Raiders RB Richard surprises, CB Smith disappoints at halfway point

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It's not difficult to pinpoint the teams that have unexpectedly prospered or just as stunningly plummeted halfway through the 2016 season.

Yep, we're looking at you, Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals. Last January, you played for a spot in the Super Bowl. Right now, you're hanging with the mediocrities (or worse) of the NFL.

Nor is it hard to spot the surprisingly successful teams putting themselves in the championship mix, from the Dallas Cowboys to the Oakland Raiders.

But what about the individuals who are rising or flopping? The Associated Press sports writers who cover the 16 AFC teams suggest the following.

OAKLAND

Surprise: RB Jalen Richard, an undrafted free agent, has helped provide depth behind Latavius Murray.

Disappointment: CB Sean Smith, a major free agent addition who got benched in the opener and struggled earlier in the season before showing some improvement of late.

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