10. Tennessee Titans, 7-3 (14)
That was a physical, tough, all-around good win against the Ravens last week. Let’s see if that sets them back on course this season or not. They are pretty loaded on offense, but still, have a lot of question marks on defense that the Ravens could not exploit consistently.
9. Los Angeles Rams, 7-3 (13)
Speaking of good wins, the Rams notched another one with a solid performance against Tampa Bay. Much improved on both sides of the ball, particularly on defense, the Rams are back on the list of contending teams after appearing to be headed to mediocrity last season.
8. Indianapolis Colts, 7-3 (11)
Another contending team with a big win last week, the Colts took down the Packers and are truly hitting their stride. They have a top-tier defense and an offense that can generate some points when it stays out of its own way.
7. Buffalo Bills, 7-3 (7)
They had their bye last week, and the Bills look to have the kind of team that can truly take down anyone, or lose a head-scratcher. With their coaching and vastly-improved quarterback, it figures to see many more good days than bad.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7-4 (5)
Did you see what I wrote about the Bills… the whole can-beat-or-lose-to-anybody thingy? That’s Tampa, with a lean towards beating most teams because of coaching and quarterback play. Still a contender, I’d like to see them solidify these next few weeks.
5. Green Bay Packers, 7-3 (3)
Did you see what I wrote about the Bills and Tampa? Same deal here, with a tremendous quarterback and game-changing receiver as their calling card. Aaron Rodgers should have more than one ring. Is this the year, or is there a first-round flameout coming?
4. Seattle Seahawks, 7-3 (8)
Did you see what I wrote about the Bills and Tampa and Green Bay? Same deal. But with the quarterback, coaching, and receiving core. This team can put up 30 points in a half. It could also give up 30. Still, I put trust in Russell Wilson, and you should, too.
3. New Orleans Saints, 8-2 (4)
They have the third-best record in the league, have swept Tampa, just beat Atlanta with Taysom Hill starting at quarterback, and have yet to really get rolling on offense this season. If there are three teams I see as the true cream of the league, the Saints are in that group, along with the next two teams.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers, 10-0 (2)
They whipped the Jaguars to get their 10th win in an unblemished 2020 season, and they have the look of a team that could be hoisting the Lombardi at the end of the year. Good on offense and defense, with great coaching and a winning quarterback, this could be one of the Steelers’ best chances at getting number 7.
1. Kansas City Chiefs, 9-1 (1)
They just look like the best team in the league, and I’m not sure it’s close. Yes, they’ve shown a few vulnerabilities, but most games do come down to one pivotal drive during the game. Who do you trust more than Patrick Mahomes to pull off that must-have drive? That’s no slight to anybody else. I just like that guy’s chances.