New England Patriots

If the Pats keep playing like this, they are on yet another Super Bowl run. Tom Brady is still Touchdown Tom; even without Rob Gronkowski he is still making things work using wide receivers Julian Edelmen and Josh Gordon. Their defense remains experienced and talented, as you’ve grown to expect from Bill Belichick.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have picked up right where they left off last year, except for their improved offense. After a disappointing loss in the conference finals to the New England Patriots, stud quarterback Patrick Mahomes knows that this is his year. With a defense that is playing particularly well, the Chiefs hope to make another run. Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill have anchored the offense, with major appearances by Sammy Watkins.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams are cruising their way back to another Super Bowl start, as they look even better than last year. Their defense has been simply lockdown, with stars Aaron Donald and Aqib Talib making huge efforts. Jared Goff makes this offense look unstoppable, with the speed of Todd Gurley at running back and Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods in the wide receiver slots.

Dallas Cowboys

Wow, Dak Prescott has looked good! Prescott has made a huge mark in his career this season, reaching amazing numbers with a powerhouse offense of Amari Cooper and Ezekiel Elliott, along with new star Randall Cobb.

Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson is turning into one of the most unique quarterbacks in the NFL, showing off his strengths in both the running and passing games. In week 1, Jackson looked absolutely phenomenal in a 59-10 blowout against the Dolphins (more on that later), reaching numbers that shocked the sports media. [Ed. Note — as early fans of Lamar Jackson here at the Shield, we just want to say: we told you so.]

Green Bay Packers

2019 is Matt LaFleur’s first full year at the head of the Packers, so no one knew what this team would look like, but after a few weeks it’s clear. They have a young talented defense and a different offense with star Davante Adams.

New Orleans Saints

With Drew Brees out with a finger injury, this team just does not look the same. Teddy Bridgewater has to fill Brees’ shoes, but they still have the same stars in Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara with a hardstock defense.

Minnesota Vikings

We all expected the Vikings to use the run game to great effect this year, and they did, but their passing game looks amazing as well. With Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, Kirk Cousins is looking like a new Drew Brees.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers have five interceptions already this year, as veteran corner Richard Sherman shows us all how dangerous this defense can be. With young quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo under center, this offense has looked entirely new with the help of rising stars like George Kittle.

Houston Texans

Deshawn Watson is fighting for another playoff appearance (long as he doesn’t get hurt this year). The offense is in a totally different scheme, as Watson is both using his legs and finding Deandre Hopkins through the air. This defense, despite having most of the same faces, looks much better than last year.

Seattle Seahawks

Bobby Wagner, just like last year, is leading the defense. Russell Wilson is enjoying having a new receiver in D.K. Metcalf alongside the steady Tyler Lockett.

Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen looks like an entirely new quarterback from last year; he’s shown his power both in running and passing. Additions like Ed Oliver are giving the Bills defense a much-needed shot in the arm.

Detroit Lions

The Lions’ running game has been getting worse every week, but if Matthew Stafford continues to pass like he has and the defense continues to do great, this team will be very dangerous down the stretch.

Chicago Bears

Khalil Mack and the Bears defense has been lockdown this season, just like the year before. Their offense still has much to learn, but with new kicker Eddy Pineiro, they hope to get past the first round this year.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles defense is stepping it up this season as many of their defenders come off injuries. Likewise, a healthy Alshon Jeffery gave Carson Wentz his best chance to shine against the Packers.

Indianapolis Colts

After Andrew Luck retired, in the biggest news of the start of the season, the Colts knew that backup QB Jacoby Brissett would have to step it up—and he has. With the help of this Colts defense, Brissett has shown he can shine.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers have struggled to hang on to the ball this season; Philip Rivers has been outscored in the second half every week so far. They have to step it up and take advantage of their power offense, anchored by Melvin Gordon.

Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan has somehow found a way to struggle this season despite a star receiving corps including Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. He has thrown six interceptions so far.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have allowed seventeen sacks this year, so you know their defense is the only thing keeping them alive this season.

Cleveland Browns

Despite the addition of Odell Beckham Jr. and a huge offseason, the Browns got off to a much slower start than anyone expected this season.

Carolina Panthers

Now that Cam Newton’s out for a little while with an ankle injury, the Panthers need to step it up before they end up going 2-3 in Week 5.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Their all-team defense has been one of the best in the league, but with Foles out, they do not know how they will get points on the board.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Jason Pierre Paul out for the season, this defense, anchored by Shaquil Barrett, needs to step it up.

Oakland Raiders

The huge offseason signing of Antonio Brown should’ve given the Raiders a chance to make this season pop, but after he was released, they have struggled to get a spark on offense.

New York Giants

Daniel Jones shone in his NFL debut, but this Giants team needs to get more going on the other end, as their defense has struggled all year.

Pittsburgh Steelers

With Ben Roethlisberger out for the season, the Steelers must find a way to win games with Mason Rudolph, JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner.

Denver Broncos

This defense is the only thing keeping them alive this season. Flacco must find a way to get Sanders alive.

Arizona Cardinals

Rookie QB Kyler Murray was the highlight of the offseason, but so far he’s not shown his abilities on the field, as he struggles to find the end zone.

Washington Football Team

This defense has put together a bad combo, with little pressure and the most yardage given up in the league. Keenum’s offense can’t seem to find the end zone.

Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Mixon has not been the same as last year; he must step it up if he wants to save this Bengals season before it is too late.

New York Jets

The Jets have not looked as expected, with their defense giving up plays and Darnold not finding any room in the pocket.

Miami Dolphins

Arguably the worst team in the NFL, the Dolphins have not looked good; even if they can get to three wins, they need their young talent to step it up.