Strong Side Sports

Now that we’re a quarter of the way through the season (sorta kinda), it feels like things are stabilizing a little bit. Now, don’t get me wrong — there’s still some surges and drops, and there’s still a ton of football to be played. Anything can (and probably will) happen. It feels like there’s a few teams still creeping around the Top 10 that are there off name-value rather than actual merit, but I’ll let that sort itself out as we continue throughout the year. Let’s get to the point:

Top 10

1. Chiefs – I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again. They stay until they lose. It’ll be interesting to see what the offense will look like without the presence of Rashee Rice. They’ve got a Saints team on Monday night that is on a two-game slide.
2. Vikings – The Vikings have certainly earned the right to stay at the 2 spot. They’ve got the inaugural London game this year against the Jets, and we all know those games can get wacky.
3. Ravens – The biggest mover this week and a team that feels like they’re back on track after an 0-2 start. They’ve got division rival Cincinnati this week, who are looking to get rolling themselves after notching their first win against Carolina last week.
4. Lions – After their stellar performance on Monday night, the Lions have a well deserved bye week as they prepare for Dallas in Week 6.
5. Niners – The Patriots were a great get-right opponent for this team. I’ve got a feeling that they’ll continue their momentum with a strong showing against an uninspired Cardinals squad on Sunday.
6. Texans – After crushing the Jaguars’ hopes of getting a win with a game-winning drive last week, the Texans have a great challenge in front of them this week against the Buffalo Bills in what may be the Game of the Day.
7. Bills – The Bills got absolutely swamped by the Ravens, and things won’t get any easier against CJ Stroud and the Texans this week. Like I said, Game of the Day.
8. Jets – I alluded to the London meeting with the Vikings earlier, and this will be a big one for Old Man Rodgers and the Jets. There are worse things to be than 2-3 (see, Dolphins, Jags) but with a decently tough schedule, the Jets would like to leave London 3-2.
9. Eagles – This is one of those teams where I don’t really know that they’re worthy of this ranking, especially right now with all of their injuries. But hey, they’ve got a bye week to get healthy for their Week 6 matchup against the Browns, which is the kind of team they need to play to get back on track.
10. Buccaneers – Baker and friends were able to get the offense moving again last week, and they’ll need to do so again on Thursday night in a huge NFC South bout with the Falcons.

Other Winners

13. Falcons – Up 5 spots from last week, the Falcons have been playing pretty good ball. As mentioned above, a very consequential game against Tampa tomorrow night.

16. Commanders – Another team that jumped up 5 spots. That offense is looking crisp. The Browns defense should provide a better challenge than Arizona or Cincinnati have the last few weeks.

19. Colts – Up 3 spots, the Colts are a much better football team with Joe Flacco at the helm. I don’t know if Anthony Richardson will be back for their contest against the Jags or not, but even if he’s fairly healthy, I think you might have to stick with Joe as he’s far more consistent.

Losers

18. Saints – The Saints really a need win to get some momentum going back their way. The issue with that is that they play the Chiefs this week. Outlook: not good.

31. Dolphins – They only slid 2 spots, but wow, this team is awful without Tua at quarterback. Don’t know what else to say here, they play the Patriots this week, who are not good, but should take care of the Dolphins with little issue.

32. Jaguars – This team is down bad. So bad. I don’t think they’re actually the worst team, but at some point you have to win a game. They play the Colts this week, and a divisional matchup could be the exact sort of game that can help them get that first dub.

Tomorrow. Week 5 Picks. You’ll wanna be there.