1. New England Patriots– I know all of you saw that scrimmage last Monday night against the New York Jets. The minute they intercepted Sam Darnold for the first time, I knew it would be a long night for the young quarterback. Coming into the season, I knew their defense would be good, but I wasn’t expecting them to be this solid. The Patriots are 7-0 for the first time since 2015. Today, they face Odell Beckham and the Cleveland Browns to Gillette looking to improve to 8-0 on the year.
2. San Francisco 49ers– They are continuing to roll. This is one of their best starts in team history. Their defense is stifling, physical, aggressive and punishing. The way they played last week in Maryland looked like it was fun, especially when Nick Bosa slid in a puddle of water. This is the best 49ers defense I’ve seen since the Jim Harbaugh days a few years back. Today will be another test for them with a streaking Carolina Panthers team coming to town. This should be a fun young quarterback matchup between Jimmy Garoppolo and Kyle Allen.
3. New Orleans Saints– Another week without Drew, another win. This is Sean Payton’s finest coaching job yet. To keep his team on the winning path without their best player speaks volumes. The Saints have won five in a row. Now, number nine is back with the Saints. I would’ve allowed him to come back after their bye week, that’s just my opinion. This defense continues to play at a high level under Dennis Allen. The Saints return home to battle Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals today.
4. Green Bay Packers– Aaron Rodgers had to let the world know last week who he was. Each week, he’s looking more and more comfortable within Matt LaFleur’s system. This is the best the Packers have looked in quite some time. Even without Davante Adams, other receivers have been stepping it up. They’ve been in control of the NFC North since the season started. Tonight, was supposed to be a matchup of star quarterbacks between Rodgers and Mahomes, but the show must go on anyway.
5. Minnesota Vikings– I guess all you need to do is criticize someone nowadays. Kirk Cousins was viewed as the problem in Minnesota a few weeks ago. Since then, he’s been playing the best football of his life. During this three-game winning streak, he’s thrown seven touchdown passes and zero interceptions. He’s also had a passer rating of 157.2, close to perfect (158.3). Dalvin Cook has also made a difference. Being healthy is a blessing, isn’t it? The Vikings are only a game out of first in the NFC North
