Written by Matt Clapp at Bloguin
1. New England Patriots (8-0; Last Week- No. 1)
This has been too easy for the Patriots, through half of their schedule.
2. Cincinnati Bengals (8-0; Last Week- No. 3)
Andy Dalton is only behind Tom Brady in QB rating at 111.0. He’s thrown 18 touchdowns and just four interceptions, while ranking second in the NFL in yards per pass attempt (8.63).
Compare that to Dalton’s 2014 season: 19 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, an 83.5 QB rating, and 7.06 yards per pass attempt.
It’s hard to think of a more improved player in the NFL this season. Dalton now has a Bengals team that had been perceived as as a solid team, looking like a championship-contending team.
3. Carolina Panthers (8-0; Last Week- No. 5)
Okay, okay. You have our full attention, Panthers.
The undefeated Panthers now have a two-game lead for best record in the NFC, and are essentially up three games on the 6-2 Packers now due to the head-to-head tiebreaker. They also have a favorable schedule over the remaining eight games, so it’s looking like the road to the Super Bowl in the NFC is going to go through Charlotte.
4. Denver Broncos (7-1; Last Week- No. 2)
The Broncos followed up an outstanding performance and victory over the Packers in Week 8, with an ugly performance and first loss of their season to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9. The defense looked very average for really the first time all year, and the offensive issues showed again, as Peyton Manning threw two more interceptions and the offense ran for just 35 yards on 14 carries.
Making matters more concerning on the defensive side of the ball for the Broncos, is losing pass-rusher DeMarcus Ware (back) for two-to-four weeks and cornerback Aqib Talib for one game due to suspension (after poking Dwayne Allen in the eye like a moron).
Regardless, the Broncos only have one loss and are in great shape with a three-game lead in the AFC West.
5. Green Bay Packers (6-2; Last Week- No. 4)
Straight-up beaten in consecutive games, although against two of the teams ranked in our top-four, on the road.
Eddie Lacy has been benched for James Starks after running for just 3.7 yards per carry and two touchdowns on the season. Lacy’s longest carry in 83 attempts was for 16 yards in Week 1.
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