FAVORITE TEAMS

CHIEFS (2-2)

The Chiefs still has 13 games to run the table in the AFC. However, their defense is vulnerable and the AFC West will give them a run for their money. Defeating them and the Bills could help them climb back in to contention.

BILLS (3-1)

Losing to the Steelers was a complete mystery in Buffalo. It’s a wash now that they have tore up the last three opponents by an average of 32 ppg and shutting out Miami and Houston. They will be tested against the Chiefs this weekend and then Tennessee on Monday night.

STEELERS (1-3)

They are currently in last place in the AFC North while others are tied in first at 3-1. The offense is currently dysfunctional no matter what position it is and something has to change. Otherwise, Pittsburgh opened the door for the Bengals, Broncos, or Chargers to get a playoff spot. They face the Broncos, Seahawks, and have a bye week before going to Cleveland on Halloween. This is either a bounce back or panic mode in Pittsburgh.

COLTS (1-3)

Don’t worry about the team, but be wary about the quarterback situation. Carson Wentz pulled through and gave this team their first win of the season. The Jaguars are rebuilding, the Texans don’t have an identity, and the Titans are good…but not trustworthy (and yes I’m aware of Julio Jones and AJ Brown being out during the Jets game). If Wentz stays healthy the rest of the season, the Colts have a chance.

BROWNS (3-1)

Don’t be so quick to assume the Browns will win the division. It’s still up for grabs. Them, the Ravens, and the Bengals, surprisingly, battle for the division and a playoff spot. Cleveland goes to L.A. to play the Chargers, then hosts the next three against the Cardinals, Broncos, and Steelers. The Browns may have the best chance, but they must earn it.

RAVENS (3-1)

The Ravens are in a three-way battle with the Bengals and Browns for the AFC North division. What could hinder them from winning the division is their coverage currently riddled by injuries. The offense still gives them the best chance as long as Lamar is running the show. After playing the first three road games in four weeks, they are home comfortably for the next four weeks, including three in October against the Colts, Chargers, and Bengals.

RAIDERS (3-1)

The Raiders were off to a good start, but their point differential in three wins were by a total of 18. Then they played their first division game against the Chargers and struggled while scoring under 20 points for the first time this season. Their next three in October will be at home against the Bears, at the Broncos, and then back home against the Eagles before a bye. All three should be considered tricky games.

PACKERS (3-1)

A loss to the Saints was a mystery, but now the Packers won three straight games. Remember Aaron Rodgers infamous line, “R.E.L.A.X., relax”. I was confused by the loss, but I didn’t believe Rodgers was out of his element. The Packers play the next two road games against the Bengals and Bears, then hosts Washington, and then have a short week on a Thursday night against the Cardinals. Somewhere in that schedule will lead to Green Bay’s wear and tear before a nine-day break.

RAMS (3-1)

The Rams struggled against the Cardinals and Tom Brady and the Bucs may have exposed them before the matchup. Arizona has leverage in the NFC, but can they continue their success throughout the season? The Rams play Thursday against the Seahawks before a nine-day break and heads to the Meadowlands to play the Giants. Then they host the Lions and ends October on Halloween at Houston.

BUCCANEERS (3-1)

The Buccaneers have too many problems in the coverage to think the they could make another Super Bowl run. As long as the front seven holds up, it’s possible. Tom Brady will put this team in position to win every game possible. Their next four games are against the Dolphins, at the Eagles on a short week, at home against the Bears, and then they head to New Orleans. The Bucs could likely slip up against one of these teams during that stretch.

GIANTS (1-3)

The Giants finally win their first game, but their next six (at Cowboys, Rams, Panthers, at Chiefs, Raiders, and at Buccaneers) will be the toughest stretch any NFL team has ever faced. Either the Giants will be the surprising team in the NFL, or the bottom feeders of the NFL.

SEAHAWKS (2-2)

The Seahawks looked fragile in their first four games, but they may improve by the end of the regular season. The offensive line and defense must improve and be on the same page. Their next four games (Rams, at Steelers, Saints, and Jaguars) could be a good run for them. Hosting the Rams this Thursday will be a great way to find out.

49ERS (2-2)

The Niners look good sometimes, but their inconsistencies must stop. They start off strong only to falter in the end and vice versa. Either the offense, defense, or special teams struggle and that little problem becomes the main focus that either leads to a loss or barely a win. All of their games were decided by eight points or less thus far. The cornerback position is currently the weak spot. As for Trey Lance, let’s see how he fairs at Arizona this weekend. After that, they have a bye week before hosting the Colts on Sunday night, and then they travel to Chicago on Halloween.

VIKINGS (1-3)

I suggest not panicking with Minnesota just yet. They won against the Seahawks last week and their three losses were by a total of 11 points. They are also the only NFC North team with a positive point differential while the rest are in the negatives. Their next three games in October are against the Lions at home, on the road at Carolina, and then they’re on a bye before hosting the Cowboys. What their season comes down to now is balance on all sides of the ball.