The first four weeks of the NFL season have already come and gone. With that, here is our Ticket King review of what has happened so far, beginning with the AFC.
Over on the AFC East, the “Tom Brady-less” New England Patriots started 3-0, using their second and third string quarterbacks. The Bills brought them back down to earth this weekend though, defeating them 16-0 in Foxborough. Speaking of those Bills, they sit a game behind the Patriots at 2-2. The New York Jets, who have quarterback problems galore, as Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown 10 interceptions so far this season, are just 1-3, along with the Miami Dolphins.
In the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers have started 3-1, and now have the services of Le’Veon Bell again. Following an embarrassing loss to the Eagles, the Steelers rebounded this week, defeating the Chiefs 43-14 on Sunday Night Football. The Baltimore Ravens had a nightmare 2015, but are healthy this season and tied with the Steelers at 3-1. It’s the same rivalry, with new names now. The Cincinnati Bengals, who many pundits believed was the best team in the league entering 2016, have started just 2-2. The Cleveland Browns are an expected 0-4.
In the AFC South, the Houston Texans are a very quiet 3-1 with their only loss being against the Patriots in week three. Other than that, they have looked pretty good. They will be without superstar defensive end J.J. Watt, who will miss the rest of the season after back surgery, and his career, might very well be over. If it is, he does deserve to be in the Hall of Fame, because his career was short, but great. The Jaguars, Colts, and Titans are all tied at 1-3.
Over in the AFC West, the Denver Broncos have surprised the world, starting 4-0. That defense might be one of the best we have ever seen. The young Oakland Raiders, a trendy pick to win the division in the preseason, are 3-1, and right behind them. The Kansas City Chiefs are 2-2, as to be expected, and the San Diego Chargers are 1-3, having some serious late game issues. Some are now calling for the Chargers to trade Phillip Rivers.
In the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles are the 3-0, having been one of the two teams with an early bye this week. Rookie quarterback Carson Wentz has been the best quarterback in the league this season, but how long will it last? Speaking of rookies, Dak Prescott has led the Dallas Cowboys to a 3-1 start, albeit against week opponents. The Washington Redskins, a trendy pick to win the division, are 2-2, as are the New York Giants.
In the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings have survived at emotional month and are now 4-0. That defense is real, and Sam Bradford is exceeding expectations. The Green Bay Packers are 2-1, and coming off a bye. The Packers have played one good half of football to this point, so it is hard to judge who these real Packers are based on that. Sam Shields is still in concussion protocol, so that doesn’t help. The Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions are both tied at 1-3 through four weeks.
In the NFC South, the Atlanta Falcons are off to a 3-1 start and Matt Ryan looks like his old self again. The New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 1-3. Also 1-3 is the true surprise of the season, the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers were a trendy pick to win the Super Bowl, and now might be without Cameron Newton for a while because of a concussion.
In the NFC West, the Los Angeles Rams are off to a surprising 3-1 start. The Rams lost their week one game in bad fashion to the 49ers 28-0, but have rebounded with three solid wins. Also at 3-1 are the Seattle Seahawks, who have given up a grand total of 48 points through four games this season. Tied at 1-3 are the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals, another surprise 1-3 team.
