MJS Posted September 25, 2019 Posted September 25, 2019 (edited) "Heading into Week 4 of the 2019 season, an astounding eight teams stand undefeated. That's five more undefeated teams than at this point last year, and tied with 1996 for the second-most undefeated teams through the first three weeks of any season since 1930. All of these teams should be feeling good, given that 73.8 percent of teams to start 3-0 since 1990 have gone on to make the playoffs. But this is the NFL, and anything can happen. Which of the eight undefeated teams am I most confident in? I've ranked them below, separating them further into three categories: playoff locks, on the bubble and potentially too good to be true." PLAYOFF LOCKS 1) PATRIOTS (3-0) 2) CHIEFS (3-0) 3) COWBOYS (3-0) 4) RAMS (3-0) ON THE BUBBLE 5) BILLS (3-0) "Buffalo fans have been teased before, but it feels like this iteration of the Bills is a legit playoff squad, especially when you consider that they should be able to count on getting three more wins out of their three remaining matchups against the Jets and Dolphins. (Buffalo already beat the Jets in Week 1.) Of course, this team could REALLY quiet doubters by beating the visiting Patriots this Sunday. For that to happen, the Bills will need Josh Allen to maintain the upward trajectory he's been on in his second pro season; the quarterback has improved on his rookie marks in completion rate (64.1, up from 52.8), interception rate (2.9 percent, down from 3.8) and yards per attempt (7.3, up from 6.5) while continuing to pose a threat on the ground (8.7 yards per carry with two rushing scores)." 6) PACKERS (3-0) TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? 7) 49ERS (3-0)8 ) LIONS (2-0-1) http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001058869/article/confidence-rankings-for-undefeated-patriots-solid-49ers-shaky I think this analysis is pretty spot on. Interesting that Brandt puts the Bills in front of the Packers. I also think it is interesting that he puts the Cowboys in front of the Rams. Edited September 25, 2019 by MJS 5
Reader Posted September 25, 2019 Posted September 25, 2019 The Rams are interesting. I have a hard time discerning how good of a QB Goff is. At least for 3 games in, Dak seems more consistent. 5
MJS Posted September 25, 2019 Author Posted September 25, 2019 1 minute ago, Reader said: The Rams are interesting. I have a hard time discerning how good of a QB Goff is. At least for 3 games in, Dak seems more consistent. I am definitely not sold on Goff. I think he is a good player, but he isn't clutch and can't carry the team. He is one of those QB's that needs help around him. Because of that, I'm not sure he'll help the Rams win a super bowl unless it is somehow a mismatch in their favor. Dak has been playing well. I think he's been underrated, but let's see if he can keep it up. I could see the Cowboys fade towards the end of the season. I don't think there is a good reason to believe that they are all of the sudden and elite team.
Estelle Getty Posted September 25, 2019 Posted September 25, 2019 He is probably taking into account the Cowboys are in a VERY weak division and the Rams are in a pretty good one
LeGOATski Posted September 25, 2019 Posted September 25, 2019 4 minutes ago, Estelle Getty said: He is probably taking into account the Cowboys are in a VERY weak division and the Rams are in a pretty good one He seems to be accounting for each team's remaining schedule, which is a no-brainer when you're considering playoff chances. 1
MJS Posted September 25, 2019 Author Posted September 25, 2019 1 hour ago, LeGOATski said: He seems to be accounting for each team's remaining schedule, which is a no-brainer when you're considering playoff chances. I wonder if there was that much thought put into it or if it is just an off the cuff ranking. Probably somewhere in the middle.
Stank_Nasty Posted September 25, 2019 Posted September 25, 2019 I think this is a fair assessment.... still a lot of proving to do but its looking good.
whatdrought Posted September 25, 2019 Posted September 25, 2019 I like it. I went into this expecting us to be last, but I was pleasantly surprised. Brandt is an actual football guy who doesn’t just take any chance to slam the bills. I was struck by the fact that we have 3 wins, and we’re playing 4 more games against teams we have no right losing to... that’s crazy. 1
BuffaloBill Posted September 25, 2019 Posted September 25, 2019 It’s a fair analysis. If the Bills want respect this weekend is their chance to earn it. 1
skibum Posted September 25, 2019 Posted September 25, 2019 (edited) I didn't realize until today that that Pats"* three victims this year are all winless (I don't follow the rest of the league that closely). So we have a matchup two 3-0 teams whose opponents thus far are a combined 1-17. The Bills may not be a championship team yet, but they're no bums. But then again, they have played nothing but bums. And so have the Pats*. This could be more interesting than I thought! Edited September 25, 2019 by skibum 2
HOUSE Posted September 25, 2019 Posted September 25, 2019 I think Gil Brandt takes large cash in small envelope from Bill Belichick
PlayoffsPlease Posted September 26, 2019 Posted September 26, 2019 50 minutes ago, skibum said: I didn't realize until today that that Pats"* three victims this year are all winless (I don't follow the rest of the league that closely). So we have a matchup two 3-0 teams whose opponents thus far are a combined 1-17. The Bills may not be a championship team yet, but they're no bums. But then again, they have played nothing but bums. And so have the Pats*. This could be more interesting than I thought! Pars have massacred their bums. Bills need two q4 drives to win. bills can win this game. But it is a long shot is 1
MJS Posted September 26, 2019 Author Posted September 26, 2019 1 minute ago, PlayoffsPlease said: Pars have massacred their bums. Bills need two q4 drives to win. bills can win this game. But it is a long shot is Yeah, but we faced much better offenses and a Jets team that wasn't yet spiralling downwards. Bills for sure aren't better than them, but the manner in which they beat their opponents is a deeper story than just looking at the margin of victory.
PlayoffsPlease Posted September 26, 2019 Posted September 26, 2019 3 minutes ago, MJS said: Yeah, but we faced much better offenses and a Jets team that wasn't yet spiralling downwards. Bills for sure aren't better than them, but the manner in which they beat their opponents is a deeper story than just looking at the margin of victory. The Steelers with Ben were mauled by the Pats. That game was executed flawlessly from start to finish by the pats.
LABILLBACKER Posted September 26, 2019 Posted September 26, 2019 Pretty accurate assessment. Might put Packers at 5 and Bills at 6 because of Rodgers and their defense. Goff could slip if Gurley continues to be slowed because of his knee? I can guarantee you if we beat NE the world will recognize us.....
LSHMEAB Posted September 26, 2019 Posted September 26, 2019 McVay is basically the QB for the Rams, which is why I'm surprised they gave Goff that extension. He's just a decent QB playing a GREAT system. That could definitely catch up to them when it matters most. But you have to consider they didn't have Kupp last season in the playoffs, who's a huge part of what they do. I think they're the best team in the NFC in spite of Goff.
ganesh Posted September 26, 2019 Posted September 26, 2019 5 hours ago, Reader said: The Rams are interesting. I have a hard time discerning how good of a QB Goff is. At least for 3 games in, Dak seems more consistent. Aikman with the Cowboys would NOT have won any of those super bowls without Emmit Smith. Todd Gurley needs to own up and show up in the Playoffs/ Goff is more like an Aikman than a Favre.
MJS Posted September 26, 2019 Author Posted September 26, 2019 22 minutes ago, ganesh said: Aikman with the Cowboys would NOT have won any of those super bowls without Emmit Smith. Todd Gurley needs to own up and show up in the Playoffs/ Goff is more like an Aikman than a Favre. Gurley has been having problems with his knees, though, right?
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