Top 5 NFL teams right now

[dirkdig]

Top 5 NFL teams right now

So far, this has been a surprising season. Many expected powerhouses falling flat on their faces, and a lot of teams coming from nowhere to be powerhouses.
11 teams are 2-0 right now, and a good many 1-1 teams remain looking strong.
Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals
New England Patriots
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
San Diego Chargers
Chicago Bears
Minnesota Vikings
Seattle Seahawks
Atlanta Falcons
New Orleans Saints
all remain undefeated.
Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, New York Jets, and Philadelphia Eagles look to be strong 1-1 teams.

That being said, I'd round out my top 5 as follows:
#1 Atlanta Falcons
How do you contain a quarterback that can't be contained? No one can shut down their running game at the moment, as they've already bashed up one of the sickest defensive lines in the league in Carolina, and run all over another solid defense in Tampa Bay.
#2 Chicago Bears
They'll have their first real test against Minnesota next week, but so far they've trounced everyone they've come up against. Their defense is solid, but their offense is looking great for the first time in a while.
#3 Baltimore Ravens
They've got a nasty defense and have been putting up some sick offense this season so far. Although their schedule so far has been relatively easy, they're in a ridiculous division and will be battle tested come playoff time, should they make it that far. I'd expect a deep playoff run from them this year.
#4 Indianapolis Colts
I expect another 3 loss season from these guys. They have a relatively easy schedule again, so barring an injury from Peyton, they should be getting ready to lose in the first round of playoffs once again.
#5 Cincinnati Bengals
A strong mix of both offense and defense. As long as Carson Palmer can stay healthy, they should do well even in the toughest division in the NFL.

Honorable Mentions:
Jacksonville Jaguars
these guys are tough. They went 12-4 last season against a difficult schedule and proved they're for real against the steelers last night. What they lack in talent they make up for in toughness. They do the same thing as Pittsburgh, playing a ball control offense and a shutdown defense. Last night they proved they can do it better than Pittsburgh, and I wouldn't be surprised to see these guys competing with the Colts to win the division.

 

[caddad]

1. Colts: The loss of Edge dropped them from 16th in the running game last year, to 19th so far this year. As I figured, it was a minor speedbump that their offense can work around, at least untill the playoffs. Once again, the team to beat.

2. Seahawks: They are 2-0 and played two very bad games. Favorite to repeat as NFC champs.

3. Bears: I give the bears the nod because if their offense can put up 15 or more points this year, they could run the table with the seemingly weak schedule they have. So far, they have been putting up more than that. Time will tell when they play some stronger offensive teams.

4. Bengals: Improved defense makes them look tougher than last year. Next week will tell a lot about the AFC north.

5. Ravens: Defense is back, but they've played 2 less than stellar teams. Still get the nod for the top 5 due to potential.

AFC north is going to beat each other up this year.

-D2netDad

 

[Talga Vasternich]

So far:
#1 Indianapolis Colts - the AFC is theirs to lose
#2 Cincinnati Bengals - strong contenders
#3 Baltimore Ravens - if offense remains productive, they will be very tough to beat
#4 New England Patriots - best coached
#5 Seattle Seahawks - best of a weak NFC

teams to watch - Atlanta, Jacksonville, NY Giants, Chicago

 

[Amra]

The Buffalo Bills should be 2-0.

 

[PatMaGroin]

I'm tempted to say the Chargers, as they've allowed 7 points this season, and scored 67. But then again they've played Oakland and Tennessee.

Jags, Falcons, and Ravens at the top, rounded out by Cincy.

 

[innorton38]

#1 - Indy Colts. The loss of Edge is overrated.

#2 - Cincy Bengals. A nice balance of ball-hawking defense and high scoring offense.

#3 - Baltimore Ravens. Could have the O to match a resurgent D.

#4 - Jacksonville Jags. They find a way to win. Matt Jones is a coverage nightmare.

#5 - Oakland Raiders. Just Kidding.

 

[Lostprophet]

Currently, I think you pretty much have to have your board look a lil' something like this:

5. Jacksonville Jaguars. They took out the highly touted offensive juggernaut that is/was Dallas, and then proceeded to stuff the defending Superbowl Champs. Reggie Williams has quietly been a monster, and Matt Jones is not that far behind him. The defense, coupled with the resurgence (knock on wood) of Fred Taylor, make this a very scary team down the line.

4. Indy Colts. Their offense is firing on all cylinders against... the Texans, and it worked pretty good against a stronger Giants D, too. However, their defense isn't going to have anyone losing any sleep. Letting D. Carr throw 22 of 26 for 250+ yards and 3 TDs is just... not a good thing. Sure, it was moot by then, but if there's one thing this team has proved over the years, it's that you can't win on offense alone.

3. Chicago Bears. That is a stout defense, and if Rex Grossman can manage to not get himsefl hurt again it looks like he might finally have some skeleton of an offense to work with. If the defensive intensity continues, Da Bears will be needed a lot fewer than 34 points to win games.

2. Baltimore Ravens. Get the nod over the Bears because A). I'm a homer, and B). I'll take Steve McNair, Jamal Lewis, Todd Heap, and Derrick Mason over Grossman, Benson, Desmond Clark, and Muhammad any day of the week. When a defense forces 6 turnovers like the Ravens did on Sunday, I don't care who it's against, that's impressive. What, with playing Cleveland this week, we might have to wait a good long while before we give up a TD. Incidentally, anyone remember the last time the Ravens started 2-0...?

1. Atlanta Falcons. Simply the best performer in the league right now. That is a terrifying ground game, shredding what were thought to be two very good defenses for 200+ yards on the ground a piece, and what's more: Holding two division rivals without a TD. The undisputed best team in NFC South right now (at least they better be; I don't wanna hear no Saints believers). And since the NFC South is arguably the best division in the NFL, in fact not so arguably anymore, Ill give Vick and Co the nod.

 

[PatMaGroin]

How do you call the NFC South the best division? There's one good team in that division as far as we can see.

It's gotta be either AFC North or the NFC East.

 

[thejdawg2]

It's gotta be either AFC North or the NFC East.

What the hell? NFC East?

I'd list them as middle of the road, certainly not top 2.

 

[Moosashi]

1. Colts
2. Falcons
3. Bears
4. Ravens
5. Chargers

The Colts have had good defense when they've needed it. I think everyone expects them to dominate so they're a little underrated.

 

[Ash Housewares]

How do you call the NFC South the best division? There's one good team in that division as far as we can see.

It's gotta be either AFC North or the NFC East.

there are a pair of 2-0 teams, and the 0-2 teams both made the playoffs last year

not in order...

jaguars
chargers
bears
bengals
colts

you guys try to say the chargers have played stink teams, what about the bears? what about the ravens? they haven't had to play anybody yet, it's way too early for a thread like this anyways

 

[Croup]

What the hell? NFC East?

I'd list them as middle of the road, certainly not top 2.

Craziness. The only team in that division that isn't one of the 5-6 NFC teams mentioned to go to the Super Bowl is the Redskins, and their defense + offensive playmaking can get a win against any team on any random week, not to mention that they went to the playoffs last year with roughly the same team.

As for the top 5 list (although I agree with Ash that it's too early):

5. San Diego Chargers: Incredibly impressive defensive performances (against two bad teams) and solid offense (with a rookie quarterback), while Marty is coaching (both good and bad). With more sophisticated play by Rivers and a couple more challenges, they move up the list.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Screw the fact that they're 1-1. If they didn't let up against the Giants, they would have won by 20+. And they got that lesson early in the season, which is the best time to get it. Led by the third best QB in the entire NFL, they have a balanced offense (can't key on one person to eliminate production) with an aggressive, deep defense. Nasty team (and I'm a Giants fan, so it takes something to say that).

3. Cincinnati Bengals: Carson Palmer is the second best quarterback in the entire NFL, Rudi Johnson is a beast, Chad Johnson is as good as he says he is, and they have 3-4 more weapons to boot. Combine that with a defense that lives on turnovers and speed (not to mention coached by Marvin Lewis) and you have a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

2. Chicago Bears: Hands down the best defense in the NFL (I don't care what numbers say so far, they were last year and only got better). And now with Grossman in command of an offense that, realistically, only needs to score 14-17 points a game, they're so hard to beat.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Still the best team in football, still the team to beat. They have playoff ghosts, but that doesn't mean anything right now. Best QB in football, best receiver core, great offensive line with two solid (but not superstar) running backs, not to mention another fast, ball-hawking defense. They're on top until someone takes them down.

 

[thejdawg2]

Craziness. The only team in that division that isn't one of the 5-6 NFC teams mentioned to go to the Super Bowl is the Redskins, and their defense + offensive playmaking can get a win against any team on any random week, not to mention that they went to the playoffs last year with roughly the same team.

Preseason analysts also listed Miami as a possible AFC East championship team, possibly a Superbowl team.

Also, I think the NFC, from top to bottom, is stronger this year. There is no more Seattle definitely on top with everyone else a tier behind.

 

[SuggestiveName]

Miami will get their **** together. DC needs to get comfortable, and then they will be fine. They'll make the playoffs, I'm not worried.

 

[Croup]

Preseason analysts also listed Miami as a possible AFC East championship team, possibly a Superbowl team.

Also, I think the NFC, from top to bottom, is stronger this year. There is no more Seattle definitely on top with everyone else a tier behind.

Blah, there wasn't last year either. The Panthers, Bears, and Seahawks were around the same level, with the Giants, Redskins and Bucs bringing up a second tier.

And your point is made about preseason analysis, but none of the NFC teams have really let down from that, save Washington. The Cowboys lost to a tough Jacksonville team, the Giants lost to the Colts and the Eagles lost to the Giants. No kind of Miami flop.

 

[ghostee]

dunno why no one is mentioning new england, they're running back platoon is amazing with dillon and marooney getting roughly even touches and each getting 60-70 yards and a td each game and brady will run the offense well, since new england has always ran an offense giving a variety of people opportunities anyways. and of course their defense has always been solid when healthy.

baltimore, chicago, atlanta, cincinatti and san diego have been the decent teams which have really stepped it up this year.. not including seattle and indy which would be in my top 5, those other five teams right there have been performing extremely well.

 

[dirkdig]

new england's defense has been gutted
they lost their secondary playmakers aside from harrison 2-3 years ago
they lost their linebacker corp in the offseason

The NE defense is weak and they have no real receiving threats without dieon branch.

 

[jimmyboy]

1. Chargers. Because they're my freaking team. (def/offens. balanced)
2. Colts. Essentially the same team from last year.
3. Bears. Dominating defense, emerging offense.
4. Ravens. Dominating defense, offense questionable.
5. Cincinati. Looks like the Chargers, but not my favorite team.

 

[Yaboosh]

I am not ready to say that my Jaguars are top 5 in the league yet, but if they pull it out against our (developing) division rivals this Sunday then I will be confident enough to say that the Jaguars are easily top 5.

The problem with these lists, as Ash said, is that it is entirely too early.

It is interesting that 3 of the most common picks are defensive specialists (Ravens, Bears and Jags).

 

[Croup]

It is interesting that 3 of the most common picks are defensive specialists (Ravens, Bears and Jags).

I'm of the opinion that defense wins championships. Flat out. I think the Colts and Bengals are great teams and deserve to be favorites because of how well they perform. But there's a reason the Steelers and Patriots have gone to the Super Bowl over the last couple of years. They hit hard, they wear down offenses and they can win without scoring.

The Bears are the dominant defense minded team now, in my eyes. The Jags, Ravens and Chargers all need to prove that they can play on offense (against tough opponents) too before I'll consider them favorites (I know the Chargers put up points, but it was versus the Titans and Raiders and Rivers wasn't under any real pressure).

But yes, it is too early in the year for this to be worth something. It's still fun though.