1.
Denver Broncos (3-0)
Peyton
Manning has been flawless (12 TD, O INT) and the Broncos offense looks
unstoppable through three games... The Broncos could surpass the 2007 Patriots
NFL record for points in a season (589).
2.
Seattle Seahawks (3-0)
The
Seahawks unquestionably boast the best defense in the NFL. The defensive unit
has collected 5 interceptions and forced 5 fumbles and has let up a mere three
touchdowns... Is it too late (or early) to guarantee the Seahawks will finish 8-0 at home
for the second straight season?
3.
New Orleans Saints (3-0)
Not
only does the Saints’ offense look dominant (6th ranked overall),
but the defense looks formidable as well. The Saints’ defense has held all
three opponents this season to 17 points or less and now rank 4th in
total defense. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is doing a hell of a job with his
new group.
4.
New England Patriots (3-0)
Tom
Brady was able to get in sync with his rookie WRs on Sunday versus the Bucs
and that is critical because the offense needs to kick into the next gear given
their upcoming slate of games (at Atlanta, at Cincinnati, versus New Orleans)...
The pass defense has been incredible for New England as the opponent completion
rate is at a staggering 50.5 percent. Matt Ryan and Drew Brees are looming in
the next few weeks so the completion rate of the opponents will likely
increase. Nevertheless, the Patriots growth in the secondary is evident early
in the season.
Losing
defensive tackle Henry Melton is a huge blow. The Bears ball-hawking defense
will still be tenacious, though. They lead the league in forced turnovers (11)
and are tied for the league-lead in turnover differential (+5).
The
Dolphins are for real in 2013 and there is no question about it. Winning at
Cleveland and Indianapolis and then taking down the Falcons at home deserves
significant appraisal. Ryan Tannehill looks like the league’s most improved
player and the defense is making timely plays. The Dolphins pose a realistic
threat to the Patriots in the AFC East.
7.
Kansas City Chiefs (3-0)
The
Chiefs have a talented, young roster that is motivated to play for head coach Andy Reid, who is doing wonders with his new team. The Chiefs have
already eclipsed their win total from last year and can finish the first fourth
of their schedule in perfection if they can beat the lowly Giants at home.
8.
Baltimore Ravens (2-1)
The
Ravens defense looks even stronger than last year’s championship group... Crushing the Texans reaffirmed their spot as an elite team.
9.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-1)
A
total team effort by the Bengals propelled an upset over the Packers. They
forced turnovers on defense and special teams, ran the ball effectively and QB
Andy Dalton looked sharp. These are the type of games the Bengals did not win
the past two years.
The
Cowboys look like the class of the NFC East by a landslide for the time being.
The defense is finally playing to its potential, complimenting a powerful offensive
group. DeMarco Murray’s 155 rushing yard performance versus the Rams was very
encouraging for a team that has had problems running the ball in recent
seasons.
11.
Indianapolis Colts (2-1)
The
trade for Trent Richardson gave the Colts a certain swagger that enabled them
to obliterate the suddenly sinking 49ers. As long as the offensive line does
its part, the Colts will possess one of the most dangerous offensive units in
the league. The defense showed extreme promise as well in shutting down Frank
Gore and Colin Kaepernick all afternoon on Sunday.
12.
Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
No
need to overreact to the Falcons 1-2 start as they lost at New Orleans and at
Miami, two undefeated clubs. The Falcons have another difficult contest this
week with the undefeated Patriots coming to town. Concerns over the Falcons
should not arise until Matt Ryan stops playing at the caliber he’s accustomed to.
If the Falcons can knock off the Patriots, they have a chance to rip off a
winning streak with the Jets, Bucs and Cardinals forthcoming in their schedule.
Matt
Schaub needs to play better if this team has any realistic Super Bowl aspirations,
simple as that.
14.
Tennessee Titans (2-1)
The
Titans may be the league’s most surprising team through three weeks (with all
do respect to the Chiefs, Bears, and Dolphins). The defense has been dominant
(7th in total defense) and Jake Locker has played the role of game-managing
QB well. He has yet to throw an interception and engineered a game-winning
drive in the club’s last-minute victory over the Chargers on Sunday. Just imagine
if Chris Johnson could be effective in the least bit...
The
Lions first challenge of the year comes at home against the division-rival
Chicago Bears. Losing the club leader in receptions, Nate Burleson, (broken arm
from car accident) for an extended period of time will hurt, but second-year
wideout Ryan Broyles appears determined to fill the void... The return of Reggie
Bush is key in a week where the Lions can make a statement to the rest of the
NFL with a win over the undefeated Bears.
16.
San Francisco 49ers (1-2)
An
optimist will point to how the Patriots, the team expected to experience the
Super Bowl hangover last year, started 1-2 a season ago, but finished 12-4 and
returned to the AFC Championship game, as a means to explain the 49ers despairs
to start the year. A pessimist will
explain how terrible the offense has looked the last two games and how the club
may no longer belong in the same class as the Seahawks. The pessimist looks
spot on right about now.
17.
Green Bay Packers (1-2)
Mike
McCarthy needs to regroup the Pack in their bye week. The defensive woes are
getting out of hand and now even Aaron Rodgers is uncharacteristically throwing
interceptions.
18.
St. Louis Rams (1-2)
The
Rams have a chance to hit the 49ers while their down this week at home on
Thursday night football. The Rams won their season-opener at home, but their
two road efforts (both losses) were far from inspiring. A return to Edward
Jones Dome may be just what the doctor ordered.
19.
San Diego Chargers (1-2)
Philip
Rivers has returned to the Philip Rivers of old (8 TD, 1 INT) silencing his
immense critics, but unfortunately the Chargers are still suffering painful
losses. Still, this team may be on the rise under new head coach Mike McCoy.
20.
Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
Carson
Palmer has been than less than impressive in his first three games with the
Cardinals, completing just 57.9 percent of his passes with three touchdowns and
four interceptions.
The
defense continues to be a pleasant surprise for the Jets... They recorded a
franchise-record 20 penalties in their victory over the Bills on Sunday, but
Rex Ryan is determined to control this startling team issue... The Jets will earn
more respect by beating a quality team; they have the chance to do that this
week at Tennessee.
Head
Coach Doug Marrone is taking the right approach by staying positive following a loss, especially with a rookie under-center. The Bills may be forced into
finding the positives more often, given their upcoming games. (Vs. Bal, at Cle,
Vs. Cin, at Mia, at NO, Vs. KC)
23.
Carolina Panthers (1-2)
Offensive
coordinator Don Shula FINALLY utilized Cam Newton properly by playing
to his skills as a QB that can pass AND run in the read-option with his
physical figure that defenders struggle to tackle... The Panthers front-seven may
be the best in the league, but their secondary still has major holes... The
Panthers have a pulse entering their bye week, which means head coach Ron
Rivera is off the hot seat for now.
24.
Philadelphia Eagles (1-2)
Will
Chip Kelly alter his play-calling style at Mile High against the Broncos?
Probably not, which means Philly is on pace to lose their third straight game,
likely getting overpowered in a track-meet style game by Denver.
25.
Cleveland Browns (1-2)
The
Browns showed a lot of heart in their win over the Vikings after a week of
public ridicule in the wake of the Trent Richardson trade. Moving Richardson
may not end up being a wise decision, but one thing for sure is that Richardson
was not their best offensive skill position player. That honor belongs to tight
end Jordan Cameron, who caught three TD’s (including the game-winner), on
Sunday.
26.
Washington Redskins (0-3)
Robert
Griffin III is not effective in a one-dimensional offense and the results are
showing. Then again, he should not be handed all the blame for the Skins’ poor
start. They rank dead last in total defense, letting up 999 passing yards and
465 rushing yards in just three games this season.
27.
Oakland Raiders (1-2)
The
Raiders unraveled in Denver on MNF. It’s time for the “real” Raiders to please
stand up. Will the Raiders be the strong defensive team that lost by just four
points on the road to the upstart Colts and handled the pitiful Jags at home
with ease; or will the Raiders be the team that looked lost defensively versus
the high octane offense of the Broncos? The Raiders can decide what team they
truly are when they host the winless Redskins on Sunday.
28.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3)
The
Bucs lost their first two games in excruciating fashion. Each contest was
decided by one point and they had the lead in the FINAL MINUTE in both games.
This past week the Bucs were pummeled at New England, showing little signs of
hope moving forward... Head coach Greg
Schiano will be fired if they lose at home this week to the Cardinals.
29.
Pittsburgh Steelers (0-3)
The
Steelers ground game has been appalling, compiling just 155 yards in three
games...Big Ben looks past his prime... It’s time for this organization to rebuild
and let loose of their old, ineffective players.
30.
New York Giants (0-3)
The
G-Men have been outscored 115-54 (an average of 38.3 to 18 per game) and have recorded
just 133 rushing yards on the season... The offensive line played abysmal on
Sunday, allowing Eli Manning to get sacked 7 times in the worst loss in the Tom
Coughlin Era (38-0) in his tenure in New York (circa 2004). To pile on, the
Giants lead the league in turnovers (13).
31.
Minnesota Vikings (0-3)
The
Vikings have the 28th ranked pass defense, surrendering a
league-high 9 passing touchdowns through just three games. Christian Ponder has
been atrocious this season (2 TD, 5 INT) and is one bad game away from being
replaced in favor of Matt Cassel. Regardless, the Vikings will select a QB in the
upcoming draft.
32.
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3)
We
knew the Jaguars had no chance against Seattle’s first unit. But did we
honestly expect them to struggle that much even when the Seahawks took their
starters out in the third quarter in favor of the second-stringers?... QB Blaine Gabbert returns this
weeks, but he is hardly an upgrade over backup Chad Henne.
