Ho-hum, just another week in the NFL!
Not a lot of surprises, really, which was nice. Although we're down to 0 undefeated teams, which is always a bummer. I try to highlight the ten best teams every week here on NHC, and it's damn difficult to do that when none of them have a 0 in the loss column. But I'm always flying by the seat of my pants anyway, so I'm not sure it makes that much of a difference.
One surprising result was the sudden "resurrection" of the Patriots. True, they're still just 3-2, but they looked a hell of a lot better on Sunday night than they had at any point in the first four weeks. Also, what's up with Cincy and Arizona? Is it the competition?
I hope so, because teams that start 3-0 shouldn't just fade as we approach midseason.
At least Peyton Manning looks like an "elite" QB. I can't say that about Drew Brees much longer, I don't think. Unless he's due for a "resurrection" himself in the coming weeks.
Here are the Rankings for Week 5:
1.) San Diego (4-1) [+2]
Not really a surprise at #1 this week, although I guess you could say the result was a bit surprising. They held the Jets scoreless; I believe it was the first shutout of 2014. The Chargers are playing well and they've got a cupcake schedule until they play Denver on Thursday night in a few weeks. A nice stroll through the garden, sniffing the flowers and contemplating the mysteries of life.
Next opponent: at Oakland (10/12)
2.) Philadelphia (4-1) [+3]
Clearly, not all is well in Philly and Cary Williams' complaints from a couple weeks ago seem like foreshadowing. So far, the demise is still forthcoming as opposed to here right now. But let's be honest: the Eagles are playing like garbage on offense and are getting their bacon saved by special teams. Obviously, this is not going to continue, and if the offense doesn't start producing respectable numbers at worst, they're going to slide behind the Cowboys and probably the Giants as well.
Next opponent: vs. NY Giants (10/12)
3.) Dallas (4-1) [+4]
There was a mixture of surprise and relief after the OT win Sunday. Romo and Bryant played well, and Bailey redeemed himself after botching a kick late. The most satisfying play, of course, was Romo's TD pass to Terrence Williams, after shaking off the most overrated player in the NFL. It may be hard to see how Dallas improves on their strong start, but if they can stay consistent I don't see how they fall to their usual mediocre finish.
Next opponent: at Seattle (10/12)
4.) Seattle (3-1) [+2]
Lost amidst the slobbering today is the fact that Seattle's offense was garbage in the second half. Then suddenly Wilson finds Lynch a couple times and everything is hunky dory. Call me a fool if you like, but I don't buy Wilson, in spite of the ring and the multiple plays he made last night with arm and legs. He's not an "elite" QB and he isn't the "best player in the NFL", a laughable notion, to be sure.
Next opponent: vs. Dallas (10/12)
5.) Denver (3-1) [+5]
There's always an exception, I guess. And in what has become a running league, Denver's the lone team whose running game isn't working, yet is still successful because they have a QB playing out of his mind. Peyton Manning has been great this season, and he's not even close to what he was doing last season. Will the success so far translate into anything down the road? Probably not, but it's nice to see regardless.
Next opponent: at NY Jets (10/12)
6.) Arizona (3-1) [-5]
It's really no surprise that when down to their third-string QB, they didn't have much of a chance against Denver. Even with two INT's to their credit.
Next opponent: vs. Washington (10/12)
7.) Cincinnati (3-1) [-5]
Primetime games aren't too kind to Cincy, but at least Dalton played better than he usually does. I don't understand how they weren't prepared, though, as they were coming off a bye and New England looked more like chowder than an actual football team.
Next opponent: vs. Carolina (10/12)
8.) Indianapolis (3-2) [-]
I don't know what beating Baltimore means. Then again, I'm not sure how the Colts lose their division given the competition at hand, so it probably doesn't matter.
Next opponent: at Houston (10/9)
9.) Green Bay (3-2) [-]
After drubbing Minnesota last Thursday, Green Bay is back in. They started a bit off, but look to be rounding into form. Like the Colts, they look to be the strongest in their division.
Next opponent: at Miami (10/12)
10.) New England (3-2) [-]
It's funny how Brady went from pariah to hero in merely a week. Not only that, he actually played much better against Cincinnati, a team that was supposedly the most complete in the NFL (what a load that was), than he has in the first four weeks, possibly combined. The division is ripe for the taking and I'd be surprised if the Pats don't end up with it. I mean, does anyone else really trust Buffalo or Miami to win it?
Next opponent: at Buffalo (10/12)
That's all for this week. See you next week.
