The NFL trade deadline is approaching rapidly with just over a week remaining for contending teams to add to potential playoff-bound rosters while underperforming squads can sell off valuable pieces.
For current contenders, this year of all years should be motivation to buy at the deadline. Top teams have lost in uncharacteristic fashion consistently. While division leaders are standing out, there has been noticeable parody in the league.
As a result, a few notable teams could look to create separation with a midseason addition. Here are four NFL contenders who could benefit from adding at the trade deadline.
Kansas City Chiefs
AFC West Odds: -1700
Super Bowl Odds: +450
The reigning Super Bowl champions are still producing as they always do. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce remain elite, Isaiah Pacheco works to improve the running game and pass-catchers such as Rashee Rice have all contributed to the offense.
Nonetheless, another weapon for Mahomes could make all the difference. The Chiefs were not fully in on DeAndre Hopkins as a free agent due to cap room. Could now be the time for Kansas City to pursue to the All-Pro receiver in a potential deal with the Tennessee Titans?
Addition to the wide receivers room or a move on defense could make sense for Kansas City.
Baltimore Ravens
AFC North Odds: -105
Super Bowl Odds: +1200
The Ravens are off to a 5-2 start and realizing a clear reality. When Lamar Jackson is on the field, the Ravens win.
After back-to-back seasons of nagging injuries, Jackson is fresh and back to making plays. The franchise quarterback is a winner, improving his career record to 54-23.
Baltimore helped its quarterback with help on offense through the additions of Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr.
The Ravens did lose running back J.K. Dobbins to a torn Achilles early in the season. Pursing another back could help strengthen an already strong offense.
Baltimore is for real when healthy. Midseason help could be on the way.
Buffalo Bills
AFC East Odds: +175
Super Bowl Odds: +1200
The Buffalo Bills are at an interesting part of the season. Sitting at 4-3 after a heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots, Buffalo may need a boost to get back in business.
Buffalo could also look at a receiver like Hopkins, as well as pursuing a cornerback with Tre’Davious White on injured reserve.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC South Odds: +380
Super Bowl Odds: +11000
While underwhelming at 3-3, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making do without Tom Brady. Baker Mayfield has held things down at quarterback and relied on talented receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
With the NFC South crown still in reach, Tampa Bay absolutely has to improve on the ground for a group that has tallied the third-fewest rushing yards in the NFL. Could a running back deal such as Derrick Henry be in the cards?
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Which team will make the game-changing move to ignite a run to the playoffs?
Odds per Fanduel Sportsbook.