Top 3
1. Indianapolis (6-0): Even though the Colts gave up 20 points to St. Louis on Monday, the defense has been winning games. The offense has struggled at times, but Peyton Manning and company should show some life.
2. Denver (5-1): Denver has beaten New England, Washington, and Jacksonville in the last three weeks. Mike Shanahan and crew deserve some credit for beating three very respectable teams. Jake Plummer is playing smarter and the running back by committee is working, keeping the offense moving. The revamped defensive line is holding up, too. Suddenly the Broncos look very playoff worthy.
3. Cincinnati (5-1): Chad Johnson didn’t grace us with another end zone touchdown dance this week, but he and the rest of the Bengals offense has been roaring. The remainder of the Bengals’ schedule is relatively light. If they can keep up their play, they could be wrapping up home-field advantage early.
Breaking Down the AFC
The AFC is still looking very strong even after six weeks.
New England is looking human finally, and the possible addition of Tedy Bruschi won’t save them.
Pittsburgh needs a healthy Ben Roethlisberger to manage the game, because ex-XFL MVP Tommy Maddox won’t be able to duplicate that success.
Jacksonville is looking very tough and could be strong down the stretch with their schedule.
Kansas City and San Diego both rely on their running games, but their defense could be their demise as the season wears on.
Breaking Down the NFC
The NFC is still lacking a true power even after six weeks into the season. Most divisions are cluttered at the top or plain out weak. Tampa Bay came on fast, but with Cadillac Williams in the shop and Brian Greise out for the season, judgment is still up in the air on them. Atlanta and Carolina both have looked effective at times, but must play more consistently.
Seattle is pulling away in the NFC West, but the defense isn’t that good and will be hurting without safety Ken Hamlin.
The NFC East seems like the best chance for a contender, but who will it be? Dallas currently leads at 4-2, but losing Julius Jones for an extended period of time won’t help. Washington has dropped their last two, and needs a strong showing against San Francisco to show they belong. The New York Giants lost a close one, but Eli Manning is still a second year quarterback and will go through some growing pains. Philadelphia was tagged as an early NFC favorite, but they suddenly have lost a step. They need to reassert themselves in the upcoming stretch, else they’ll fall behind.
The NFC North is pathetic and could end up having a division champ with a losing record.
Fantasy Watch
Steve Smith, WR: After missing all last season, you probably could’ve drafted this guy low. If Carolina keeps up its success, you’ll be seeing Smith and his game-breaking ability post big numbers.
Brett Favre, QB: After starting the season poorly, Favre has gone on to throw seven touchdowns and one interception in October. Playing in a weak division should also help his stats.
