Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray could be glorious when he desires to be.
If Kyler Murray began video games with a fireplace beneath his ass, the Cardinals is likely to be 4-0 proper now. He has been at his worst through the first quarter of video games this season. Regardless of averaging 222.5 complete yards per recreation, he’s being held to 32.3 complete yards within the first quarter. Then, he turns it on within the second half, the place his quarterback ranking jumps from an 83.6 by way of the primary two quarters to a 92.5. He wants to determine easy methods to come out of the gates with the pedal to the metallic.
Atlanta Falcons
That’s what it appears to be like like when the offense lives as much as the hype.
Each latest first-round draft choose on the offensive aspect of the ball performed a significant function of their win this weekend. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had his greatest recreation of the season, throwing for 313 yards and two TDs on the best way to a 126 quarterback ranking. Huge receiver Drake London and tight finish Kyle Pitts had season-highs in receiving yards whereas every catching a landing. And naturally, operating again Bijan Robinson had 181 scrimmage yards and a TD. This has the potential to be the most effective offensive staff within the NFL.
Baltimore Ravens
This season is likely to be a wash.
Of their three losses, they’re giving up 38.7 factors per recreation whereas permitting 435 yards on common, which might simply be the worst mark within the NFL. They simply misplaced their greatest defensive sort out for the season and are coping with accidents to a number of key starters, together with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. The Ravens have a stretch of winnable video games after the bye week, however they’re 1-3 proper now and are so banged up that they may not even be in rivalry for a playoff spot by the point they get to Week Eight. There’s a very actual chance that they’re 1-6 coming off the bye, particularly if Lamar Jackson has to overlook time.
Buffalo Payments
That is the most effective staff within the AFC, even when they haven’t performed anyone good.
The groups they’ve gone up towards are a mixed 2-14 on the season, however they’ve nonetheless managed to seem like the most effective squad of their convention. Josh Allen continues to play at an MVP degree whereas the protection has managed to climate a slew of accidents and suspensions, permitting simply 22.5 factors per recreation with out essential gamers like Ed Oliver, Matt Milano, Maxwell Hairston, Larry Ogunjobi, and Michael Hoecht. Proper now, they’re taking part in higher than the Chargers, Steelers, Jaguars, and Colts. If they’ll beat the Chiefs in Week 9, then they’ll be positioned to earn the number-one seed within the AFC.
Carolina Panthers
There’s no clear course ahead for this franchise.
There isn’t a fast repair for this staff as a result of they’re so unhealthy in so many various areas. Bryce Younger is a bust, and taking him with the primary choose within the 2023 NFL Draft set this group again a number of years. You don’t know if Dave Canales is an efficient coach as a result of he’s working with a horrible roster. The staff doesn’t handle the soccer and is twenty sixth in scoring, even after placing up 30 on the Falcons. It seems like the one means ahead is to seek out one other quarterback, however they must hope that they lose sufficient video games to safe a prime draft choose. It might be silly to proceed to behave like Bryce Younger is the way forward for this staff.
Chicago Bears
The winds of change are blowing in Chicago.
That was an excellent recreation for altering the tradition of this franchise. Final 12 months, the Bears would lose that recreation 9 occasions out of ten. They couldn’t cease Raiders operating again Ashton Jeanty, Maxx Crosby appeared dominant, and Caleb Williams had an interception and nearly two misplaced fumbles. Regardless of all of these items working towards them, the Bears nonetheless held on for a win over a staff that they had been clearly higher than. That has not been a standard incidence within the Windy Metropolis. Perhaps head coach Ben Johnson actually is making a profitable environment in Chicago.
Cincinnati Bengals
They should discover one other quarterback to switch Jake Browning.
The Jake Browning experiment ought to come to an finish after two disastrous offensive performances. He shouldn’t be blamed for the entire Bengals’ misfortunes, however since changing into the full-time starter in reduction of an injured Joe Burrow, Cincy has been outscored 76-13. On the identical time, he’s solely averaging 132.5 passing yards per recreation throughout that stretch, which might be the bottom mark within the league for a beginning QB. After seeing the dissatisfaction on the faces of Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase final night time, it’s evident that the Bengals have to make a transfer for a quarterback who can get these guys the soccer.
Cleveland Browns
They need to not nonetheless be beginning Joe Flacco.
He ranks thirty second out of 33 quarterbacks in QBR and thirty third in passer ranking. The Browns have one win beneath their belt, however that had extra to do with their protection and particular groups than Joe Flacco, who had a season-low 142 yards in that recreation. They’ve two rookie quarterbacks sitting on the bench. They should discover out if both a kind of guys is price something as a result of Cleveland will as soon as once more have a excessive draft choose and can be capable to take a quarterback this April in the event that they’re so inclined. Earlier than that, they have to decide if Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders could be starters on this league.
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott has been a top-five QB this season.
You’re allowed to have your points with Dak Prescott and name him a playoff choker, however he has been undeniably good by way of the primary 4 video games of the 12 months. He’s third in completion proportion (72.9%), first in passing yards, and fourth in QBR. Plus, he’s doing this whereas his greatest extensive receiver is coping with an damage. Prescott has additionally helped Dallas lead the league in yards per recreation whereas rating fifth in factors. Some individuals are going to reject this concept, however Dak needs to be checked out as an MVP candidate. Joe Burrow can get that therapy in 2024, so why can’t Dak be seen the identical means in 2025?
Denver Broncos
This squad doesn’t play all the way down to its competitors.
Because the begin of final season, Denver is 10-0 towards groups with dropping information. Admittedly, they’ve points beating the higher groups within the league, however they’re not going to fumble away simple victories towards the NFL’s bottom-feeders. Outdoors of the opening drive final night time, the place the Bengals scored a area objective, at no level did the sport really feel all that shut. There have been possibly some issues after the Broncos punted on their opening drive, however then Denver scored 4 unanswered touchdowns on their option to demolishing Cincinnati. Now, they should begin placing collectively wins towards the NFL’s good groups in the event that they wish to impress individuals.
Detroit Lions
They’re the favorites to win the NFC North.
Bear in mind when there have been worries in regards to the Lions regressing this 12 months after their disappointing Week One efficiency towards the Packers? That seems like 1,000,000 years in the past. Detroit at the moment leads the league in scoring whereas having the fourth-best turnover differential within the NFL. Plus, Aidan Hutchinson appears to be like just like the participant he was earlier than his devastating leg damage. The Packers, Vikings, and Bears all have main flaws, whether or not or not it’s teaching, protection, quarterback play, or one thing else. That isn’t the case for the Lions, who at the moment stand alone in first place within the NFC North.
Inexperienced Bay Packers
The Packers misplaced that tie.
When followers of your divisional rivals are dunking in your staff for tying, that’s not an excellent factor! Inexperienced Bay had each alternative to win that recreation on Sunday, but they someway wound up with a tie. You get the ball to Dallas’ 25 with 1:15 left within the recreation and a timeout, but you don’t discover the tip zone after scoring in your earlier 4 consecutive drives? That’s teaching malpractice and a waste of a superb efficiency by quarterback Jordan Love. The particular groups unit clearly didn’t be taught something from its Week Three failures after giving up a two-point defensive conversion on a blocked further level that modified the sport dramatically.
Houston Texans
That recreation was desperately wanted.
Each recreation Houston has been on this season, main as much as Week 4, has been an absolute dogfight. So it was good to see H-City draw back within the fourth quarter and soundly beat the pitiful Tennessee Titans. C.J. Stroud had an awesome recreation, finishing 78% of his passes for a season-high 223 yards and two touchdowns. The Texans additionally managed to get rookies Jayden Higgins and Woody Marks concerned within the win, which was a welcome change. If they’ll beat a reeling Ravens staff subsequent week, they’ll be proper again within the playoff hunt.
Indianapolis Colts
As disappointing because the loss was, no one needs to be down on the Colts.
It didn’t really feel just like the Rams received that recreation, however somewhat, the Colts misplaced it. Adonai Mitchell had that all-time boneheaded fumble after which was known as for holding on what would’ve been a go-ahead 53-yard landing run. Both means, the Indy confirmed out on the highway towards probably the greatest groups in soccer and is a misplaced fumble away from probably being 4-0. The excellent news is that the Colts ought to be capable to flip issues round towards the spiraling Raiders this weekend.
Jacksonville Jaguars
This staff is a professional contender.
This protection is horrifying good and extremely opportunistic, which might clarify why they lead the league in takeaways with 13 (three greater than the subsequent closest staff). They’ve a balanced offensive assault that ranks tenth in complete yards per recreation. In addition they handle the soccer as one in every of simply seven groups with out a misplaced fumble this season. Their greatest check comes this coming Monday towards the Chiefs. Ought to they win that recreation, we’d have to start out mentioning them in Tremendous Bowl discussions.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
The offense is just going to proceed to get higher from right here.
Perhaps the Chiefs’ dynasty wasn’t over? Perhaps they only didn’t have their full set of offensive weapons? They could’ve been taking part in the down-and-out Ravens, however the staff we noticed on Sunday appeared means higher than the squad we noticed within the first three weeks of the season. Xavier Worthy is a big a part of this offense, and he may have much more alternatives to make performs when fellow extensive receiver Rashee Rice returns to the sector in Week Seven. His presence will make the passing assault higher, which may also make the operating recreation higher.
Las Vegas Raiders
Vegas wants to handle the QB place within the low season.
Geno Smith has been one of the crucial disappointing gamers within the NFL this season. In a recreation the place he wasn’t sacked as soon as, he solely threw for 114 yards and turned the ball over thrice. That’s unacceptable from a veteran QB who has the fifth most passing yards within the NFL because the begin of the 2023-24 season. The transfer to amass Geno Smith was all the time going to be a short-term resolution to Vegas’ quarterback points. Now, although, with the best way he’s taking part in, the Raiders might want to use a premium choose on a QB within the 2026 NFL Draft.
Los Angeles Chargers
The offensive line accidents are lastly taking a toll on this staff.
When Rashawn Slater went down within the coaching camp, it significantly harm the Chargers’ offensive skills, however that they had sufficient time earlier than the season began to reconfigure the O-line. Then Savion Washington and Mekhi Becton suffered accidents, which LA managed to work by way of. Now, they’re coping with an damage to Joe Alt, which clearly affected their capacity to neutralize the Giants’ move rush, main to 2 sacks and two interceptions. If Joe Alt has to overlook a number of video games, the Chargers would possibly find yourself falling out of first within the AFC West.
Los Angeles Rams
A response like that’s the reason the Rams are a Tremendous Bowl contender.
Final week, I dubbed Los Angeles’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles as the worst loss of the Sean McVay era. After gifting away a recreation that they had been presupposed to win, the Rams needed to flip round and host an undefeated Colts staff. They responded with an enormous come-from-behind win regardless of trailing within the fourth quarter. Following a fumble by operating again Kyren Williams that allowed Indy to go forward 20-13, the Rams answered with two touchdowns and an interception to safe the win. Moments like that outline Tremendous Bowl contenders, which is what the Rams are.
Miami Dolphins
That felt like a Jets loss and never a Dolphins win.
Miami received that recreation as a result of the New York Jets principally handed them the victory. They misplaced three fumbles, which resulted in two touchdowns. Additionally, they had been penalized 13 occasions for 101 yards and had a landing taken off the board due to an offensive move interference penalty. The Dolphins had been merely the much less sh*tty staff on Monday. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was first rate, and operating again De’Von Achane had an excellent recreation, however Miami was nonetheless pummeled for 197 dashing yards. In the event that they had been dealing with a reliable staff, the ‘Phins would seemingly be 0-4.
Minnesota Vikings
The best way they dealt with the quarterback place within the low season is hurting the staff’s prospects this 12 months.
Minnesota did all the things it might to make quarterback J.J. McCarthy really feel comfy, to the purpose the place they handicapped themselves if he didn’t work out, which is why the Vikes are 2-2 proper now as an alternative of 3-1. Minnesota knew that if it introduced in a decent backup QB, it will put further pointless stress on J.J. McCarthy. So as an alternative of signing Marcus Mariota, Daniel Jones, Mac Jones, or Sam Darnold – who all have wins this season – they introduced in Carson Wentz, who hadn’t received a recreation he began since January of 2024. If the Vikings had an excellent backup, they’d be tied for first place within the NFC North. As an alternative, they determined to make J.J. McCarthy really feel comfy, and are actually in third place of their division.
New England Patriots
Drake Maye is the actual deal.
The Pats have some evident points, however second-year quarterback Drake Maye isn’t one in every of them. He has the best completion proportion within the NFL and is ninth in passing yards per recreation, forward of men like Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff, Baker Mayfield, and Lamar Jackson. He additionally has the fifth-best quarterback ranking within the league behind solely Lamar Jackson, Jared Goff, Jordan Love, and Josh Allen. If the Patriots had a greater offensive line, we is likely to be speaking about Drake Maye as an MVP candidate, contemplating he’s taken for the third-most sacks within the NFL this season.
New Orleans Saints
They’re who we thought they had been.
It was enjoyable and cute after they had been taking part in middle-of-the-road groups shut the primary two weeks of the season, however the Saints confirmed their true colours towards two of the higher groups within the league. Over the past two weeks, they’ve been outscored 75 to 32. They battle with scoring on either side of the ball (twenty eighth in scoring offense and thirtieth in scoring protection). In a best-case state of affairs, the Saints end the season 5-12, and that’s provided that they beat the worst groups within the league. In actuality, although, they received’t win all of these video games, so their report can be even worse than that.
New York Giants
It wasn’t fairly, nevertheless it was a rattling win!
Do you know that the Giants have solely 4 wins of their final 21 video games? Clearly, victories have been exhausting to return by within the Massive Apple, however this previous weekend, the G-Males defeated probably the greatest groups within the NFL with a rookie quarterback on the helm. Even on a day when he took 5 sacks, Jaxson Dart didn’t flip the ball over and scored two touchdowns. That’s the sort of efficiency you wish to see from a 22-year-old taking part in towards a probable playoff staff. That units the tone for the remainder of the 12 months and really creates a sense of hope in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
New York Jets
Aaron Glenn hasn’t modified something concerning the tradition of this franchise.
Gang Inexperienced introduced in Aaron Glenn to be a no-nonsense coach who eliminates errors and psychological errors. Nicely, guess what, the Jets nonetheless make a ton of errors and psychological errors. Their 32 penalties are the tenth-most within the league this season. On prime of that, they lead the NFL in misplaced fumbles, which speaks extra to the carelessness of gamers versus precise expertise points. Perhaps there are too many gamers from the previous regime for Aaron Glenn to make any efficient adjustments to the Jets’ tradition, however issues don’t look good in New York.
Philadelphia Eagles
They’re the most effective staff within the NFC.
This group simply does so many issues properly. They’re seventh in scoring offense and solely have one turnover on the 12 months. They clearly have an elite offensive line, which is why they’re tied for second in dashing touchdowns this season. To not point out, they’re tied for fifth in opponent passer ranking allowed and solely let opponents convert 37% of their third downs, which might be good for tenth within the league final season. They’re particular groups unit has two touchdowns and has additionally made each area objective and additional level try they’ve tried. It doesn’t matter the place they’re or who they’re taking part in; the Eagles are the most effective staff within the NFC.
Pittsburgh Steelers
If that’s how the protection appears to be like, this group will make some noise within the postseason.
They’re second within the league in turnover differential as a result of they’ll report takeaways whereas Aaron Rodgers manages to restrict interceptions. They is likely to be in the direction of the underside of the league in scoring protection at the moment, however they’ve held opponents to 17.5 factors per recreation of their final two contests. Extra importantly, they’re tied for second in sacks, thanks partially to accidents alongside the Vikings’ offense line. They don’t must register six sacks per recreation like they did towards the Vikes, however producing stress on opposing quarterbacks provides this staff all the things it must make a significant playoff run for the primary time in years.
San Francisco 49ers
That was an enormous wasted alternative.
San Fran had an opportunity to enter Week 5 undefeated with a small cushion for after they play the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night time Soccer. As an alternative, there’s an opportunity they may fall to second place within the NFC West after they gave the ball away 4 occasions to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The worst half in regards to the loss is that it got here with Brock Purdy beginning, so Niners followers can’t even use the excuse that they’d’ve received if Mac Jones wasn’t taking part in. They want their extensive receiving corps to get wholesome; in any other case, this staff is not going to come anyplace near sniffing the Tremendous Bowl.
Seattle Seahawks
Sam Darnold appears to be like just like the man within the Pacific Northwest.
Sam Darnold is a top-ten passer, and he has the stats to again up that declare. He’s tenth in QBR (65.9) and sixth in passer ranking (106.5). He has additionally displayed glorious pocket consciousness, as confirmed by the truth that he has solely taken six sacks this season. He did have that awkward fumble in his first recreation of the season, however since then, he has not value his staff any video games with turnovers. Relationship again to the beginning of final season, he’s sixth in quarterback ranking behind Lamar Jackson, Jared Goff, Joe Burrow, Baker Mayfield, and Jalen Hurts. He has actually come into his personal during the last two years and given Seattle a quarterback that they’ll construct round.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There are many positives and negatives from this weekend.
That recreation was an actual blended bag of feelings for Buccaneers followers. They went down early, and the vibes plummeted after they had been dealing with a 24-3 deficit within the second quarter. Then, issues started to shift slightly bit after they made a ridiculous 65-yard area objective. They didn’t present any stop within the face of adversity and even made it a one-score recreation at one level within the fourth quarter, which speaks to the resilience that they’ve proven all 12 months lengthy. Do they win that recreation if Mike Evans performs? We don’t know. However they may seemingly must face the Eagles once more sooner or later in the event that they wish to win a Tremendous Bowl. Perhaps subsequent time, they received’t spot Philly a 21-point lead.
Tennessee Titans
That is the worst staff within the NFL.
They’ve their franchise quarterback and an elite defensive lineman, however that doesn’t negate the truth that this group is “ass,” as Cam Ward put it. They rank within the backside 5 within the following classes: yards per recreation (thirty first), passing (thirty second), dashing (twenty ninth), factors per recreation (thirty second), dashing yards allowed (twenty eighth), factors allowed (twenty ninth), sacks given up (thirty first), and passer ranking (thirty first). There needs to be professional issues that they may destroy Cam Ward earlier than he even has an opportunity to show he belongs within the league. One thing wants to vary in Tennessee ASAP.
Washington Commanders
There needs to be issues in regards to the protection.
They stink at forcing turnovers and have a very robust time stopping opponents from passing the ball. In reality, they’re twenty eighth in passer ranking allowed and someway didn’t report an interception towards the Raiders’ Geno Smith, who’s virtually giving INTs away with a league-leading seven in simply 4 video games. They’ve ten sacks, however half of these got here in only one recreation. Jayden Daniels was in a position to masks a few of the staff’s deficiencies final 12 months, however this isn’t the kind of efficiency that we now have come to anticipate from a defensive-minded coach like Dan Quinn.
