What’s up everyone! This was an exciting weekend of NFL football with so many close games and comebacks. We head into October and it’s fairly early to assume who stands out as contenders. There are some out there, but we can’t say it’s legit just yet. Injuries have spanned the NFL rosters and it’s going to get more tense as the weeks go on. For now, teams that look like contenders are the Bills, 49ers, and Chiefs. Teams in line to contend for the playoffs as of Week 4 are the Raiders, Jaguars, Seahawks, and Broncos. The Jets, Cardinals, and Browns are no slouch this season too. Yes, I understand about not mentioning the Rams, Eagles, Bears, Bengals, Steelers, Lions, Giants and Ravens. I’m not out on most of them, but I’m not sold either.

All 32 teams have flaws, even my Niners with INJURIES!!!! But it doesn’t mean they’re not contenders because they look like legit contenders when they’re completely healthy. Heck, I still think the Rams are Super Bowl contenders because they HAVE to be. I’m also still giving Houston a shot at making the postseason if they put it all together on offense. The Bengals could still make the playoffs despite the loss to Pittsburgh. As for the rest, I need to see if they can overcome those flaws to be legit contenders. Look at Buffalo and their 5 turnovers! They’re used to overcoming adversity. Don’t fret fans because it’s only Week 4. It’s not serious until Thanksgiving…unless your favorite team has 9 losses and aren’t in the NFC South. Have a great day, everyone! lol

TEAMS CONSIDERED

15) NEW YORK GIANTS (2-1)

14) DETROIT LIONS (2-1)

13) CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-1)

12) PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-1)

11) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-1)

10) LOS ANGELES RAMS (1-2)

The Rams had the lead, but an injury to cornerback Jaylen Watson may have affected the Rams secondary long enough for Denver to mount a comeback win. LA’s now 1-2 and injury-riddled in a couple of key spots. If they’re expected to bounce back, they need both Watson and Puka Nacua back in time for a crucial playoff run.

9) CHICAGO BEARS (2-1)

Chicago did exactly what they did last season; run it down Philly’s throats faster than people downing Philly Cheesesteaks (if that makes sense). Case Keenum was surgical from start to finish and didn’t miss a beat after being away from football for a couple of years or so. Keenum should be the player of the week and could ride as Chicago’s backup/reserve for a bit until said otherwise. What a bounce back after Caleb Williams’ unfortunate injury.

8) DENVER BRONCOS (2-1)

Denver played an ugly first half before they made adjustments at halftime to survive the second half. Bo Nix comes up clutch once again with the help of safety and former Niner Talanoa Hufanga with a late pick-six and follow up with a game-sealing interception. Denver has a tough stretch, but they’re up to the task.

7) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-1)

The 12th Man team of Seattle had their 12-game win streak snapped in the hands of the Commanders’ backup, Marcus Mariota. Seattle was in a dogfight throughout the game and played desperately from behind to claw their way back. Unfortunately, Sam Darnold’s interception sealed it. Turnovers and a struggling run game ultimately cost them too. Seattle should bounce back, but the flaws are there and their next five games could be tough to overcome.

6) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-1)

Jacksonville responded from a Broncos loss by taking everything out on Drake Maye. They forced three turnovers and capitalized on his mistakes while not allowing a single touchdown. The Jaguars made a complete nightmare out of Maye, Vrabel and the rest of the Patriots. They’re looking to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke.

5) LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (3-0)

The Raiders could be a problem this season. They may have put together a good gameplan to stifle opposing offenses consistently with Maxximum Crosby, while the offense led by Kirk Cousins plays complementary football to control the playing field. Vegas is 3-0 for the first time since 2021, and those Raiders made the postseason that year. However, their schedule becomes challenging for the next four weeks. They must hope that they can Just Keep Winning, Baby!

4) MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3-0)

I think it’s best not to bet against Minnesota. In all 3 games where the victor could’ve gone to the opposing team, Brian Flores and company had other ideas. It’s kinda weird how Minnesota decimated key players in all three games, including Caleb Williams and Baker Mayfield in back-to-back weeks. Maybe this is Minnesota’s bounce back season as long as quarterback play is smart. However, can they get that far without their top receiver Justin Jefferson?

3) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-0)

It looked like Miami had a chance to upset Kansas City. But unfortunately, they came up short despite what the final score shows. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, and Kenneth Walker all walked over them as the game progressed. No matter how much the Dolphins competed, it cost them in the end with De’Von Achane’s injury while the Chiefs ran away with this win.

2) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-0)

The 49ers may have won the game, but it came at a crucial cost. Losing important keys like Mike Evans, Deommodore Lenoir, and Trent Williams in one game was detrimental to the 49ers overall roster. Aside from that depressing sentence, Brock Purdy put it on the Cardinals defense with 4 touchdowns, 2 going to George Kittle, 1 to Deebo Samuel on an insane catch and pitch from Mike Evans, and of course Mike Evans on a sick catch and score play. Brock Purdy is playing at an MVP level and is the only QB untouched by a sack through the first 3 games. Crazy to believe that’s possible, huh?

1) BUFFALO BILLS (3-0)

Buffalo struggled against the Chargers defense, especially in the turnover department (5 T.O.’s). But Josh Allen and company overcame those mistakes and won both the second and fourth quarter to win the game. Buffalo’s defense finally put the clamp down on points after allowing 31 points twice. I guess Buffalo’s turnover issues doesn’t affect them, but let’s just wait and see. Only a few teams reached the Super Bowl with a negative turnover margin.