It’s onerous to imagine that we’re virtually three weeks into the NFL season.
Whereas it’s onerous to foretell which groups are contenders and which groups are pretenders, we have now a superb grasp on which groups stack up the place. We’re virtually to the purpose of the 12 months the place the leaves begin altering colours, pumpkin spice is all over the place, and two Monday Night time Soccer video games bless us each week.
With the Philadelphia Eagles falling out of the highest 5 after being upset by the Atlanta Falcons, let’s hop into the highest 5 groups coming into Week 3.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)
Sep 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is hit by Tampa Bay Buccaneers security Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) within the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Photographs The Buccaneers spoiled survivor swimming pools throughout the nation by touring as much as Detroit and handing the Lions their first lack of the season.
This offseason, the Bucs dedicated to Baker Mayfield and returned a lot of their staff from final 12 months. It appears like Mayfield has matured on the sector, and the sport has slowed down for him.
Within the 20-16 victory, Chris Godwin put up 117 receiving yards and scored a landing. He’s 28. Mike Evans is 31. Nevertheless it’s not slowing them down. Don’t sleep on these Buccaneers, who will host the Denver Broncos in Week 3.
4. San Francisco 49ers (1-1)
Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers working again Jordan Mason (24) carries the ball in opposition to New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (obscured proper) throughout the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Photographs The 49ers will at all times be a formidable common season staff underneath Kyle Shanahan, however they’re being examined with some main adversity after an offseason of distractions.
Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk are again in motion for the Niners, however they’re now anticipated to be with out Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel for an prolonged time frame.
This will likely be a superb take a look at for the continuing analysis of quarterback Brock Purdy. If he can rise to the event with out two of one of the best weapons within the sport, he’s going to be worthy of a passive pay improve this offseason.
The excellent news for San Francisco? They play the Los Angeles Rams up subsequent with out Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp. Then, they’ve the rebuilding New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium.
3. Buffalo Payments (2-0)
Sep 8, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Payments quarterback Josh Allen (17) leaps for a landing in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals within the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Mark Konezny-Imagn Photographs It felt like everybody obtained their jabs in on the Payments all through your complete offseason.
They had been principally idle exterior of shedding Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. Then, Buffalo controversially traded again within the draft, permitting the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs to pick Xavier Worthy whereas they snagged Keon Coleman.
However at 2-0, it’s onerous to poke enjoyable on the Payments proper now. They’ve put up 30 factors in each video games this season, and the protection seems to be competent. Buffalo may ship the Jacksonville Jaguars to 0-3 on Monday Night time Soccer this week.
2. Houston Texans (2-0)
Sep 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans huge receiver Nico Collins (12) scores a landing catch in opposition to Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (1) within the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Thomas Shea-Imagn Photographs It seems to be like that sophomore stoop for Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud gained’t be occurring any time quickly, and the Carolina Panthers should be kicking themselves for not making him the No. 1 total decide.
The Texans are averaging 219 passing yards all through the primary two weeks, and their offense is at its finest once they run the soccer. Joe Mixon’s availability may come into query resulting from an harm, however Dameon Pierce is a serviceable backup.
In Stroud’s second NFL season, Houston seems to be the half.
1. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (2-0)
To no shock, the Chiefs stay the NFL’s finest staff.
What’s loopy? They haven’t gotten a lot out of Travis Kelce but. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is out for the season. It doesn’t matter. Patrick Mahomes simply persistently finds a technique to impress.
The Chiefs had their method with the AFC North within the first two video games of the season, defeating the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. Count on that pattern to proceed as they journey to Atlanta to duel the Falcons on Sunday Night time Soccer.
