1. Los Angeles Rams– They were finally tested last week and got everything they could handle from the Green Bay Packers, but they survived and here they are with eight wins in and zero losses. They are off to their best start in franchise history and they’re the team we’ve expected them to be. Today will be a tough test though for them. On the road, the New Orleans Saints, a potential NFC Championship game preview? Yeah, this should definitely be a fun game to watch.
2. New England Patriots– Last week was their best win of the season and before you say “calm down Chris” it was the Buffalo Bills, I can back up my statement with facts. When you look at the Patriots and their winning streak, the defense has come through for them on numerous occasions. On Monday night in Orchard Park, the defense stepped it up and made many plays for them to prevail and when they play defense the way they did last week, nobody will take them down. Can this trend continue though? That’s the thing that I’m still trying to figure out. The wait is over and Rodgers/Brady II is finally here.
3. Kansas City Chiefs– They will not slow down anytime soon and their offense will continue to rack up points and light up the scoreboard. Here they are right now with the best record in the AFC at 7-1 with the lone loss coming at the hands of the team above them in the rankings. I’ve been happy to see their defense playing better and the pass rush has been awake in their last two games. I remember last time around the season after a hot start to begin the year, they cooled off considerably around this time but I don’t think that will be the case for them this year.
4. New Orleans Saints– Last week was a humongous win for them and they got their revenge against the Minnesota Vikings to remain one of the hottest teams in the NFL and they won their sixth straight game. How could you not appreciate their smash-mouth identity on offense? Just when you think Drew is going to torch you with his arm, he’s handing it off to either one of those running backs and they’re making plays. The defense may not be as strong as last year, but they’re getting off the field when they need too.
5. Carolina Panthers– They’re quietly going about business and sit at 5-2 and won a huge game last week against the Baltimore Ravens. The offensive line is finally allowing Cam Newton to throw the football and he looks beyond comfortable in the pocket. The defense is waking up and they’re playing hard each and every game. The win against the Eagles woke me up and showed me they aren’t to be taken lightly.
