We’re entering week 6 of the NFL season this weekend and the league is finally starting to shape up. We have some obvious bottom feeders like Detroit, Saint Louis, and Cincinnati that nobody will be confusing as title contenders anytime this season. However, as we move on up the standings we often have a more difficult time telling which teams really can contend for a title and which teams are just “pretending”, or looking nice with a good record but not enough real substance. Here’s a list of who’s contending and who’s pretending.
Contenders
- New York Giants – The defending champs and they haven’t lost yet. This team looks like the class of the NFL thus far with the best offense in the NFL and the best defense outside of Tennessee. Eli Manning has finally raised his game to the level we all expected when he was drafted and the Giants are reaping the benefits.
- Tennessee Titans – The best defense in the league. That combined with a solid, balanced offense automatically makes you a contender. Tennessee has been very impressive in four of their five games thus far, and have a chance to impress the whole nation when they take on the Colts in a couples of weeks on Monday Night Football. It looks like the only thing that could slow this team down is Vince Young.
- Washington Redskins – The Redskins embarrassed themselves in the first NFL game of the season but haven’t let down anyone since. They are riding a four game winning streak with a great running game and efficient QB play. Their defense has been solid as well, going up against some of the best offenses in the NFL thus far and limiting them to less than 20 points per game.
- Carolina Panthers – The Panthers are holding teams to just 14 points per game. To be fair, they haven’t faced the greatest offenses, but it is still rather impressive. The Panthers feature a decent running game, splitting carries with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. They’ve also brought back Mushin Muhammad to complement Steve Smith, and Jake Delhomme is healthy. This team has been an utter disappointment the past few years, but they finally look like they are playing up to expectations.
- Chicago Bears – I’ll get laughed at this one, but take a closer look at the Bears. First, this team should be 5-0. Their defense is healthy and playing well again, although not as good as it did in their previous Super Bowl run. They have regained a respectable running game again in rookie Matt Forte, which is allowing their defense to get some rest on the sidelines. Kyle Orton is also playing nice as an efficient QB. This team has the looks of a boring Super Bowl team. Plus, Mark Anderson says they’re going to the Super Bowl.
Pretenders
- Pittsburgh Steelers – To put it most simply, they have no offensive line. Ben Roethlisberger is getting nailed in the pocket, and is already hurting. Willie Parker has somehow managed to develop a decent running game; however he is injured right now. Injuries are a major problem for this team. Roethlisberger, Parker, Troy Polamalu, and Santonio Holmes are all on the injury list this week. The Steelers will win the AFC North with ease, but don’t have the Super Bowl look, mostly due to their offensive line.
- New England Patriots – They are sitting at a pretty 3-1, but haven’t played anyone of consequence. The Patriots lucked out with a very easy schedule this year, so they could still contend for a playoff spot, even an AFC East title. Unfortunately for the Patriots, Matt Cassel isn’t winning any tough games for the Patriots, which they would eventually face in the playoffs. Cassel plus an aging defense and a questionable running game is a recipe for losses, even with Randy Moss.
- Buffalo Bills – A quick look at the Bill’s schedule thus far shows that the Bills probably should be 4-1. Buffalo’s defense has actually been decent, but in their first real test against a top offense they gave up 41 points to the Cardinals. Marshawn Lynch has been disappointing so far in his sophomore campaign putting up only 3.6 yards per carry and only two games over 60 yards. If the Bills are going to succeed in tough games they are going to need Lynch to put up big games to ease the pressure on Trent Edwards and their defense.
- Denver Broncos – The Broncos passing game is nothing short of awesome. Cutler to Marshall might be our top QB/WR combo in the league right now. They’re a very exciting offense. Unfortunately for the Broncos, as good as their passing game is, their defense is equally bad. The Broncos give up the 4th most yards per game behind the Chiefs, Lions, and Rams who have won a combined one game. Want to take a stab at who that one win was over? The Denver Broncos. Defense wins championships and Denver doesn’t have one.
- Dallas Cowboys – The Cowboys were everyone’s favorite when Tom Brady went down for the year and for good reason. The Cowboys are by far the most talented team in the league. However, the most talented team doesn’t always win it all (look no further than the Patriots dynasty.) The Cowboys rank 14th in defensive yards per game and 16th in points allowed per game which isn’t necessarily horrible, but certainly not good. Only problem is that since the Cleveland opener the ‘Boys are giving up 330 yards per game and over 25 points per game. Those numbers would put the Cowboys 17th in yards per game given up and 20th in points per game allowed. Not only are the ‘Boys playing bad D, but they can’t decide who to gives touches to, T.O. looks like an emotional wreck, and they have no leadership. The fact that they are still 4-1 is a testament to their exceptional talent. Too bad talent alone doesn’t win titles.
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