Written by Ben Slavin
Another week, another slate of upsets and crazy finishes. A few of the worst teams in the league got their first or second wins. A few of the expected Super Bowl contenders got back on track with statement wins. We also saw a couple more overtime games as well as a 63 yard game-winning kick. While many complain about the protests and NFL in general, they’re missing some great football.
Once again, now that we’re into the season, teams will move up or down a lot based on trades, injuries, or big wins or losses. Who the opponent was, how close of a game it was, and just in general how good the team looked will be considered more than just getting the victory.
32. San Francisco 49ers (1-4, Down 4)
The 49ers lost the battle for first team in the league -- or won, depending on how you look at it -- against Arizona. As has been the theme of the year for San Francisco, they lost another key player to injury. Luckily for Matt Breida, his wasn’t season-ending like all his teammates’ were.
31. Arizona Cardinals (1-4, Up 1)
Arizona are no longer the last winless team in the league. Just like good teams beat up on the Cardinals, the Cardinals beat up on one of the only teams worse than them. The defense forced five turnovers and while his numbers are ugly, Josh Rosen made some nice throws.
30. Oakland Raiders (1-4, Down 3)
This was the first week the Raiders didn’t jump out to an early lead and outplay their opponent in the first quarter. This time, the Chargers controlled the entire game. With years remaining of Jon Gruden’s contract, it’s getting to the point where the people of Oakland shouldn’t even be that mad they’re losing the team.
29. Indianapolis Colts (1-4, Down 3)
It’s tough to fault the Colts too much for their blowout loss considering they were missing seemingly half their roster and facing week two of the "Patriots aren’t dead" tour. Once they get their guys back, the Colts should go back to playing their opponents tough.
It’s tough to fault the Colts too much for their blowout loss considering they were missing seemingly half their roster and facing week two of the "Patriots aren’t dead" tour. Once they get their guys back, the Colts should go back to playing their opponents tough.
28. Buffalo Bills (2-3, Up 3)
Sean McDermott deserves a lot of credit. Last year he shockingly ended the Bills’ playoff drought. Now he has the team motivated and fighting even though they get blown out almost every week. Any team that overlooks the Bills is going to pay.
Sean McDermott deserves a lot of credit. Last year he shockingly ended the Bills’ playoff drought. Now he has the team motivated and fighting even though they get blown out almost every week. Any team that overlooks the Bills is going to pay.
27. Seattle Seahawks (2-3, Down 2)
Unlike last year where they lost 42-7, the Seahawks defended home turf against the Rams. It wasn’t enough to get the win, but it was an admirable effort considering they played the best team in the league. Both Seattle backs ran well and Rashaad Penny is starting to look more and more like a bust.
Unlike last year where they lost 42-7, the Seahawks defended home turf against the Rams. It wasn’t enough to get the win, but it was an admirable effort considering they played the best team in the league. Both Seattle backs ran well and Rashaad Penny is starting to look more and more like a bust.
26. Denver Broncos (2-3, Down 6)
The Broncos got the unenviable short week cross-country road trip, so it’s no great shock they weren’t their best. Even at less than their best, the Broncos allowing the Jets to go over 300 yards rushing is inexcusable.
The Broncos got the unenviable short week cross-country road trip, so it’s no great shock they weren’t their best. Even at less than their best, the Broncos allowing the Jets to go over 300 yards rushing is inexcusable.
25. New York Giants (1-4, Down 2)
Odell Beckham took a stand Sunday. If Eli can’t throw him the ball, he’ll just throw it himself. Despite Eli, the Giants showed that so long as the offensive line gives them time to get the ball to Odell and Saquon Barkley, they can score. While the O-line did well in pass protection, the run-blocking was horrible.
Odell Beckham took a stand Sunday. If Eli can’t throw him the ball, he’ll just throw it himself. Despite Eli, the Giants showed that so long as the offensive line gives them time to get the ball to Odell and Saquon Barkley, they can score. While the O-line did well in pass protection, the run-blocking was horrible.
24. Miami Dolphins (3-2, Down 3)
The Dolphins are unbelievably dependant on big plays to score. Their second touchdown against the Bengals was a punt return taken to the house. It’s rare the offense has long drives ending in touchdowns. For that reason and others, the 3-0 start was obviously unsustainable.
The Dolphins are unbelievably dependant on big plays to score. Their second touchdown against the Bengals was a punt return taken to the house. It’s rare the offense has long drives ending in touchdowns. For that reason and others, the 3-0 start was obviously unsustainable.
23. New York Jets (2-3, Up 7)
I’d expect the Jets trend of blowing out opponents every few weeks to continue. Mike Maccagnan has created a good roster and when Sam Darnold is on his game like he was against Denver (two great deep throws and limited mistakes), they can win big against unsuspecting opponents.
I’d expect the Jets trend of blowing out opponents every few weeks to continue. Mike Maccagnan has created a good roster and when Sam Darnold is on his game like he was against Denver (two great deep throws and limited mistakes), they can win big against unsuspecting opponents.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-2, Same)
The Buccaneers showed zero faith in Ryan Fitzpatrick despite him being an MVP candidate the first two weeks. With Jameis Winston back, the Bucs waited for their bye week and the first sign of the old Fitzpatrick to hand the starting job back to Winston. He’ll look to prove they made the right choice week six in Atlanta.
The Buccaneers showed zero faith in Ryan Fitzpatrick despite him being an MVP candidate the first two weeks. With Jameis Winston back, the Bucs waited for their bye week and the first sign of the old Fitzpatrick to hand the starting job back to Winston. He’ll look to prove they made the right choice week six in Atlanta.
21. Atlanta Falcons (1-4, Down 7)
There’s nothing left in Atlanta. A season that began with hopes of a return to the Super Bowl is being derailed by injuries and Steve Sarkisian. His idiotic play calling is wasting the window of this talented team.
There’s nothing left in Atlanta. A season that began with hopes of a return to the Super Bowl is being derailed by injuries and Steve Sarkisian. His idiotic play calling is wasting the window of this talented team.
20. Detroit Lions (2-3, Up 4)
Sometimes in the NFL, the game just falls in your favor. When that happens, you have to capitalize. The Lions did exactly that Sunday, so while it can be argued they got lucky, they really just took advantage of beneficial situations.
Sometimes in the NFL, the game just falls in your favor. When that happens, you have to capitalize. The Lions did exactly that Sunday, so while it can be argued they got lucky, they really just took advantage of beneficial situations.
19. Washington Redskins (2-2, Down 2)
With a perfect opportunity to go up a game and a half over the Eagles and Cowboys in the NFC East, the Redskins went out and laid an egg. Even though the Saints are great, Washington matches up well and should have been able to at least compete. The Redskins are only on top of their division by process of elimination.
With a perfect opportunity to go up a game and a half over the Eagles and Cowboys in the NFC East, the Redskins went out and laid an egg. Even though the Saints are great, Washington matches up well and should have been able to at least compete. The Redskins are only on top of their division by process of elimination.
18. Dallas Cowboys (2-3, Same)
Against the Texans the Cowboys defense proved they are legit. Just as they have done every other week. Dak Prescott has yet to prove himself. Same with all the wideouts. Dallas is great in multiple areas (rushing offense, entire defense), but are so bad in the most important one (passing offense) that they won’t go anywhere.
Against the Texans the Cowboys defense proved they are legit. Just as they have done every other week. Dak Prescott has yet to prove himself. Same with all the wideouts. Dallas is great in multiple areas (rushing offense, entire defense), but are so bad in the most important one (passing offense) that they won’t go anywhere.
17. Houston Texans (2-3, Up 12)
Deshaun Watson is back. He looked great Sunday night, although his willingness to take big hits is concerning for someone coming off a season-ending injury. J.J. Watt showed the last few weeks that he’s back. Something just hasn’t clicked with this team yet, though. It’s probably coaching, but even still expect a big win in the next few weeks showing us the team is back.
Deshaun Watson is back. He looked great Sunday night, although his willingness to take big hits is concerning for someone coming off a season-ending injury. J.J. Watt showed the last few weeks that he’s back. Something just hasn’t clicked with this team yet, though. It’s probably coaching, but even still expect a big win in the next few weeks showing us the team is back.
16. Tennessee Titans (3-2, Down 1)
After weeks of prevailing in close games that could have gone either way, the Titans felt what the losing side was like. Spotting the Bills a 7-0 lead proved to be too much for Tennessee. Marcus Mariota has to play mistake-free football for this team to win.
After weeks of prevailing in close games that could have gone either way, the Titans felt what the losing side was like. Spotting the Bills a 7-0 lead proved to be too much for Tennessee. Marcus Mariota has to play mistake-free football for this team to win.
15. Cleveland Browns (2-2-1, Up 5)
The Browns are finally starting to play up to their Hard Knocks-induced hype. They probably should have won last week and just knocked off a good Ravens team. The fact that Hue Jackson made such a big deal of getting a division win is sad though.
The Browns are finally starting to play up to their Hard Knocks-induced hype. They probably should have won last week and just knocked off a good Ravens team. The fact that Hue Jackson made such a big deal of getting a division win is sad though.
14. Baltimore Ravens (3-2, Down 4)
While both losses are understandable, the Ravens 1-2 division record could loom large later. A team good enough for the playoffs, they could miss out on a tiebreaker. A year after missing out on a week 17 game winner. Pure comedy.
While both losses are understandable, the Ravens 1-2 division record could loom large later. A team good enough for the playoffs, they could miss out on a tiebreaker. A year after missing out on a week 17 game winner. Pure comedy.
13. Green Bay Packers (2-2-1, Down 2)
The Packers shot themselves in the foot constantly in Detroit. Almost every Lions scoring drive was after a Packers mistake and ensuing short field. The amount of missed field goals and lost fumbles by Green Bay was both sad and hilarious.
The Packers shot themselves in the foot constantly in Detroit. Almost every Lions scoring drive was after a Packers mistake and ensuing short field. The amount of missed field goals and lost fumbles by Green Bay was both sad and hilarious.
12. Philadelphia Eagles (2-3, Down 4)
Before an unbelievable fat guy defensive touchdown that gave the Vikings all the momentum, the Eagles were right in the game. They nearly completed the comeback too. In the end it was a loss, though. The Eagles are lucky they’re in the worst division in football or else three early season losses could be too much to overcome.
Before an unbelievable fat guy defensive touchdown that gave the Vikings all the momentum, the Eagles were right in the game. They nearly completed the comeback too. In the end it was a loss, though. The Eagles are lucky they’re in the worst division in football or else three early season losses could be too much to overcome.
11. Cincinnati Bengals (4-1, Up 2)
The Bengals won, yes. They also fell behind 17-0 to a mediocre (at best) Dolphins team. And needed two defensive touchdowns to beat that Dolphins team. At least the defense stepped it up this week after being underwhelming to start the year.
The Bengals won, yes. They also fell behind 17-0 to a mediocre (at best) Dolphins team. And needed two defensive touchdowns to beat that Dolphins team. At least the defense stepped it up this week after being underwhelming to start the year.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2-1, Up 6)
As many were starting to declare the Steelers dead in the playoff race, Pittsburgh showed they’re just getting started. It’s no big accomplishment to drop 40 on Atlanta these days, but shutting down their offense is. This was the Steelers defense we need to see.
As many were starting to declare the Steelers dead in the playoff race, Pittsburgh showed they’re just getting started. It’s no big accomplishment to drop 40 on Atlanta these days, but shutting down their offense is. This was the Steelers defense we need to see.
9. Carolina Panthers (3-1, Same)
Before the game Sunday, the Panthers individually introduced their special teams unit. Every team should do that every game now, as the Panthers scored a special teams touchdown and won the game on the second longest field goal in history.
Before the game Sunday, the Panthers individually introduced their special teams unit. Every team should do that every game now, as the Panthers scored a special teams touchdown and won the game on the second longest field goal in history.
8. Minnesota Vikings (2-2-1, Up 4)
The offseason Super Bowl favorite Minnesota Vikings finally showed themselves Sunday. Kirk Cousins and the passing attack had another good game and the defense showed why they are one of the best in football. Shoutout to Linval Joseph for scoring a long defensive touchdowns and then throwing on his shades while getting oxygen.
The offseason Super Bowl favorite Minnesota Vikings finally showed themselves Sunday. Kirk Cousins and the passing attack had another good game and the defense showed why they are one of the best in football. Shoutout to Linval Joseph for scoring a long defensive touchdowns and then throwing on his shades while getting oxygen.
7. Chicago Bears (3-1, Same)
The Bears got their bye week at the worst time possible -- after a blowout victory where your young quarterback has by far his best game of the season. They’ll look to recapture their momentum Sunday in Miami.
6. Los Angeles Chargers (3-2, Same)
Unlike last week, the Chargers dominated an inferior opponent. That’s what we need to see from them for LA to be in the Super Bowl conversation. For the first time this season, the Chargers defense played well without Joey Bosa.
Unlike last week, the Chargers dominated an inferior opponent. That’s what we need to see from them for LA to be in the Super Bowl conversation. For the first time this season, the Chargers defense played well without Joey Bosa.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2, Down 2)
While it was concerning to see probably the best defense in football get carved up like it did, Patrick Mahomes and Blake Bortles are probably most to blame. Like everyone else, the Jaguars were able to move the ball on the Chiefs defense, but Blake Bortles threw some of the ugliest interceptions I’ve seen to keep the Jaguars from scoring. Even Blake Bortles won’t do that every week, though.
While it was concerning to see probably the best defense in football get carved up like it did, Patrick Mahomes and Blake Bortles are probably most to blame. Like everyone else, the Jaguars were able to move the ball on the Chiefs defense, but Blake Bortles threw some of the ugliest interceptions I’ve seen to keep the Jaguars from scoring. Even Blake Bortles won’t do that every week, though.
4. New England Patriots (3-2, Up 1)
Now that they have all their weapons back, the Patriots offense looks to be up there with the best in football. We still need to see more from the New England defense before they are up there with the best teams in football, though.
Now that they have all their weapons back, the Patriots offense looks to be up there with the best in football. We still need to see more from the New England defense before they are up there with the best teams in football, though.
3. New Orleans Saints (4-1, Up 1)
It seems Drew Brees breaking the all time passing record is getting more attention than the Saints blowing out the Redskins. The Redskins are a solid team, but the Saints did whatever they wanted against them. Surprisingly, the defense played well too. With Mark Ingram back, the Saints are scary.
It seems Drew Brees breaking the all time passing record is getting more attention than the Saints blowing out the Redskins. The Redskins are a solid team, but the Saints did whatever they wanted against them. Surprisingly, the defense played well too. With Mark Ingram back, the Saints are scary.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (5-0, Same)
Many people, myself included, expected the Chiefs to be humbled by the Jaguars after dominating the first few weeks. That expectation was not a reality as Patrick Mahomes proved he was a top-five quarterback and the defense continued to force turnovers. These aren’t the same Chiefs that started hot and died out the last few years.
Many people, myself included, expected the Chiefs to be humbled by the Jaguars after dominating the first few weeks. That expectation was not a reality as Patrick Mahomes proved he was a top-five quarterback and the defense continued to force turnovers. These aren’t the same Chiefs that started hot and died out the last few years.
1. Los Angeles Rams (5-0, Same)
It’s starting to seem like the Rams are incapable of scoring less than 30 points per game. The defense, without Aqib Talib, has made the high-scoring marks a necessity the last two games, allowing 62 points in two weeks. Regardless, the Rams are clearly the class of the league.
Think your team is ranked too low? Or just in general think I know nothing about football? Go crazy in the comments.
Works Cited
Rosenstein, Mike. “WATCH: Panthers Stun Giants on Last-Second FG, Breaking Hearts on Social Media | Are Referees to Blame?” NJ.com, NJ.com, 7 Oct. 2018, www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/10/watch_giants_panthers_game_winning_field_goal_twit.html.
It’s starting to seem like the Rams are incapable of scoring less than 30 points per game. The defense, without Aqib Talib, has made the high-scoring marks a necessity the last two games, allowing 62 points in two weeks. Regardless, the Rams are clearly the class of the league.
Think your team is ranked too low? Or just in general think I know nothing about football? Go crazy in the comments.
Works Cited
Rosenstein, Mike. “WATCH: Panthers Stun Giants on Last-Second FG, Breaking Hearts on Social Media | Are Referees to Blame?” NJ.com, NJ.com, 7 Oct. 2018, www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/10/watch_giants_panthers_game_winning_field_goal_twit.html.
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