Four weeks of games in the books means it’s time to evaluate where every team sits and to update the forecast for all 32 NFL teams.
AFC East
New England, 4-0: The Patriots are consistent at a level that has rarely been seen in the NFL. Legendary coach Tom Landry had 20 consecutive winning seasons with the Cowboys – Bill Belichick is now up to 18. Belichick and Tom Brady give their fan base a substantial return on their investment every season.
Forecast: Lived up to expectations. Expect more of the same – competing for another championship.
Buffalo, 3-1: Sean McDermott, 45, being a defensive-minded coach, does not get the same type of acclaim as his contemporaries but certainly deserves it. The Bills are a rugged bunch with a defense that should keep them in most games.
Forecast: May slip a bit due to their schedule difficulty increasing but will compete for a wildcard slot.
New York, 0-3: The Adam Gase era has gotten off to a rocky start, thanks in part to mononucleosis. They need a healthy Sam Darnold to fully evaluate their roster and future.
Forecast: The Jets have underperformed but will improve as the year goes on although a playoff appearance is highly unlikely.
Miami, 0-4: The Dolphins are the worst team in football – in a sense that is by design. Brian Flores is a tough-minded individual who is attempting to build a culture with his type of players.
Forecast: Miami ripped it apart to unnecessary levels which will make a bounce back in the near future extremely difficult. They are, however, well on their way to the first overall pick.
AFC North
Cleveland, 2-2: The Browns entered the 2019 season with gaudy expectations. A rash of injuries on defense did not help but the offense has been the bigger concern through the first quarter of the season. Last week’s victory at Baltimore changed the narrative and enthusiasm in Cleveland.
Forecast: They did not play up to their potential to start but sit tied atop the division. Expect better play throughout the season especially when the schedule softens.
Baltimore, 2-2: The Ravens bandwagon was full of pundits pulling hamstrings backing off their Lamar Jackson criticism. However, they forgot, as they often do, to account for the quality of the opponent.
Forecast: Jackson is an electric player who can create splash plays but the jury is still out on his ability to master the finer intricacies of the position…and now their vaunted defense is also in question.
Pittsburgh, 1-3: The season-ending injury to Ben Roethlisberger appeared to sink the season for the Steelers. Although they can still compete for the division, the key this season will be the development of Mason Rudolph.
Forecast: A lackluster start will be difficult to overcome – but a winning second quarter of the season could change their fortunes.
Cincinnati, 0-4: The Zac Taylor era is off to a rough start. Unfortunately for Taylor and Bengals fans, their future QB is not on the roster.
Forecast: Expect more of the same from a roster that lacks talent. Taylor needs his QB.
AFC South
Houston, 2-2: The Texans appeared to be the class of the division but are inconsistent at best. They have the most talent in the south but have to get better in all phases – coaching included. Given how they traded future assets, they are in must-win mode this season.
Forecast: Underperformed in the first quarter and their schedule is not easy, but expect them to play more consistent football going forward.
Indianapolis, 2-2: The Colts played solid football in the first quarter while adjusting to life without Andrew Luck. They don’t possess a lot of sizzle but have ground out victories.
Forecast: Expect more of the same, a near .500 finish.
Jacksonville, 2-2: The injury to Nick Foles created consternation among the Jags fan base but the play of rookie Gardner Minshew has quelled their distress. A tough defense along with a stout running game has Jacksonville tied for the division lead – albeit with the entire division.
Forecast: If they can run the ball – they could hang in the divisional race. Leonard Fournette’s production will be the KPI.
Tennessee, 2-2: It has been anything but a thing of beauty which is predictable for the Titans, but they are tied with their divisional foes at .500. They are a grind it out team who makes up for talent with discipline and toughness.
Forecast: Expect the trend to continue for Mike Vrabel’s squad. An 8-8 finish is likely.
AFC West
Kansas City, 4-0: Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL. Despite the injury to Tyreek Hill, their offense continues to excel. The defense is a concern but they are difficult to outscore, no matter the opponent.
Forecast: The Chiefs will get beat at some point – but are the favorite to earn home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
Oakland, 2-2: Despite the drama, Jon Gruden has the Silver & Black at .500. They lack weapons on offense but despite that managed to earn two victories thanks to a ball control offense.
Forecast: The schedule is difficult in the upcoming weeks – including a trip to London. Expect more losses than wins but Gruden is putting his stamp on this franchise which will pay dividends in the long term.
Los Angeles, 2-2: The Bolts are notoriously slow starters, which was the case again this season. They have played well at times but have not yet played their best football.
Forecast: The return of Melvin Gordon will help. The Chargers will compete for a wild card slot with the front running Chiefs out of reach.
Denver, 0-4: Expectations for the Broncos were not high but a 0-4 start has the Mile High faithful frothing at the mouth. They have nothing to hang their hat on in terms of hope for this season or the near future.
Forecast: Vic Fangio is a defensive-minded coach – yet his defense has underperformed. There could be a major house cleaning in January of 2020, Elway included.
NFC East
Dallas, 3-1: The Cowboys played very well throughout the first quarter of the season, with the Sunday night loss to New Orleans being the only exception. Despite plenty of distractions they have lived up to their preseason billing with Dak Prescott playing at a high level.
Forecast: Expect more of the same for Dallas – competing for the NFC East crown.
Philadelphia, 2-2: The Eagles managed to stay in the race despite a rash of injuries to their receiving corps. Carson Wentz looks healthy which is a good sign for the Philly faithful.
Forecast: If at full strength, Philly will compete for the divisional crown – at worst a wildcard slot.
New York Giants, 2-2: The G-Men have won two in a row with rookie Daniel Jones under center. He has played well which could save jobs. This season is all about the growth of the young signal-caller.
Forecast: A season of dismay has turned into a season of promise. There will be plenty of ups and downs but if Jones progresses – there will be hope for 2020.
Washington, 0-4: The Case Keenum experiment has not worked. There are certainly other issues on this roster but the QB often gets the most ridicule. Team President/GM Bruce Allen deserves a significant portion of the blame. This roster lacks talent at all levels.
Forecast: Heads will roll – the question is when.
NFC North
Green Bay, 3-1: The Packers have played very well on the defensive side of the ball. However, they are in the middle of the pack in terms of points per game on offense. Expect rookie HC Matt LaFleur to get his offense going in the near future.
Forecast: Green Bay is a well-rounded squad who will stay in contention in a competitive division.
Chicago, 3-1: The Chicago defense has been dominant through the first quarter. Starting QB Mitch Trubisky suffered through uneven play before injuring his shoulder versus the Vikings.
Forecast: The Bears will compete for the division but need a healthy Trubisky to reach their lofty goals.
Detroit, 2-1-1: Matt Patricia is doing a nice job with the Lions. They are solid in all phases. Matthew Stafford is playing smart football, making key throws in clutch moments.
Forecast: The Lions are a pleasant surprise. They will be in the conversation for a playoff spot.
Minnesota, 2-2: It appears to be more of the same for the Vikings. The question remains – can Kirk Cousins win big games? Thus far he has not lived up to the hefty contract.
Forecast: This team has a ton of talent but thus far the Vikings have underachieved. If the ship isn’t righted, expect big changes this offseason.
NFC South
New Orleans, 3-1: Sean Payton has done a masterful job following the injury to Drew Brees. The Saints are clearly the best team in the division – especially when Brees returns.
Forecast: Payton will once again have his team in contention for a championship.
Tampa Bay, 2-2: A masterful job by Bruce Arians has the Bucs at .500. If not for a late meltdown versus the Giants, Tampa Bay would be tied for first place.
Forecast: Expect the Bucs to continue to play well because of Arians; no coaching profession has more impact on the outcome than in football.
Carolina, 2-2: The Panthers have played inspired football with Kyle Allen under center. Allen’s presence has dramatically changed the fortunes of a team that started 0-2.
Forecast: Will Allen have long-term success? Only time will tell but this team is better with Allen at QB.
Atlanta, 1-3: Dan Quinn is nearing the end. His team has yet again underperformed which could and should result in wholesale changes within the Falcons franchise.
Forecast: Expect little to change regarding their position within the NFC South.
NFC West
San Francisco, 3-0: The Niners have not played clean football as of yet but are undefeated. Their front four brings pressure while their running game has been consistent. Jimmy Garoppolo has turned the ball over but is a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan’s scheme.
Forecast: San Francisco is going to be a factor within the division. Shanahan is one of the best coaches in the league.
Seattle, 3-1: Pete Carroll’s teams just chug along, often under the radar. It is not a thing of beauty but the Seahawks just compete week after week. Russell Wilson has once again been marvelous in the early going.
Forecast: The Hawks will continue to compete but it will be tough sledding to win the competitive NFC West but a playoff berth is a possibility.
Los Angeles, 3-1: The Rams have struggled on offense at times but their defense was dominant until last week versus the Buccaneers. There are more questions than expected for a team that is 3-1.
Forecast: Has the league caught up with Sean McVay? Unlikely; the Rams will compete for the division and the conference crown.
Arizona, 0-3-1: The key metric for the 2019 Cardinals is the development of rookie QB Kyler Murray. Thus far Murray has played well. This roster has plenty of holes but growth, not wins, is the key.
Forecast: Patience is paramount with Murray and head coach Kliff Kingsbury.
