The NFL season is three weeks old. One week short of the quarter mark, yet we’ve already learned so much about certain teams. Now, there is still plenty of football left to be played, but here is what we know, or we think we know, so far. Check out the NFC Edition here.
AFC East
Okay, let’s just exclude the Bills right here. The only news story worth following for them is who they’re thinking of taking number one in next year’s draft. No doubt, the AFC east will be a three-team battle, and one that will probably be close to the end. Currently, the Jets, Pats, and Dolphins all sit together at 2-1. At this point, the Jets have to have the advantage among the trio, with big wins against the Fins and Pats already under their belt.
Even so, it’s hard to root against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in any year. The question for the Patriots will be whether or not their defense will hold up throughout the season. In Miami, the running game is still strong, and if quarterback Chad Henne can take the next step in his development, the team may be able to do the same.
AFC North
Again, we’re looking at a three-team race here. While the Browns have displayed a good deal of improvement thus far, it hasn’t equated to any wins, and a 0-3 start in this division is essentially a big nail in the coffin. The Steelers look like the team to beat, not just in the North, but in all the NFL. Minus Big Ben, Pittsburgh (3-0) has looked scary good, smothering teams with a relentless defense, powerful running game, and surprisingly effective play from their QB fill-ins. Even if they lose to the Ravens in week 4, the Steel city squad would still be in great shape, with Roethlisberger’s return just around the corner.
The Ravens (2-1), who were and still may be picked by some to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at season’s end, have looked pretty strong at times and quite weak at others. QB Joe Flacco had the worst start of his career against the Bengals in week 2, but followed it up with a big boy performance the following week against the Browns. The team’s success will be riding on his broad shoulders. Following their loss to the Patriots in week 1, the Bengals won their next two contests, with an ugly win over the Ravens and a comfortable win against the rebuilding Panthers. There is reason for concern in Cincinatti, however, as QB Carson Palmer has struggled in his first three starts. Let the T.O. blow-up countdown begin.
AFC South
A week ago, many were saying that a long-awaited power shift was finally occurring in the AFC South. With their week one victory over the Colts, the Houston Texans appeared to be the team on the verge who finally gets over the hump and truly contends. Fast forward seven days – that thought is still running through some heads, and it still may be true, but its not as pervasive and the doubters are not so lonely anymore. The Colts, on the other hand, have looked more like themselves during their two game win streak, and are in no apparent hurry to relinquish their reign over the division.
In Tennessee, the Titans have looked both good and bad, and the team has become somewhat of an enigma. The quarterback position is yet again a topic for discussion and debate, which can’t make Titans fans very happy. As for the fourth representative from the AFC South, the Jaguars are in for a rough season.
AFC West
It’s pretty much a consensus that the Kansas City Chiefs are the surprise team in the AFC West this year, sporting an unexpected 3-0 record. With an impressive, championship-caliber pair of coordinators (Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis) and a relatively weak schedule, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the Chiefs have a legit shot at the playoffs. The Chargers, who were the obvious favorites within the division before the year began, are riddled with issues, including the absences of Pro Bowl left tackle Marcus McNeill and wide receiver Vincent Jackson.
Even so, don’t be surprised to see the Bolts find a way in this weak division. The Broncos could turn some heads, but the chips are stacked against them with so many strong teams throughout the conference. As for the Raiders, they yet again sport an underrated defense, but expecting QB Bruce Gradkowski to steer the ship may be unrealistic.