1. New England Patriots– Six weeks in, six wins with zero losses. This is their best defense I’ve seen since 2014, the year they won it with Chandler Jones, Jamie Collins (who’s now back with the team), Brandon Browner and some cornerback named Darrelle Revis. Last week was another lopsided win against a struggling opponent in the New York Giants. I have to say the Giants made things interesting, then came the fourth quarter which saw the defending champs pull away. Yes, the offense has been up and down, but luckily, the defense has been there to be the crutch for the team. I don’t see New England losing these next two games. They have the Jets on Monday night and the Browns the following week.
2. San Francisco 49ers– I can admit when I’m wrong. It took me a while to get completely sold on this team. They are for real. I said the same thing about the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017 and look what they went on to do. Last Sunday against the class of this division in the Los Angeles Rams was a true test for Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers which they passed with flying colors. This defense is so much fun to watch with how they all swarm to the football to make a stop. Here’s how good they are on defense: The Rams have been one of the best offenses in the league since Sean McVay became coach. San Francisco held them to seven points and 157 yards of total offense. You talk about setting the tone of the game, that’s exactly what they did. I’m convinced and they have my respect.
3. New Orleans Saints– They continue to roll without Drew Brees. Since going down, the Saints are 4-0. I bet you didn’t see this coming at all, did you? Everything is clicking for them. They’re doing more than enough on the offensive side to control the clock along with the line of scrimmage. What’s really carried this team has been their defense which was a concern at the beginning of the year. When I watch them play, I see a nice combination of confidence and swagger. They’ve done more than enough to stay afloat without their leader. When he comes back, everything will be well with the world again.
4. Seattle Seahawks– When I think of battle-tested, this is who will come to mind. Pete Carroll’s group are one of the few teams that can get behind by double digits on the road but remain in the game without much concern. When you have Russell Wilson as your quarterback, good things will continuously happen. I’ve seen a lot of him over the years and this is hands down the best I’ve ever seen him look. Now, he’s my front-runner for league MVP. He continues to keep his team in games along with putting them in the best position to win football games. Last Sunday, he was a thorn in Cleveland’s side against a Browns team who was in desperate need of a victory. Every chance he received, he picked them apart. The Seahawks are 5-1 right now.
5. Green Bay Packers– I was so impressed with Aaron Rodgers last Monday night against the Lions. He was without Davante Adams for the second straight games plus, Geronimo Allison exited the game with a head injury. For years, the knock-on Rodgers has been why can’t he work with what he has around him? Brady does it each year, why can’t Aaron? I think he showed that last week. No Adams, No Allison, no problem. He threw a rope to Allen Lazard, a pass that only few quarterbacks can dream of making. The Packers are still in control of the NFC North.
