Scorers and stoppers: Which unit is the NFL's scariest?

With 11 weeks down and only six to go, it's a good time to make judgments about teams around the NFL.

Only four clubs sit with eight or more wins, leaving a clear log jam in the middle of the league, as many teams sit at either five or six victories.

That being said, the following specific units have separated themselves as the league's elite:

Patriots' offense

This section almost writes itself. By some absurd notion, or perhaps fans being drawn to Carson Wentz, Drew Brees, and Russell Wilson's standout seasons, Tom Brady's stellar campaign has somehow gone relatively under the radar. After being outdueled by Alex Smith on opening night, Brady has been masterful, completing 68 percent of his passes for 3,146 yards, 22 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and has led the Patriots to an AFC-best 8-2 mark.

Prior to Sunday's game, New England led the NFL in passing yardage, with Brady cycling through Brandin Cooks, Rob Gronkowski, Chris Hogan, Danny Amendola, Dion Lewis, James White, and Rex Burkhead throughout the season. The Patriots remain impossible to predict and the team can use practically anyone at running back to great effect. Death, taxes, and the Patriots' offense choking the life out of defenses everywhere. - Srinivasan

Vikings defense

Everson Griffen and Harrison Smith may be the best players at their positions this season, commandeering a Vikings defense that is the talk of the NFC North. Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr both have bounced back from sub-par 2016 campaigns, while Xavier Rhodes is among the few genuine lockdown cornerbacks in the NFL. Danielle Hunter's speed off the edge is nearly unmatched and the defense seemingly never runs out of quality players, with speed and aggression a hallmark of their philosophy.

Despite a slew of injuries to the team's offense, the Vikings' defense has weathered the storm and are running away with the NFC North. No one will want to play in Minnesota deep into the winter. - Srinivasan

Jaguars' defense

How does a team start Blake Bortles at quarterback and still somehow hold down first place in their division? The answer is, of course, by having an absolutely soul-crushing defense. That's exactly what the Jacksonville Jaguars are doing in 2017. Affectionately known as "Sacksonville," the punishing defense is without peer in the league, allowing a paltry 14 points per contest.

The Jaguars opened their campaign with an 11-sack performance in Houston and haven't stopped since, leading the league with 40 on the season. Jacksonville appears to be following the Broncos' blueprint from 2015, hoping to ride the defense and rushing attack to the Super Bowl, and thus far it's been a rousing success. - Belbeck

Ravens' defense

This season's Ravens team finally resembles some of the great units of yesteryear.

Terrell Suggs remains one of the NFL's ageless wonders with 7.5 sacks during his 15th season, and is the bridge between the 2012 Super Bowl team and the new iteration of the unit. C.J. Mosley remains the master of all trades, deployed into coverage while attacking the run with proficiency. Eric Weddle has solidified the team's secondary while they can flex veterans Brandon Carr and Lardarius Webb with ease.

The Ravens are full of unheralded talents that would become stars in a bigger market. Michael Pierce and Brandon Williams are the NFL's most underrated defensive tackle duo, second-year talents Willie Henry and Matt Judon are taking on larger roles on the team, while Tyus Bowser has shown flashes of star potential. Look out for the Ravens if they sneak into the playoffs - they won't be an easy out. - Srinivasan

Saints' offense

The Saints fielding a dominant offense is certainly no surprise, as has been the case since Drew Brees came to town, but the manner in which New Orleans is piling up the points is certainly a new sight. The legendary quarterback is still among the tops in the league, but it's the rushing attack that's turning heads with 144 yards per contest. The two-headed monster of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara are a perfect compliment to one another, and have taken a ton of pressure off Brees' shoulders. In the Saints 47-10 win over the Bills last week, New Orleans ran the ball 24 consecutive times in the second half, including one touchdown-scoring drive that was 10 straight runs covering 94 yards. - Belbeck

Eagles' offense

Tom Brady is the likely MVP at this point in the season, but there's nobody else in the league with a better case for second than Carson Wentz. The Philadelphia Eagles pivot has shone in his second season, throwing for 2,430 yards and 25 touchdowns, leading the club to a sparkling 9-1 start. Doug Pederson's offense was already functioning at a high level when they made the biggest move of the season in acquiring Jay Ajayi, and the former Dolphins standout is another weapon in what was an already potent rushing attack. Many questioned the move to trade Jordan Matthews at the start of the season, but a receiving committee led by Zach Ertz, Alshon Jeffery, and Nelson Agholor has more than picked up the slack. The Eagles have topped the 30-point mark in five of their last six games, and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. - Belbeck

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)