Road to Super Bowl LII: Week 3

Week 3 provided me with the most thrilling slate of NFL games that I’ve seen in a long time. In a span of just a couple minutes, multiple games came down to the wire and ended on epic plays. From Eagles rookie Jake Elliott’s game-winning 61-yard field goal over the archrival Giants to Jordan Howard’s game-ending overtime touchdown rumble, these games were not only exciting but also changed the pecking order in the league.

1. 1. New England Patriots (2-1, last week 1)- Tom Brady’s poise was on display on the Patriots’ game-winning drive against Houston and his chemistry with new receiver Brandin Cooks should scare opponents across the league. The defense, however, is definitely an issue.
   2. Kansas City Chiefs (3-0, last week 2)- Another strong win for Kansas City, this one the first divisional victory of the season. Still not sold on the Chiefs beating the Patriots for the conference.
   3. Atlanta Falcons (3-0, last week 3)- The other 3-0 team in the NFL, the Falcons have beaten two NFC powers, the Packers and Lions, in their first two wins. I doubt that this year’s team is better than last year’s, but their Super Bowl hangover doesn’t seem steep enough for the Falcons to miss out on the playoffs.
   4. Oakland Raiders (2-1, last week 5)- The Raiders lost an ugly game to Washington in which they were dominated from start to finish. Week 4 against the Broncos will be a tough test for their highly touted but disappointing offense.
   5. Dallas Cowboys (2-1, last week 7)- The Cowboys didn’t look dominant against an Arizona team that will likely miss the playoffs, but I still think they have a stellar shot at winning the NFC title.
   6. Green Bay Packers (2-1, last week 8)-
   7. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1, last week 6)- The Steelers laid an egg against a weak Bears team and have yet to show that they are the team that could topple New England.
   8. Denver Broncos (2-1, last week FFO)- Quarterback Trevor Siemian came back to Earth in the Broncos’ stunning loss to the Buffalo Bills and their match against the Raiders will show if the Buffalo loss was a fluke.

• Detroit Lions (2-1, last week FFO)- Rewarded with a record-breaking contract this offseason, Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford has opened the season at an MVP-level. Even after falling a yard short of a home victory against Atlanta, the Lions look like contenders in a wide-open conference.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1, last week FFO)- The Titans are a better team, but the Eagles are in a weaker conference and boast two quality divisional wins. If they keep it up, they’ll have a strong chance at winning the loaded NFC East and making a playoff run.

First Five Out: Buccaneers, Seahawks, Texans, Vikings, Panthers