Winner's Circle Week 3
Welcome to the Winner's Circle week 3, where the week's winners are celebrated and evaluated. In the Winner's Circle, it doesn't matter what happened last year. It's all about what you have earned in this season up to this point. Without further ado, let's predict what would happen if the regular season ended today.
AFC
AFC Conference Champion
Chiefs 3-0
The Chiefs are still on top of the AFC as the undefeated defending Super Bowl Champs. Tell me if you have heard this before: the Chiefs aren't playing very well, but they are still finding ways to win. The last three times the Chiefs started 3-0, they went to the conference Championship(2018) and Super Bowl (2020) and won the Super Bowl (2019). That is a pretty high ceiling for the Chiefs. Is the three-peat uploading?
Conference Runner-up
Bills 3-0
The Bills look like world-beaters. The Bills beat the dog crap out of the Jaguars. The Bills laid down a franchise-altering beatdown to Jaguars. It was so ugly that many had to turn away and watch the Commander's game instead. This may be the most Super Bowl-caliber team the Bills have had in the Josh Allen era.
Undefeated Playoff Contender
Steelers 3-0
The Chargers game was the Steeler's big test. Could the Steelers handle the Charger's tough defense and Herbert/Dobbins' lead offense? Well, the Steelers passed the test with flying colors. The team needed Fields to do more, and he did more, scoring more TDs and doubling the number of points the Chargers' defense had given up previously. The Steelers defense dominated the Chargers and stopped the run. The Steelers have controlled every game they have been in so far, and they are just getting started.
Solid Contender
Jets 2-1
The Jets had a statement game against the Patriots on Thursday. Aaron Rodgers looked like the Aaron Rodgers they were hoping for. He was slicing and dicing the defense up and making it look east. Aaron Rodgers even turned back the clock and ran a little bit. In addition to that, the defense looked like one of the best in the league. The Patriots game was the best version of the Jets. The Jets hope to look like this for the rest of the season, and if they can, they will be solid contenders in playoff season.
Frisky 1-2 Teams
Ravens 1-2
The Ravens finally got on the board after rolling the Cowboys without much effort. Someone should tell the offensive coordinator that Derek Henry is having so many attempts, and the Ravens winning is not coincidental. The Raven's defense still remains questionable, as they almost let the Cowboys get back into the game during a blowout. However, the Ravens controlled the entire game and won, and their losses were close. Nobody should want smoke with the Ravens.
Broncos 1-2
Bo Nix has looked good with the Broncos. He looked fast and loose even when he wasn't lighting it up. Bo looks unafraid, and he has done a great job. The defense played to their potential against the Bucs, leading to a shocking upset. The Broncos may be a lot better than expected.
Most Suspect Winners
Colts 1-2
The Colts got an ugly win against the Bears. The Bears have a rookie holding them back at the moment, but despite mostly dominating the game, the Colts still gave the Bears a chance to win at the end of the game. Anthony Richardson also looked terrible. He was very inaccurate and cost the Colts valuable opportunities. Hopefully, Richardson just had a bad game because he is the driving force of hope in the Colts franchise. But hey, it's always nice when you struggle and still come away with the win.
NFC
Super Bowl Champions
Vikings 3-0
The Vikings look awesome. Sam Darnold is balling, and that's evident, but what really takes the Vikings over the top as the current Super Bowl champion of the NFL is the defense. The Vikings' defense looks to be way better than expected, and it was supposed to be good. If the Vikings are already spectacular on offense and defense and aren't even at full strength. The entire NFL should be on notice. Something special is brewing in Minnesota.
NFC conference runner-ups
Seahawks 3-0
The Seahawks win again. They are probably the least talked about undefeated team because they are such a steady, eddy non, non-controversial team, but they deserve credit. The Seahawks are one of two undefeated teams in the NFC, and they are running their division. Don't sleep on the Seahawks.
Solid Contenders
Eagles 2-1
The Eagles haven't completely answered the questions from last year's collapse. They will always be serious contenders due to the caliber of players they have on their roster, especially the number one back in football, Saquon Barkley. They took down the undefeated Saints, and while their offense still left a lot to be desired, the defense came through. If the defense the Eagles displayed against the Saints was real, then they just might be back.
Packers 2-1
The Packers are pulling off a masterclass in football. They lost their star QB and are rolling with Malik Willis, who was labeled as a bust. The Packers just have a championship culture. They play hard and smart, and they always seem to be able to adapt. It's tough to see how they will get knocked off course.
Lions 2-1
The Lions got their swagger back by beating the Cardinals, who had just rolled the Rams. The Lions are returning to themselves, running the ball, getting Amon Ra active, and throwing out some crazy calls. The Lions are a strong contender in the NFC.
Frisky 2-1 Team
Commanders 2-1
Jayden Daniels. Jayden Daniels. Jayden Daniels. He has looked decent all season but took it to another level against the Bengals. Jayden Daniels wasn't just lighting it up on the ground, but he was dropping bombs through the air out dueling Joe Burrow. Jayden looks to be the best QB from the draft. The Commander's range of outcomes has grown significantly.
Most Suspect Winners
Rams 1-2
The Rams had a phenomenal win against the 49ers. We already knew Stafford was a dog, but I think Sean McVay is undoubtedly a better coach than Kyle Shanahan. The Rams had no business beating the 49ers, and yet they did. If the Rams can keep fighting like this until their injured Calvary comes, then they can't be counted out.
Panthers 1-2
The Panthers got their first win against the Raiders. I think this was pretty predictable. Andy Dalton played really well when he got to start against Seattle last year, and he did the same thing this year. This may not be the best team ever, but Dalton definitely optimizes it more than Bryce right now. Now, is this a surge of momentum after a change at QB that will die down next week, or are the Panthers trending up?
Giants 1-2
The Giants are the most suspect winners. Daniel Jones and especially Malik Nabers look incredible together, but it remains to be seen how much of this game were the Giants figuring something out and clicking or the Browns just being washed and bad. Still, the Giants got on the board and earned their way to the winner's circle. There is room for some optimism.