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BwareDWare94
Where were you when the world stopped turning?
- Joined
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1. Patriots
I know--I hate it, too, but until somebody in the AFC makes them look human, this is how the chips will fall each week.
2. Bengals
Andy Dalton looks like a real, actual NFL quarterback. Who would have thought? The Red Rifle's TD:INT ratio is flat out great right now (something like 14:2). He's finding multiple targets, developing a rhythm with different weapons all over the field. You factor in perhaps the most dynamic 1-2 running back combo, and this Bengals offense will only falter if it gets in its own way. The defense looks pretty good so far, with opposing coaches raving about their cornerbacks, in particular. It's also nice to see Geno Atkins playing well again.
3. Packers
You know what's frustrating? Putting the Packers at #3 as a team that has looked exceptionally vulnerable against not-so-great competition. They've yet to play a playoff contending team, as their opponents have a combined record of 11-23. You can't help who you play, but you can not trail a punchless Seattle team in the fourth quarter. You can not allow teams like Kansas City and San Diego to put up such impressive offensive performances. You can figure out a way to beat hapless teams like St. Louis, Chicago, and San Francisco more convincingly. They got the wins. They're 6-0. They also happen to be very vulnerable. A tough road test coming out of the bye at Mile High will be a nice litmus test.
4. Broncos
Speaking of non-convincing wins, say hello to the Denver Broncos. It's like they're playing with Tim Tebow all over again, but the deep ball just isn't an option because Peyton Manning grimaces on any throw that's longer than 10 yards. He simply can't grip the ball anymore. Fortunately for him, Denver's defense is far and away the best this league has seen in a few years--they're better than what the Seahawks boasted for 2 of the last 3 years. Aqib Talib is dominating everybody but Stefon Diggs so far (and I think we can equate that to not having any film on Diggs), and Chris Harris Jr. graded out as the best overall CB in the league last year. Denver is built to win even with shoddy QB play, and this just might be the kind of team that can give Peyton Manning the swan song he's looking for.
5. Jets
Next in line on defense are the New York Jets, whose offense is pulling its weight by punishing opposing defenses via Chris Ivory and allowing Ryan Fitzpatrick to be just good enough thanks to Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Darrelle Revis and Co. are playing great defense, and their secondary is the deepest in the league. There are places where guys like Buster Skrine and Marcus Williams are undoubted starters. Todd Bowles has the entire depth chart making plays, it seems. Don't sleep on this team.
6. Falcons
Matt Ryan is having the kind of resurgence that Tony Romo had last year, though his dependence on Julio Jones is rather troublesome. Not because Jones doesn't deserve targets but because Atlanta's passing game can't be punchless if he's ever out for a week or two. Roddy White and Leonard Hankerson need to be targeted more frequently to take some pressure away from Julio, and perhaps force defenses to pay more attention to other targets. Dan Quinn has the Falcons defense playing significantly better, though they clearly are missing a few key pieces. Freeman has been a revelation at running back, but I implore the Falcons to be careful with a small back. Too many touches early in the season and he might flame out later on.
7. Panthers
This team continues to win when it seems all but inevitable that they collapse. A revitalized defense and emerging Josh Norman are making it all possible. I still think this is one of the most poorly-coached teams in the league, but it's hard to ignore what they're doing right now. They go as Cam goes on offense. Their defense will keep them in games when he's struggling.
8. Steelers
What an offense. Even without Ben Roethlisberger, this team is dangerous every time they snap the ball. Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, Markus Wheaton, Heath Miller--they have weapons galore and when Ben returns, I think we'll find out who's going to be knocking on New England's door in January. The defense is playing a lot better than expected, and that can't be overlooked.
9. Cardinals
You know, I was drinking the Kool-Aid early on, but this team is faltering in places that it shouldn't. Losing to St. Louis is pathetic if you consider yourself a Super Bowl contender, and you have to find a way to beat Landry Jones and Mike Vick. I'll say one thing about the Arizona Cardinals right now--their losses are much more telling than their wins.
10. Giants
NFC East matchups almost always include some puzzling results, and Monday's 27-7 Eagles win is no different. The Eagles aren't any good, easily the third best team in the East behind Dallas and NYG. The Giants simply suffered from Eli's first bad game of the season, and he'd been so good leading up to it that we knew a vintage EL-INT peformance was due. Don't read too much into Monday's loss, Giants fans. I'm not convinced that you're good either, but truth be told, the NFL is really close this year. Anybody can beat anybody under the right circumstances.
11. Bills
Talk about a puzzling team right here. Buffalo can look great one week and terrible the next. Jekyll and Hyde at their finest. Their QB situation is closer than we realized after EJ Manuel was fairly impressive against Cincinnati. Tyrod Taylor still looks like the better quarterback, but it's definitely a competition. Let's see if EJ can lead the team to a win sans Watkins and the MIA Percy Harvin, who seems to be emotionally overwhelmed at the moment. It's hard not to feel somewhat bad for the guy, but then you remember his LBS (Little Bitch Syndrome) moments in Minnesota and Seattle and you're not so bothered. Rex has the defense playing great some weeks, leaking like a sieve in others. The Bills need to show us which will show its face more often as the season progresses.
12. Colts
They're poorly coached. They're questionable at key positional groups. Their quarterback likes to turn the ball over. And yet, they're still a top 15 NFL team. What a world we live in. Hopefully Andre Johnson continues to show that he's not finished yet. The Colts need to lean on Frank Gore and reel in Andrew Luck somewhat, because they're not good enough to overcome mistakes on a consistent basis.
13. Seahawks
Oh how grand it is to see the Seahawks struggling, and to see that Russell Wilson was definitely, undeniably overpaid. Spending ridiculous money has backfired on many, and it looks like the Seahawks are next in line for that designation. Jimmy Graham has been all but invisible. Marshawn Lynch can't find any room behind that 3rd string offensive line. Cary Williams is one of their starting corners. No matter how poor this offense has been, Carroll and Bevell insist on starting special teamers at the WR position when they've got big, fast receivers in Ricardo Lockette and Chris Matthews waiting in the wings to take over. We had a Lockette sighting, last week. Are the Seahawks finally starting to figure it out that no matter how mad Doug Baldwin gets when people question his and Kearse's abilities, it doesn't change the fact that they're 4th and 5th receivers on many NFL rosters?
14. Vikings
I love my team, and I believe in what they're building, but they're not a high level team until Teddy Bridgewater starts throwing more touchdown passes. He's on pace for 10, TEN, touchdown passes right now, and that just isn't OK. He also has a tendency to kill drives with bad INTs. He can look great for 60 yards, and then cough it up ala Jay Cutler. He's being out-performed by others in his QB class by miles. I like the kid--he hasn't even started 25 games yet--but he needs to find the endzone when he has a plethora of weapons at his disposal. The defense, on the other hand, has been incredible. Anthony Barr is momentum shifting talent who makes plays in every single game. Eric Kendricks has been great at MLB. Xavier Rhodes is the most penalized CB in the league, but he's also minimizing every single #1 threat he faces. I'll take the flags if it means guys like Calvin Johnson and Jeremy Maclin are held in check. The defensive line has been nothing short of ferocious. Joseph and Floyd are eating. Everson Griffin has been a stud, even though he missed the KC game with illness. Hell, they're even getting production out of undersized rookie Danielle Hunter. This defensive line is excellent.
15. Cowboys
They are decent quarterback play away from being 4-1 coming out of their bye, but an injury to Tony Romo has flipped them on their heads. Thankfully, the Brandon Weeden experiment is over--good on, him--he didn't actively lose games for Dallas, but he was absolutely too scared to take any risks whatsoever. The defense got a big boost from the incredibly naive and unintelligent but talented Greg Hardy, and Randy Gregory looks like he's ready to return. Sean Lee is still active in October. Last but not least, can we give it up for Mo Claiborne? It's great to see this kid having some success.
16. Chargers
I don't like this team at all. Their OL isn't healthy and their defense is politely getting out of the way for opposing running backs. There are no playoff hopes without improvement in the trenches. Don't be surprised if the Raiders put them on ice this weekend.
17. Raiders
I know this seems high, but any team with game-changers on both sides of the ball is dangerous. Kahlil Mack and Amari Cooper have finally removed the "auto-win" sticker from the Raiders in regard to the better teams in the NFL. They're dangerous, and if they can get on a roll somewhere this season, they may spoil some playoff hopes.
18. Lions
Way too high, right? The Lions are a few bounces away from being 3-3 and right in the thick of the Wild Card race. Bad luck against Denver and the worst officiating gaffe in recent history resulted in losses for a team finds a way to stick around with most opponents. Recent injuries may hurt them in the long run--losing Zach Zenner takes away their bulldozer because Bell will never stay healthy consistent enough to provide that style. It's all up to Ameer Abdullah, now, from a running standpoint, and without the tough-yardage back to wear down opponents, his numbers will continue to be unimpressive.
19. Rams
Todd Gurley is a revelation, and the Rams have a chance to string some wins together if Nick Foles can just not suck. They also need to quit losing games they should win. The Rams will give everything they have against a good team, then falter against pure shit like Washington. It makes no sense.
20. Eagles
I'm not buying this little two game winning streak. They're still terrible, and they will continue to lose to superior opponents even with this one anomaly against the Giants.
21. Dolphins
Yeah, they responded to Dan Campbell, but they still have a shit quarterback with a huge ego and no running game. Welcome to mediocrity, Miami.
22. Texans
Just another decent team with a terrible quarterback. Put competency at the most important position on the field and this team is leading its division. DeAndre Hopkins is feasting on opposing defenses, though.
23. Browns
Josh McCown looks competent again. Gary Barnidge has the least-football name of any NFL player I've ever seen but he has emerged. The Crowbar is good for a few exciting runs a game. You never know when Travis Benjamin will strike. The Browns are fun to watch, sometimes because they look great, most of the time because of their sheer ineptitude.
24. Bucs
This is another team that can win on any week during the season. They can explode offensively, and are perhaps shoring up their defense away from being more competitive. Another lesser team that's fun to watch.
25. Bears
Like the Lions, the Bears are a few bounces of the ball away from a decent record, but they are finding ways to lose.
26. Ravens
Crockett Gilmore, Kamar Aiken--Joe Flacco's two favorite targets not named Steve Smith so far. I have no clue who they are, either.
27. Redskins
Another Jekyll and Hyde team. They'll beat some teams that they shouldn't but otherwise will falter to 5-11 or 6-10.
28. Titans
They are who we thought they were.
29. Saints
My god, I love it when this team sucks.
30. 49ers
My god, I love it when this team sucks.
31. Jags
Bortles looks better. The defense looks like it has regressed. That will probably cost Gus Bradley his job.
32. Chiefs
lolAndyReid
I know--I hate it, too, but until somebody in the AFC makes them look human, this is how the chips will fall each week.
2. Bengals
Andy Dalton looks like a real, actual NFL quarterback. Who would have thought? The Red Rifle's TD:INT ratio is flat out great right now (something like 14:2). He's finding multiple targets, developing a rhythm with different weapons all over the field. You factor in perhaps the most dynamic 1-2 running back combo, and this Bengals offense will only falter if it gets in its own way. The defense looks pretty good so far, with opposing coaches raving about their cornerbacks, in particular. It's also nice to see Geno Atkins playing well again.
3. Packers
You know what's frustrating? Putting the Packers at #3 as a team that has looked exceptionally vulnerable against not-so-great competition. They've yet to play a playoff contending team, as their opponents have a combined record of 11-23. You can't help who you play, but you can not trail a punchless Seattle team in the fourth quarter. You can not allow teams like Kansas City and San Diego to put up such impressive offensive performances. You can figure out a way to beat hapless teams like St. Louis, Chicago, and San Francisco more convincingly. They got the wins. They're 6-0. They also happen to be very vulnerable. A tough road test coming out of the bye at Mile High will be a nice litmus test.
4. Broncos
Speaking of non-convincing wins, say hello to the Denver Broncos. It's like they're playing with Tim Tebow all over again, but the deep ball just isn't an option because Peyton Manning grimaces on any throw that's longer than 10 yards. He simply can't grip the ball anymore. Fortunately for him, Denver's defense is far and away the best this league has seen in a few years--they're better than what the Seahawks boasted for 2 of the last 3 years. Aqib Talib is dominating everybody but Stefon Diggs so far (and I think we can equate that to not having any film on Diggs), and Chris Harris Jr. graded out as the best overall CB in the league last year. Denver is built to win even with shoddy QB play, and this just might be the kind of team that can give Peyton Manning the swan song he's looking for.
5. Jets
Next in line on defense are the New York Jets, whose offense is pulling its weight by punishing opposing defenses via Chris Ivory and allowing Ryan Fitzpatrick to be just good enough thanks to Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Darrelle Revis and Co. are playing great defense, and their secondary is the deepest in the league. There are places where guys like Buster Skrine and Marcus Williams are undoubted starters. Todd Bowles has the entire depth chart making plays, it seems. Don't sleep on this team.
6. Falcons
Matt Ryan is having the kind of resurgence that Tony Romo had last year, though his dependence on Julio Jones is rather troublesome. Not because Jones doesn't deserve targets but because Atlanta's passing game can't be punchless if he's ever out for a week or two. Roddy White and Leonard Hankerson need to be targeted more frequently to take some pressure away from Julio, and perhaps force defenses to pay more attention to other targets. Dan Quinn has the Falcons defense playing significantly better, though they clearly are missing a few key pieces. Freeman has been a revelation at running back, but I implore the Falcons to be careful with a small back. Too many touches early in the season and he might flame out later on.
7. Panthers
This team continues to win when it seems all but inevitable that they collapse. A revitalized defense and emerging Josh Norman are making it all possible. I still think this is one of the most poorly-coached teams in the league, but it's hard to ignore what they're doing right now. They go as Cam goes on offense. Their defense will keep them in games when he's struggling.
8. Steelers
What an offense. Even without Ben Roethlisberger, this team is dangerous every time they snap the ball. Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, Markus Wheaton, Heath Miller--they have weapons galore and when Ben returns, I think we'll find out who's going to be knocking on New England's door in January. The defense is playing a lot better than expected, and that can't be overlooked.
9. Cardinals
You know, I was drinking the Kool-Aid early on, but this team is faltering in places that it shouldn't. Losing to St. Louis is pathetic if you consider yourself a Super Bowl contender, and you have to find a way to beat Landry Jones and Mike Vick. I'll say one thing about the Arizona Cardinals right now--their losses are much more telling than their wins.
10. Giants
NFC East matchups almost always include some puzzling results, and Monday's 27-7 Eagles win is no different. The Eagles aren't any good, easily the third best team in the East behind Dallas and NYG. The Giants simply suffered from Eli's first bad game of the season, and he'd been so good leading up to it that we knew a vintage EL-INT peformance was due. Don't read too much into Monday's loss, Giants fans. I'm not convinced that you're good either, but truth be told, the NFL is really close this year. Anybody can beat anybody under the right circumstances.
11. Bills
Talk about a puzzling team right here. Buffalo can look great one week and terrible the next. Jekyll and Hyde at their finest. Their QB situation is closer than we realized after EJ Manuel was fairly impressive against Cincinnati. Tyrod Taylor still looks like the better quarterback, but it's definitely a competition. Let's see if EJ can lead the team to a win sans Watkins and the MIA Percy Harvin, who seems to be emotionally overwhelmed at the moment. It's hard not to feel somewhat bad for the guy, but then you remember his LBS (Little Bitch Syndrome) moments in Minnesota and Seattle and you're not so bothered. Rex has the defense playing great some weeks, leaking like a sieve in others. The Bills need to show us which will show its face more often as the season progresses.
12. Colts
They're poorly coached. They're questionable at key positional groups. Their quarterback likes to turn the ball over. And yet, they're still a top 15 NFL team. What a world we live in. Hopefully Andre Johnson continues to show that he's not finished yet. The Colts need to lean on Frank Gore and reel in Andrew Luck somewhat, because they're not good enough to overcome mistakes on a consistent basis.
13. Seahawks
Oh how grand it is to see the Seahawks struggling, and to see that Russell Wilson was definitely, undeniably overpaid. Spending ridiculous money has backfired on many, and it looks like the Seahawks are next in line for that designation. Jimmy Graham has been all but invisible. Marshawn Lynch can't find any room behind that 3rd string offensive line. Cary Williams is one of their starting corners. No matter how poor this offense has been, Carroll and Bevell insist on starting special teamers at the WR position when they've got big, fast receivers in Ricardo Lockette and Chris Matthews waiting in the wings to take over. We had a Lockette sighting, last week. Are the Seahawks finally starting to figure it out that no matter how mad Doug Baldwin gets when people question his and Kearse's abilities, it doesn't change the fact that they're 4th and 5th receivers on many NFL rosters?
14. Vikings
I love my team, and I believe in what they're building, but they're not a high level team until Teddy Bridgewater starts throwing more touchdown passes. He's on pace for 10, TEN, touchdown passes right now, and that just isn't OK. He also has a tendency to kill drives with bad INTs. He can look great for 60 yards, and then cough it up ala Jay Cutler. He's being out-performed by others in his QB class by miles. I like the kid--he hasn't even started 25 games yet--but he needs to find the endzone when he has a plethora of weapons at his disposal. The defense, on the other hand, has been incredible. Anthony Barr is momentum shifting talent who makes plays in every single game. Eric Kendricks has been great at MLB. Xavier Rhodes is the most penalized CB in the league, but he's also minimizing every single #1 threat he faces. I'll take the flags if it means guys like Calvin Johnson and Jeremy Maclin are held in check. The defensive line has been nothing short of ferocious. Joseph and Floyd are eating. Everson Griffin has been a stud, even though he missed the KC game with illness. Hell, they're even getting production out of undersized rookie Danielle Hunter. This defensive line is excellent.
15. Cowboys
They are decent quarterback play away from being 4-1 coming out of their bye, but an injury to Tony Romo has flipped them on their heads. Thankfully, the Brandon Weeden experiment is over--good on, him--he didn't actively lose games for Dallas, but he was absolutely too scared to take any risks whatsoever. The defense got a big boost from the incredibly naive and unintelligent but talented Greg Hardy, and Randy Gregory looks like he's ready to return. Sean Lee is still active in October. Last but not least, can we give it up for Mo Claiborne? It's great to see this kid having some success.
16. Chargers
I don't like this team at all. Their OL isn't healthy and their defense is politely getting out of the way for opposing running backs. There are no playoff hopes without improvement in the trenches. Don't be surprised if the Raiders put them on ice this weekend.
17. Raiders
I know this seems high, but any team with game-changers on both sides of the ball is dangerous. Kahlil Mack and Amari Cooper have finally removed the "auto-win" sticker from the Raiders in regard to the better teams in the NFL. They're dangerous, and if they can get on a roll somewhere this season, they may spoil some playoff hopes.
18. Lions
Way too high, right? The Lions are a few bounces away from being 3-3 and right in the thick of the Wild Card race. Bad luck against Denver and the worst officiating gaffe in recent history resulted in losses for a team finds a way to stick around with most opponents. Recent injuries may hurt them in the long run--losing Zach Zenner takes away their bulldozer because Bell will never stay healthy consistent enough to provide that style. It's all up to Ameer Abdullah, now, from a running standpoint, and without the tough-yardage back to wear down opponents, his numbers will continue to be unimpressive.
19. Rams
Todd Gurley is a revelation, and the Rams have a chance to string some wins together if Nick Foles can just not suck. They also need to quit losing games they should win. The Rams will give everything they have against a good team, then falter against pure shit like Washington. It makes no sense.
20. Eagles
I'm not buying this little two game winning streak. They're still terrible, and they will continue to lose to superior opponents even with this one anomaly against the Giants.
21. Dolphins
Yeah, they responded to Dan Campbell, but they still have a shit quarterback with a huge ego and no running game. Welcome to mediocrity, Miami.
22. Texans
Just another decent team with a terrible quarterback. Put competency at the most important position on the field and this team is leading its division. DeAndre Hopkins is feasting on opposing defenses, though.
23. Browns
Josh McCown looks competent again. Gary Barnidge has the least-football name of any NFL player I've ever seen but he has emerged. The Crowbar is good for a few exciting runs a game. You never know when Travis Benjamin will strike. The Browns are fun to watch, sometimes because they look great, most of the time because of their sheer ineptitude.
24. Bucs
This is another team that can win on any week during the season. They can explode offensively, and are perhaps shoring up their defense away from being more competitive. Another lesser team that's fun to watch.
25. Bears
Like the Lions, the Bears are a few bounces of the ball away from a decent record, but they are finding ways to lose.
26. Ravens
Crockett Gilmore, Kamar Aiken--Joe Flacco's two favorite targets not named Steve Smith so far. I have no clue who they are, either.
27. Redskins
Another Jekyll and Hyde team. They'll beat some teams that they shouldn't but otherwise will falter to 5-11 or 6-10.
28. Titans
They are who we thought they were.
29. Saints
My god, I love it when this team sucks.
30. 49ers
My god, I love it when this team sucks.
31. Jags
Bortles looks better. The defense looks like it has regressed. That will probably cost Gus Bradley his job.
32. Chiefs
lolAndyReid
