NFL Mailbag: Why the AFC West Will Be the NFL’s Most Competitive Division

NFL Mailbag: Why the AFC West Will Be the NFL’s Most Competitive Division

How the league’s toughest division stacks up against the NFC North. Plus, more on a draft lottery, Kyle Pitts trade and Trey Hendrickson’s negotiations.

What Is A Nickel Defense? The NFL’s Most Common Formation Explained

Mike Evans, Cory Littleton, and Nickell Robey-Coleman (Photo By Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images) The nickel defense is one of the most common formations used in the NFL today. It is designed to stop passing plays by adding an extra defensive back to the field. This gives the defense better coverage against wide receivers and helps protect against big plays. The name “nickel” comes from the five defensive backs used in the formation, like a nickel…