Seahawks@Rams is the game I’ve been waiting to see. The game could reveal that one team is for real, while the other is not; or that both teams are for legitimate contenders.
Power rankings:
1st tier: Chiefs and Rams
2nd tier: Seahawks, Eagles, Lions, Colts, Bills, Packers
I would put the Seahawks in the first tier, but I need to see them against better teams–like the Rams and Colts. (Actually, they should probably be lower as I don’t trust Darnold’s ball security. I’m just hoping he can change that.) I’m sticking with the Eagles for now just because I think their roster is strong, although maybe it’s not as strong as I think. (Their lackluster run-game is worrisome.) I’m keeping the Lions here for now. I’m not entirely confident about Daniel Jones, but the Colts have a run game that can keep them in almost any game. I would think their defense should get better with Sauce Gardner as well. I didn’t see the Bills game, but I’m keeping the Bills in here for now. Packers OL/DL don’t look as good, but I’ll keep them in here.
3rd tier: Buccaneers, Broncos, Chargers
The Bucs need to get healthy; I don’t really like the Broncos offense; the Chargers have a strong defense, but I’m skeptical they have enough on offense.
I agree with the Rams in the top tier. I’m not sure I’m as sold on the Chiefs. I agree they have pedigree though. I thought the Chiefs got handled by the Bills and the game wasn’t as close as the score. However, the Bills lost two bad games against the Falcons and Dolphins. I think right now I agree with the Chiefs being the best team in the AFC, but not sure if they are in the top tier with the Rams. I still give that spot to the Lions. So, Lions and Rams in tier 1 for me.
I like Seattle, Eagles, Colts and Bills in tier 2. The Packers offense looks really bad right now, so I cannot agree on them in tier 2. They will miss Tucker Craft’s production for sure.
I think I would put the Broncos in tier 2 as well and when comparing them to the Packers, I think they are a better team. I cannot put the Chargers in tier 3 without two of their top linemen in Alt and Slater.
I think you missed the Pats and would be surprised if you don’t like them in the top three tiers. I watched Maye against the Bucs and wasn’t super impressed, but New England as a team is good to very good. Definitely should be in the tier 2 group for me.
I’ll repeat that my list is if the playoffs was today, who I would give the edge to winning it all.