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#9 Detroit Lions (2-1-1)
Man, these guys were so close to handing my top team their first loss of the season. With the game tied at 13 in the second half, the Lions were a few inches away from the end-zone, but had a fumble returned 100 yards to completely swing the momentum of the game and they still went up 30-27 with just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Week one, Detroit had an 18-point lead to enter the fourth quarter, but time management issues and the decision-making by the coaching staff allowed the Cardinals to climb back and tie them in overtime.
They found a way late against the Chargers to win in a game where they were outplayed, but took advantage of a stupid Philip Rivers interception. And then they won at Lincoln Financial Field by sending the Eagles off the field in four plays in the last two drives for that offense.
This time could easily be 1-3, but they could also be 4-0 with wins over quality teams. I’m a believer in the Lions rushing attack now that they finally feed Kerryon Johnson. Matthew Stafford has quietly been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and that defense under Matt Patricia is creating problems for the opposition with all the different looks they present.
#10 Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
Since we were just talking about the Eagles, this is the highest 2-2 team I have in my rankings and it is because I just believe in what they have at quarterback, head coach and the offensive line.
That Eagles rushing attack is starting to get going and Carson Wentz looks as close as he has to his 2017 form, where I had him winning MVP. Injuries among the offensive skill positions is a major issue right now and their pass defense is highly suspect, but those receivers should be back healthy soon and I think a lot of their issues on the back-end have come from the predictably aggressive play-calling by Jim Schwartz.
With that I mean not shy away from going cover-zero with all-out blitzes constantly, even if teams have a solution for it and having an edge over them in receiver talent. That win at Lambeau was huge and I think it could jump-start a run for Philly, especially with the Cowboys laying an egg in their big game versus the Saints.
Right now, the Eagles are taking on that underdog role again and we have all seen how dangerous they can be doing that.
#11 Buffalo Bills (3-1)
I should not be applauding the Bills for hanging in there with the Patriots until the final moments, because they should have won that game and made it tough for themselves all game long, but man they were so close.
Buffalo had four interceptions and their starting quarterback got knocked out for the fourth quarter by a ruthless hit to the head, which for some reason wasn’t flagged. Yet, they still had a first-and-goal at the Patriots eight and three more drives to potentially take the lead.
Their rushing attack looks really strong, when you have a 36-year old Frank Gore go for over 100 yards on 17 carries and that defense is elite, with excellent players at every level, even if it doesn’t feature any real stars.
Josh Allen’s reckless style of play could be the kryptonite to the Bills playoff hopes, but his talent could also prove to be the reason they can go on a run. I love their two rookies Devin Singletary and Dawson Knox, who haven’t even really gotten going yet, and Sean McDermott steadying the ship. I had this team earning a wildcard spot and right now I feel like those will go to them and whoever finishes second in the AFC North.
#12 Los Angeles Rams (3-1)
Wow, what an ugly loss to a bottom-half team at home. Jared Goff turned the ball over four times and the Rams gave up a whopping 55 points to the Buccaneers. After watching the tape, I want to defend the Rams QB however.
His first pick came after being hit on what should have been an easy completion for a first down, on the second one Lavonte David showed blitz and then dropped right underneath a slant route and the final one on fourth down, Shaq Barrett read a screen to the bunched up receivers perfectly and tipped it to himself.
Brandin Cooks also dropped two passes, which should have resulted in about 50 yards, and a lot of the throws Goff did complete were tremendous, firing 20-yard out routes against tight coverage and perfectly placing the ball on stick or hook routes away from the defender. More concerning too many was the inability by the offensive line to pick up the pressures with different stunts and blitzes.
Todd Gurley is not the same player he was before injuring his knee and Sean McVay is limiting his touches. Defensively the Rams have one of the premier duos on the D-line with Aaron Donald and Dante Fowler, but the Bucs did a great job keeping them in base personnel by using 12 and 21 personnel and keeping them honest with the 29 rush attempts and a bunch of screens.
