1. Pittsburgh Steelers: They’ve passed their two tests. The first was the showdown against the Tennessee Titans and they survived that. Last week against Baltimore, they were down, but not out. They came back and won that as well. They are 7-0 and rolling. Looking at the schedule, I don’t see them losing anytime soon. Then again, it’s the NFL and anything can happen. They’re in Texas today to face the Cowboys.
2. Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes finally unleashed last week. But who doesn’t do that against the Jets? 416 yards and five touchdown passes. They didn’t need much of Clyde Edwards-Helaire or Le’Veon Bell because the quarterback was in such rhythm. He completed five passes of 25 yards to four different options. At 7-1, they’re exactly where many expected them to be. The AFC will still travel through them regardless of what happens this season.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: They won in dominating fashion in weeks six and seven. Week eight was far from that. The New York Giants gave them all they could handle, but they were able to hold them off. Talk about winning ugly. This is the Buccaneers best start in recent memory. 6-2 and in first place in the NFC South. Now, they’ll welcome Antonio Brown to the offensive lineup. Can that be anymore scarier? They’ll do battle with the Saints tonight in a huge NFC South showdown.
4. Seattle Seahawks: They needed a bounceback victory and got in in week eight. Russ continues to cook as he’s up to 26 touchdown passes on the season. D.K. Metcalf continues to use his speed, strength and power on defensive backs. Seattle has some more reinforcements on the way. Jamal Adams is expected to return and they traded for Carlos Dunlap from the Cincinnati Bengals. They’re back on the east coast today to face the Bills.
5. Buffalo Bills: They finally defeated their arch nemesis! The New England Patriots have owned them for the last few years. I don’t think that’ll be the case this year. The Bills are on top of the division. Josh Allen has cooled down since that hot start, but the running game has picked it up as of late. I look for Josh to get back on track today against a Seattle defense that struggles to do much of anything.
