Arizona Cardinals - D
The Cardinals don't have a run game to help out Carson Palmer, but he turns the ball over a lot, and the NFC West is a powerhouse, they may not have what it takes to compete. At least they haven't shown it at all.
Atlanta Falcons - F-
After getting one game away from the Super Bowl last year, and with a lot of veteran free agent signings in the off season, the bar was set so high, and they have fallen flat on their faces. Even before Julio Jones and Stephan Jackson got inured, the Falcons were outplayed, and they still continue to battle with no firepower.
Baltimore Ravens - C
A lot of teams get Super Bowl hangovers, and the Ravens lost a ton of leadership. If they can maintain their mediocre play long enough, they might return to the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills C
The Bills are young team, and have shown flashes of getting better. But injuries have hurt them, C.J. Spiller is nowhere near the pre season hype all, all of his Fantasy Football owners have figured out, myself included, and they can't put up enough points to keep leads late in games. A shift is brewing in the AFC East, with Tom Brady in the twilight of his career in New England, Buffalo could be competing to win that division in the coming years.
Carolina Panthers - C-
Ron Rivera isn't doing a good job, but he did have to replace John Fox, and those are big shoes to fill. Cam Newton still lacks the maturity needed to be the franchise QB, and with no run game, and no pass defense, the Panthers will stay at that level that's just above the bottom teams in the league.
Chicago Bears B-
Mark Trestman is a having a nice debut in Chicago, and jumped out to a strong start, but Cutler getting injured came at a time that the Lions are playing better, and Green Bay still looks to be struggling. If Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery can get open for McCown, they should be able to stay at the top of the NFC North.
Cincinnati Bengals - B+
Andy Dalton has been playing really well, and has shown great leadership for such a young QB, and the Bengals have beaten some pretty good teams so far this year. If they can keep playing at such a great level, they should have the AFC North title in January.
Cleveland Browns - D
The Trent Richardson trade seemed to be a good move, and they got a 1st round pick in the process, so that's the chance to draft more talent. Brain Hoyer played well, and just like Cleveland's luck, got injured. But they have shown spurts of getting better, but Brandon Weeden is too inconsistent.
Dallas Cowboys - C
The NFC East is really weak this year, and the Cowboys look like the best team in a bad division. Jason Garrett will be fired, and the search for a new regime will once again take place in Dallas. They should win the division, but there are too many good teams in the NFC for them to be a real threat. Tony Romo has been putting his best season of his career together, but the Cowboys just keep losing close games.
Denver Broncos - A-
Peyton Manning is having an MVP caliber year, and is on pace to smash Tom Brady's single season touchdown record (50). Knowshon Moreno has stepped up into the starting tole at RB, and looks like the first round draft pick we were all waiting for. He had a lot of injuries his first few years, and wasn't taking football seriously until he was benched at the beginning of last season, only to be one of the top running backs in the league. But they have only played 2 legitimate playoff teams, (DAL, IND), lost to one, and barely beat the other. The defense is missing the pass rush of Von Miller, but as I said when he signed with Denver, Shuan Phillips has filled the void left by Elvis Dumervil, and I think is doing a better job in that DE/LB hybrid role. The defense gives up a lot of passing yards because the offense gets such big leads and scores so fast, that their opponents have no choice but to constantly pass to try and catch up. The real test for the Broncos after their bye week, when they face Kansas City, New England, and Kansas City again in the span of 3 weeks. So they better rest up and get ready for a bumpy ride.
Detroit Lions - B+
The addition of Reggie Bush has had a major impact, and the Lions are playing like a team that is hungry for a long overdue division title, and boy does the City of Detroit need any kind of uplift right now. Ndamekung Suh continues to play dirty, and is a constant distraction with his lack of discipline. So much so, that NFL officials sat him down, and showed him film of himself playing dirty. But if he can't stop getting suspended, the Lions may continue to struggle on defense. If you still don't believe that Calvin Johnson isn't the best WR in the league, just look at his performance against Dallas, 14 reception 329 receiving yards, and a TD, and let that do the talking for ya. He may not end up with the stats that Jerry Rice put up in his career, but when all is said and done, Calvin Johnson might be the 2nd best WR of all time.
Green Bay Packers - C+
The Packers WR keep dropping like flies, leaving Aaron Rodgers to find new targets he isn't comfortable with, leaving Jordy Nelson as the primary receiver in that offense, and he is easily the most underrated WR in the league, and is probably one of the best, probably top 10. Eddie Lacy has given the Pack a rush attack, and that has been able to help the receivers get open down field. After tough losses to the Bengals and the 49ers, both which were outstanding games, they have kept up with Chicago, and should be able to compete for the division.
Houston Texans - F
It's gotten pretty bad for Gary Kubiak, and when the fans start cheering when they're starting QB gets hurt, well that's just down right nasty. If the Texans end up with a high draft pick, they should go get Taj Boyd out of Clemson. He's big, got a cannon for an arm, and quick enough to run the spread. Gary Kubiak shouldn't loose his job after this year, and should have another chance to turn things around with a new QB.
Indianapolis Colts - B
Andrew Luck is having a superb season, and after beating Peyton in his old house, Luck made a statement to his teammates, fans and critics; This is his team now! The sooner Richardson can catch up on the playbook, the more points they will score. But with Reggie Wayne doing down for the remainder of the season, T.Y. Hilton, and Colby Fleener are going to have to step up for Luck if they want to win the division.
Jacksonville Jaguars - F
Just move to L.A. already and turn the stadium into a parking lot. The high point has been Justin Blackmon, and he is showing other teams his skills, praying for a trade to a decent team. I bet New England somehow manages to pick him up for NOTHING, the way they did with Randy Moss. Blackmon can only hope.
Kansas City Chiefs - A+
From worst to first, Andy Reid has shown us all that he knows what to do with talent. For years the Chiefs have been drafting high, and now all those young players are shining bright in Reid's system. Alex Smith is better than people say and think, he doesn't turn the ball over, he's accurate, and is fast enough to run the spread and catch the defense off guard. No, he won't get you 300 passing yards and 4 TD's a game, but he gets the one stat that matters, Wins. All Kansas City needed was a decent QB, and now they got one. The defense is playing at a tremendous level, and the Chiefs have charged to a league best 8-0 record. Looks like Reid and Smith both just needed a change of scenery, and they are working well together. If the Broncos aren't careful they could slip to the worst team, well last year's worst team I should say!
Miami Dolphins - C+
The Dolphins have stumbled after a 3-0 start, and with no leadership on defense, and the lack of a running game, the Dolphins will be lucky to finish the year at 8-8. But Tannehill has played a lot better, but needs more weapons and protection.
Minnesota Vikings - F
Adrian Peterson ran for over 2,000 yards last year, but with defenses contain him and the Vikings having a merry go around at QB, it feels like all is lost in Minnesota, and the Vikings should look into trading A.P., to a contender before it gets too late in his very injury ladled career, and they won't be able to get value for him. Plus after his illegitimate child being murdered, I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't want get out of there, hell, I wouldn't blame him.
New England Patriots - B
Tom Brady has no weapons to throw too, no solid run game, a mediocre defense, and he still gets the job done. He won't have Manning numbers, but he'll have Wins, the only stat that matters. The Patriots did beat the Saints, like the Broncos, haven't really played too many strong teams. Brady is just waiting for Gronkowski's return, and the Patriots should not rush him back at all. If the Patriots continue to win games without him, then they need to save him for the playoffs. In the meantime, Brady continues to do a good job.
New Orleans Saints - B+
What a difference a head coach makes, huh? Drew Brees and the Saints are back on top of the NFC South, and are looking like they have returned being a major contender in the NFC. They do have the luxury of playing in the South, but Brees is a good leader, and should be able to take them back to the playoffs.
New York Giants - F
What is going on Eli?! Something has to be going on, because Eli hasn't played this bad since his rookie year. It may be time for Tom Coughlin to move on, but every time we say this, he leads the Giants to a Super Bowl victory over the Patriots. And at 2-6, they are sinking, but they are not dead in the water, especially in the NFC East where 8-8 could win the division. But with no running game, and tons of turnovers, that's going to be real tough to overcome.
New York Jets - C
After a an upset in New England last week, and so much controversy at QB to start the season, Rex Ryan and the Jets don't look as bad as everyone predicted. But I still don't believe that they can fight for a playoff spot.
Oakland Raiders - D
Terrell Pryor has shown flashes, but the Raiders just have so many holes that they need to fill, but they are playing well at home, making "The Black Hole" a place to fear not just in the stands, but on the field as well. It will come down to how long they wish to stay with Dennis Allen, and with the Raiders' head coach track record, it doesn't look very good for Allen.
Philadelphia Eagles - D
Chip Kelly is trying to bring his fast paced, high scoring offense from college to the NFL, and that is not working, because A). The Defense has no time to rest B.) Football in real life takes real strategy. This isn't college where you get to blow out 9 lousy teams, and only have 3 real games. No, it's professional for a reason Kelly. I don't see him being the Eagles coach past next year, and if he is, well good for him.
Pittsburgh Steelers - F
Mike Tomlin is a hell of a coach, but for some reason, he cannot figure out how to turn this team around. He's not in danger of losing his job, but if you can't run the ball, and have no targets for Rothlisberger, then you will have a tough time putting points on the board. Which is what is going on in the Steel City this season.
San Diego Chargers - C-
The Chargers are playing better than I and many others predicted, but with the Chiefs playing well, the AFC West has become one of the toughest divisions in football. Rivers has no run game, no targets, no integrity, no friends, and you can't have that in your "Star" QB. McCoy is in his first year, so it may take a season or two for his low scoring system to actually take place.
San Francisco 49ers - B-
The reigning NFC Champs have found themselves chasing the Seahawks, and after they were shut down by Seattle, they may not be the best team in the division, or the conference anymore. But Harbaugh is a great coach, and the Niners still have a dominate defense, but if Kaepernick can't get in a rhythm, they can fall into trouble real fast.
Seattle Seahawks - A-
The Seahawks are arguably the best team in the NFC, but the whole NFL?! I don't think so, because they don't have that go to WR, but they are probably the most well rounded team in the NFL. Pete Carroll has the players focused, and they really like to play for him. Would they be able to last in a shootout? We know that they can hold fast offenses, but can they put up points consistently? The better they play, the more they prove that they are a force to be reckoned with.
St. Louis Rams - C
Sam Bradford was having a great year until he was injured, and the Rams seemed to have had all the air sucked out of them. The NFC West is a tough place to play, and with no QB, or run game, they are in for a tough end of the season
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - F
Tampa Bay has no identity and once again find themselves at the bottom of the league, and will probably be searching for a new coach at the end of the season. Lack of talent + No leadership= 0-7.
Tennessee Titans - C
The Titans are looking a lot better and if they can string together a couple more wins, they could fight for a wild card spot. I don't believe that Jake Locker is the long term answer, and they should make a run at RGIII's backup in Washington, Kirk Cousins. He's seasoned and learned a pro style offense, as well as the intangibles to lead a team. But they need a QB who will put the team on his shoulders and carry them to victory. Chris Johnson is still the fastest RB, but they do overuse him, and don't have any other weapons they can turn too. Well, nobody has stepped up to do it.
Washington Redskins - D
Running QB's don't last very long, and with as hard as RGIII played last year, he may have beat up his body too much. Will he get over that knee injury? Right now it seems to be hampering him pretty bad, and if Shanahan wants to turn this season around, he's gonna have cut his loses, and let Griffin sit out the rest of the year to try and get him back next year. Otherwise, that young man may not have a long pro football career.
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