Top 10 Teams Headed into Week 3

From now on, every overreaction must be counted against everyone's ledger. For the most part, we know what these teams will look like for this season, but they have to prove it. Teams have either dug themselves into a hole they'll be working their way out of for the foreseeable future or they've set up for long term success.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are starting 0-2 for the first time in the Mahomes era, which is a shame. I believe they still deserve the benefit of doubt versus most of the NFL. Playing a team that dominated them all of 7 months ago and losing by just a field goal is a point of improvement. Kansas City was a Travis Kelce dropped TD away from changing the tone of the game. What worries this Chiefs fan is just that: is Kelce more hurt than help at this moment in time. The Chiefs have a revelation at LT and a defensive backfield turning it around in a week, so when the reinforcements arrive in the coming weeks with Worthy and Rice, I expect things to regulate.

Cincinnati Bengals

(ABC News)

Cincinnati is undefeated the same way that Kansas City is defeated. They keep winning by the hairs on their chins and with Burrow on the IR, I honestly don't have high hopes for a team with the wrong QB and right initials.

Indianapolis Colts

If you would have told me that Danny Dimes would actually live up to his lampooning nickname this early into the season, I would be should. I will count myself as one of the ones still gobsmacked by Jones' phoenix rise (good things happen when you leave the Giants), but I haven't been shocked by this defense. Lou Anarumo seems to be on a revenge tour of a lifetime (can't wait for Donnie Wahlberg to play him in a movie) with his new toys in Indy. With a run game and OL to support the trending QB and defense, the South might run through Lucas Oil Stadium.

Los Angeles Rams

The rumors of Matthew Stafford's downfall due to injury were exaggerated. They have benefitted from the AFC South's ineptitude, but building momentum early will be key in the NFC West. With the 49ers and Cardinals sporting the same record, it's all the more important that McVay and Stafford are able to build confidence for the young squad.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield is a phenomenal football player. I wish I had more flowery terms to put it in, but his return to prominence as our favorite undersized gunslinger is magnificent. The football gods looked down upon him and delivered yet another quality wideout in Egbuka while Evans and Godwin close out their primes.

Detroit Lions

(NBC Sports)

Getting back on the horse was important for this team probably more than any other because of their coach's genetic makeup. Dan Campbell has a freakish sense toughness that oozes to his players like no other coach I've ever seen. His hoo-rah sensibility seems like it should've failed at this point but over and over his team is the most dominant squad out there. The only issue is the sustainability on Dan Campbell's caffeine diet. If things get to riled up, what's to say they won't fly off the rails as they did in Week One.

Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert has received generous comparison to Peyton Manning and if that's the case, the winning MVPs and playing in meaningful playoff games has to start now. Through a few weeks of the season, the Chargers look as dominant as they should be, behind the QB's leadership. Jesse Minter is rising up internal coaching boards, which should scare Jim Harbaugh. Wait. Nothing scares that man.

Philadelphia Eagles

The 2023 Eagles and the 2025 Eagles have more similarities than either would like to admit. After a Super Bowl appearance (or win), the team walked out with tons of nip-and-tuck victories, but some team-wide strife led to an early exit. While the 2025 season has yet to conclude like 2023 did, the lack of AJ Brown's targets is alarming and could be a catalyst for a rift between teammates. Yes, they might win through it, but it might be something to worry about.

Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson is one of the most entertaining athletes of any time. The man completed 19 passes and four were touchdowns and he's a jacked gazelle in the open field. The admiration of the Jackson's ability is reflected in how they've built their entire roster. With defensive playmakers, the Ravens inherent culture is bound to improve their defense like it has over the year.

Buffalo Bills

(north jersey.com)

Josh Allen and his squad have been more dominant than any team so far, which is something they need to carry on for the next 16 weeks. Assuming the AFC has new contenders in the Chargers and Colts building leads along with the usual suspects, the Bills need to nearly run the table in the division and a near-tuneup TNF matchup against Miami will put them in that direction. Sean McDermott and Bobby Babich are working furiously to fix a defense that had playmakers on all three levels last season, so I expect the Bills to be a safe bet this year.