1. Kansas City Chiefs: You know what’s crazy? Patrick Mahomes didn’t have to do much in that opening game against the Houston Texans in week one. All he had to do was simply manage the game because they ran the football so effectively. He averaged 6.6 yards per pass attempt and both Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill were both held under 100 yards receiving. No problem though because they still got the job done. This is still the team to beat this year. They have a divisional tilt with the Chargers today.
2. Baltimore Ravens: 13 wins and counting. This is the longest winning streak in the league right now. The last time they lost a regular season game was in week four last season against the Cleveland Browns. I was so impressed with Lamar Jackson in week one. The big question on the MVP this year is can he consistently throw the football down the field from the pocket? He looked sharp to me last Sunday. 20-25, 275 yards passing, and three touchdown passes. Still not bad for someone who “can’t throw”. Today, Lamar will face his buddy Deshaun Watson in Houston.
3. New Orleans Saints: After a hyped-up game between two legends, they showed they are still the team to beat in the NFC South. It took a while for them to get into rhythm, but when they did, everything was clicking on all cylinders. Brees threw two touchdown passes, they pushed the ball down the field efficiently and the defense was excellent against Tom Brady and the new look Tampa Bay defense. With Michael Thomas out, the signing of Emmanuel Sanders becomes a crucial part of this Saints offense. Their top weapon maybe out, but Brees is still there.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Russell picked up where he left off in 2019.In week one against the Atlanta Falcons, he completed 31 of his 35 pass attempts for 388 yards passing and four touchdown passes. They put the game in his hands, and he said I have it from here. They appeared to be in mid-season form. However, for the Seahawks to remain in games, the offense will need to sustain long drives. The defense allowed over 500 yards to Atlanta. Hopefully, they can patch that up. This is a scary group when everything is rolling.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers: Having healthy guys at key positions will make a difference. Ben Roethlisberger maybe an elder statesman, but he’s still productive. That Steelers offense moved the ball so efficiently with him under center. Benny Snell picked it up where the running game left off after James Conner got hurt. The Steelers mantra will always be defense. They were as stingy as ever on Monday night against the Giants.
