Meet the team…
Graphics: CB
Rankingologist: Arod
Analysis: Arod, Fallen, & Fin
1. Buffalo Bills (4-0): The Bills are rolling, and until their last game, they held opponents under 14 points in each game from weeks 1-3. Most impressive has been the hot start of Josh Allen who has 14 touchdown to 0 interception statline. If he continues to play at this pace, don’t be surprised if he heads the MVP talks in the weeks to come.
2. Los Angeles Rams (3-1): The Rams have shot out of a cannon to a 3-1 start.They win 31-25 against Chicago and the key stat: 6 for 6 on Red Zone %. Not to mention being among the top of the league in defensive stats, and are #1 in rushing yards allowed. They have recovered from the loss of Aaron Donald quickly
3. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0): The AFC West is shaping out to be one of the best divisions in the league, but Kansas City proves dominant as they pick up an 8 point victory over the Chargers this week. Patrick Mahomes has thrown 11 touchdowns to zero interceptions, he is tied with Josh Allen as the only two quarterbacks to throw over 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions through the first four weeks of the season.
4. Detroit Lions (3-1): We didn’t know what to expect out of Fin who returns after a 5 year PML hiatus, but as the weeks progress, it seems more than likely he will be one of the premier coaches in the NFC this cycle. Jameson Williams has been playing like a man possessed with almost 600 yards on just 10 possessions. Returning coach better get acclimated with the usage rules that were implemented while he was away or Jamo will be hearing from the league office.
5. Denver Broncos (3-1): Rookie sensation Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos are on a three game winning streak, with Nix throwing 15 touchdowns on the season, Denver has proven its ability to spread the field. Cookie has one of his biggest challenges in turning around this Denver rebuilt, but he is off to a hot start in a division that could send three to the playoffs every season.
6. Chicago Bears (3-1): The Bears arguably are in the NFC Title game of bust territory, but the recent loss to the Rams could have some second guessing their ceiling early in the cycle. The user skill is there, but is the roster ready for a deep playoff run this early in the cycle? We should have a clearer picture come week 11 when the divisional games start rolling around.
7. Minnesota Vikings (3-1): Spot and the Vikings round out the 3 NFC North teams appearing in the top 7 of the Power Rankings. Says a lot about the competitive nature of the division. Not having JJ McCarthy is a huge blow to Dot not only for the season, but long-term development of the rookie QB. Nevertheless, my early favorite to not only win the division, but the NFC as a whole this season.
8. Los Angeles Chargers (3-1): JC hasn’t lost his touch by sitting out of the last season last cycle and he is back to claim another superbowl title. JC’s Chargers have the best conversion rate (65%) on third downs in the league. While some teams aim to avoid third down altogether, the Chargers have made their money on it this season. They head into the bye week after a tough loss to a division rival, but best believe, JC will have something cooking for his game against Denver in week 6.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (3-1): Philly suffers their first loss in a high scoring affair against Tampa Bay. They sit atop the division, but I do think a focus on the run game will be crucial as Saquon Barkley is playing more reciever than running back. Philly needs to establish its identity on offense and the wins will continue to come. They Have a bye this week and then an easy schedule until they face Dallas in week 10.
10. Dallas Cowboys (3-1): The good news, is the Dallas defense is as advertisted and ranked top 5 in the league, that being said they have yet to play a team with a winning record and take a rough loss to the Giants this week throwing not 1, not 2, not 3 but 8 interceptions to the New York defense. I would chalk this up to a bad day, and expect Dallas to return to form as one of the better complete teams in the NFC to this point. They face the Steelers in week 5 to get right before a matchup at home against the Lions.
11. Las Vegas Raiders (2-2): Despite a 0-2 start, Codes has rallied back the past two weeks and built himself a streak of victories. Morale is low in Las Vegas with swirling rumours of trade talks sending Davante Adams to another team, but isn’t this something we’ve heard the past few cycles? Tae Adams still has some juice in the tank, but it seems that the Raiders may have their eyes on the future.
12. New York Giants (2-2): This is an underrated football team. They sit at 2-2 but a close matchup in each of their games and a big defensive performance vs Dallas this week. This team has to play football different than everyone as their roster is young and not quite at its peak. Malik Nabers and Tracy will be key development pieces to watch this cycle. They face a Seattle team that is dedicated to getting the ball downfield, so another 8 INT matchup could shake up the NFC East.
13. Arizona Cardinals (2-2): The Cardinals rebound to get a win against the Commanders (suspensions be damned) but Arizona needs a bye week like no other. Down to QB3, it will be up to their defense to hold off a talented Niners roster this week.
14. Houston Texans (2-2): It’s ironic what a new cycle and switch up of teams can do to a conference and a division. Despite the .500 start, Houston finds itself atop the AFC South. Second year sensation C.J. Stroud is struggling to move the ball down the field and he has thrown 10 interceptions in four games. Houston ranks 31st in passing, but it has the best rushing offense in the league. Maybe a better balance will contribute to a few more victories?
15. Seattle Seahawks (2-2): A rough day by Sam Howell results in a game ending red zone interception against Detroit. That being said, this team has all the fire power it needs to compete and a few get right games should lead to a big matchup against the Bills in week 8. Continue to limit turnovers and maybe scoring a rushing touchdown would unlock Seattle.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-2): Casper with a dynamic upset over the Philadelphia Eagles. Tampa Bay displayed poise and fortitude in their comeback and I think it’s easy to predict them as the division favourites at this point in the season. With two division games over the next two weeks, they will be able to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. But, Casper has to prove that the NFC South won’t be a freebie win once the playoffs come around, and he set a great precedent this week showing off his ability to overcome all obstacles.
17. Miami Dolphins (2-2): Curt is coming off a tough 1-point loss this last week to the Titans, in a game many assumed they would win based on the rosters alone. One thing that stands out to me is the lack of rushing attempts week 4. It’s understandable you have all the nice shiny weapons in Hill and Waddle, but Achane and Mostert in their own rights deserve more than 10 total carries.
18. Green Bay Packers (2-2): Many were writing Wimmy off early in the season, but after a huge divisional victory against the Vikings, Wimmy is here to fight his way into the playoff picture. It won’t be easy, but Wimmy is one the coaches you should never sleep on no matter the circumstances. With two tough matchups looming against the Cardinals and Rams, Wimmy could assert himself as a season 1 contender if he could come out on top of both.
19. New York Jets (2-2): After a 2-0 start, the Jets have fizzled out of late. Aaron Rodgers hasn’t seemed to really get it going early into his NYJ career. The big question moving forward, what are the plans in NY once Arod decides to hang it up, or his skills continue to diminish.
20. Indianapolis Colts (2-2): While we have so many new faces with new teams, CB is back this cycle with the Colts in hopes of a better start to the season. Indy seems to be flippy floppy so far this season. They were shutout against Chicago, but stayed resilient and defeated Pittsburgh this week. The next couple weeks will really shape out this division as they go on the road to face Jacksonville and Tennessee.
21. Washington Commanders (2-2): I genuinely have no idea what is happening in Washington. They give up 72 in week one, but drop 65 in week three. This team is the Thanos of PML. Everythings balanced. Points allowed, points score, interceptions thrown (15), touchdowns thrown (15), wins (2), losses (2). Que needs to lock in on the defensive side of the football and these next three games (Cleveland, Baltimore, Carolina) is the perfect lineup for that.
22. New Orleans Saints (2-2): New Orleans very well could be sitting at 3-1 right now if the game against the Eagles was played by a user? Nonetheless, the CPU controlled Saints displayed their ability to pass the ball down the field with Derek Carr throwing four touchdowns. Deebo has to make the most of the 33 year old quarterback this first season, because he is only going to regress as time moves forward.
23. Tennessee Titans (1-3): Is there a curse on Will Levis? Despite his 72 overall stature, he has starting caliber tools to be successful, but has still thrown 11 interceptions this season contributing to the Titans awful start to the season. Although, they have an early bye week and are heading into it after getting their first win of the season against the Dolphins this week. Tennessee has to ride the hot hand and not party too hard during their bye week.
24. Baltimore Ravens (1-3): 2 of Raven’s 3 losses have been less than a FG. Which hurts even more when you remember they have Justin Tucker exists. The Ravens rank third in the league in rushing, so a focus on third down defense could be the difference between this team making a run at the division. Beating Cincy this week will be a step in the right direction.
25. San Francisco 49ers (1-2): A 1-2 start is not ideal for San Francisco but they have played a tough lineup. The pain point has been the 4:14 TD/INT split for Purdy. Ranking as high as they do in defense, especially against the run, it is the carelessness with the football that is hurting them the most.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-3): T.Riley debut to PML has been a rough one. A 1-3 start to the season after a tough battle with Indy. Najee Harris seems to be the lone shining spot on a team that is struggling with passing offense and defense. Life doesn’t get easier as they face 3-1 Dallas this week.
27. Cincinnati Bengals (1-3): The plus side for the Bengals, they just had a 52 point “get right” game against Carolina and they won’t play a winning record until week 8. The downside, they have allowed 53 points per game in their last 3. A focus on the run game and a Zack Moss/Chase Brown duo could allow them to own Time of Possession.
28. New England Patriots (1-3): The Patriots defense is playing as solid as you could with the unit they’re sending out on the field, but the issue continues to be the offense who are last in all statistical categories. This roster needs development, but we all know Coach Nef is still trying to win football games in a division where he is certainly behind the 8-ball in terms of starting rosters.
29. Cleveland Browns (1-3): Every team in this division is 1-3, so who figures it out first is key. Cleveland is in full panic mode as they have held exactly 1 opponent to under 48 points. If and when Nick Chubb returns will be crucial, not only for this offense to get going, but to keep the defense off the field. They face Que this week so make sure you brush up on the 4th down rules.
30. Atlanta Falcons (0-4): Is the NFC South the worst division in PML? With two teams sitting at 0-4, it definitely appears so. Atlanta actually had a strong lead against the Saints this week until they fumbled the bag late in the fourth quarter. Is Kirk Cousins the smartest move when you have Penix Jr. on the bench? Penix is a left handed quarterback, but he has the bigger arm and is significantly faster than Cousins. Something for Atlanta to consider as the season progresses.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4): I know that Bandit has missed most, if not all, of his games but his computer controlled players haven’t done his team any justice. Jacksonville has the worst (-17) turnover differential in the league and has given up the ball the most (20) times so far this season. Bandit can turn this season around, considering his team isn’t that far behind their division leader, but with 18 interceptions, he is going to have to be very careful how he proceeds on offense to avoid Trevor Lawrence losing his abilities.
32. Carolina Panthers (0-4): Season 5 JT versus Season 1 JT are so dissimilar. Carolina has been able to narrow the game of their losses, only losing to the Bengals by 10 points this week. Good news has to come from somewhere and the team knows how to move the ball, considering they are 3rd in total yards, but giving up an average of 47 points per game will never win a team a ball game. Carolina has to clean up on the defensive side of the ball..and quickly.
