miami. Contrary to popular belief, Mahomes is still Mahomes and will captain the Chiefs' Offense to a fantastic finish, while the defense will continue their stellar play. The AFC will likely still run through KC when it's all said and done...

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