1. The Bills Defense may be a top 5 Unit in the NFL
Last year, Buffalo’s defense was a bend but don’t break unit that would give up points but do just enough to allow their explosive offense to win them games last year. But this year has been a completely different story. After being ranked the 16 ranked defense in the NFL, giving up 6 yards per play, they are now the 4th ranked defense giving up barely 4 yards per play. The offense has continued to be explosive so if the defense is able to maintain this pace, buffalo could be hoisting its first Lombardi in team history come February.
2. The Cowboys have the best offense in the league
After playing mostly all of last year without star QB Dak Prescott, the Cowboys Offense has look totally rejuvenated. They currently have a the 5th ranked offense, 4th in points scored, and 3rd in yards. The passing game has been elevated with Dak back throwing to his receivers. Cedrick Wilson has stepped up in the absence of Michael Gallup and both tight ends, Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz, have played their roles well. Even the running game has been elite, ranking 2nd in the league in rush yards.
3. 2021 Browns = 2017 Jaguars
Now, let me explain what I mean by this. In 2017, the Jaguars were one fumble away from being the AFC representative in the super bowl. That year, they boosted a top 5 defense that allowed just 13 yards per game with a running game that was top 10 led by Leonard Fournette. The team did have their shortcomings though; Starting QB Blake Bortles. Bortles that year had a touchdown to INT ratio of 21:13 and held back the Jaguars all season. This 2021 Browns team reminds me a lot of that Jags team. They also boost a very strong defense that is a top 5 unit in the league, and a running game that ranks among the best. But what can potentially hold back this Browns defense is their former number one overall pick at QB, Baker Mayfield. Even with the return Odell Beckham jr, Baker has still struggled mightily this season. If he doesn’t improve drastically, his play will continue to hold back the Browns, a team that has the talent to be a super bowl contender.
4. The Chiefs will be just fine as long as this offense continues their high play
After a surprising 1-2 start, concern for the defending AFC champs began rise. Even though the defense has shown its flaws, as long as the offense plays the way they did Sunday, Kansas City will be just fine.
5. The Bengals can be a wild card threat
Thursday Night was not looking well for the Bengals. At halftime, they were down 14-0 and didn’t have much hope. But in the 2nd half, they quickly turned things around, scoring 14 unanswered to tie the game, scored another TD to tie the game up at 21 and driving down to nail the game winning field goal and improve to 3-1. This team isn’t perfect and they still have a lot of improving to do, but after the first 4 weeks, led by a healthy Joe Burrow, they sit at a pretty 3-1 with playoff aspirations.
6. This Washington Defense is a problem
After a really good year last year for the Washington defense, they were expected to take the next step. So far, not very good. They’ve already given up 122 points through 4 games and have given up 1,670 yards as well. To say this defense hasn’t lived up to expectations would be an understatement. With the Cowboys surging, things have to turn around quickly if this team wants to repeat as NFC East champs.
TheDyspatch 