4 games in, time to choose: who are the surprise teams going to be this year?

[msgkings322]

Every year a couple teams that are supposed to be good are bad instead, and every year a couple are the opposite, teams that make the playoffs that are surprising etc. Often injuries are part of this.

4 games is enough to speculate (this isn't curing cancer here just sports chatter), we see how the teams look.

Better than expected: Vikings, Commanders (maybe Steelers?)

Worse than expected: Dolphins, Bengals (maybe Browns and/or Jaguars?)

What are your picks?

 

[Xeliou66]

Vikings are already a big surprise team - I expected them to be very lousy, it’s really shocking that they are unbeaten and that Sam Darnold has played so well. They are definitely the biggest shock so far.

The biggest disappointment has to be the Browns, they suck, and I thought they had a good chance to win the AFC North coming into the year. Deshaun looks washed up.

I think the Bengals may still have a decent year.

 

[PDay8810]

Vikings and Redskins

Lets play a few more

 

[PDay8810]

I think the Bengals may still have a decent year.

better start this week.
Baltimore remains the benchmark for that division.

 

[msgkings322]

Vikings are already a big surprise team - I expected them to be very lousy, it’s really shocking that they are unbeaten and that Sam Darnold has played so well. They are definitely the biggest shock so far.

The biggest disappointment has to be the Browns, they suck, and I thought they had a good chance to win the AFC North coming into the year. Deshaun looks washed up.

I think the Bengals may still have a decent year.

Yeah I should probably switch Browns and Bengals in my OP

 

[Money]

better start this week.
Baltimore remains the benchmark for that division.

Even without a QB?

 

[PDay8810]

Even without a QB?

don't know.
I didn't say that.

your point?

 

[Clayton]

I think the Chargers are still kinda sneaky good if they get healthy. Their offense was dreadful against the Chiefs but new head coach, missing major pieces on both sides of the ball. Just as much potential as the Bengals imo.

I also would not be shocked if Joe Flacco wins his division.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Vikings have to be the top surprise team, followed closely by the Commanders.

On the flip side, I'd have to go with the 0-4 Jags, with "honorable" mentions to the Bengals and Dolphins.

 

[Money]

don't know.
I didn't say that.

your point?

"Clearly wants to be the best RB on the team"

 

[PDay8810]

"Clearly wants to be the best RB on the team"

lol
what a baby ass you have become. The point was true for that situation and his option read decisions.

you come off less butt hurt if you just stick to pointing out I'm just a cowboy fan.

adios

 

[Money]

lol
what a baby ass you have become. The point was true for that situation and his option read decisions.

you come off less butt hurt if you just stick to pointing out I'm just a cowboy fan.

adios

Butt hurt? What about?

Your opinion of Lamar is clearly based on more than one specific situation. Nice try.

 

[PnkPanther]

I saw some prediction of Minnesota being last and I thought that was ridiculous, but 4-0 with their schedule has to be them

Gb 0-2 with love.... But I think they're legit.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

AFC is kinda what was expected to some extent as far as the upside, I think. Pittsburgh is maybe a bit of a surprise but we knew their defense was good and the early match-ups were favorable.
NFC is obviously Minnesota and Washington so far looking as good as they have. Hope they can keep it going somewhat as they are both fun watches. Looking forward to week 6 when the Lions and Vikes hook up for division bragging rights.

 

[Clayton]

I saw some prediction of Minnesota being last and I thought that was ridiculous, but 4-0 with their schedule has to be them

It could still happen. You're in the toughest division in football after 4 weeks. I suspect the Bears will finish 4th but that division is going to be a knifefight in a phone booth.

 

[PnkPanther]

It could still happen. You're in the toughest division in football after 4 weeks. I suspect the Bears will finish 4th but that division is going to be a knifefight in a phone booth.

I didn't buy bears hype.

 

[Clayton]

I didn't buy bears hype.

It seems with highly hyped young QBs you have about a 1/3 shot of just jumping in and being competitive right away. Washington seems to be that team, though

 

[Chief Cola]

I love the Vikings being 4-0 and I love that Sam Darnold leads the league with 11 TDs.

After all the hyperbolic shit he took from commentators like he ran over someone's dog and he just kept dotting his i's and crossing his t's. I hope he wins a super bowl for that cursed franchise.

 

[MileHigh64]

Warning: Homer Comments....

While Bo Nix continues his rookie year development, the Broncos defense appears to be legit. Losing by one score to the undefeated (at the time) Steelers and Seahawks, they went on to shutdown the Bucs and Jets, on the road. Obviously early but some clear signs of growth. Broncos aren't going to win a Super Bowl this year but Sean Payton seems to have a young team that's growing.

 

[Podunkparte]

Washington, Minnesota, and Seattle are better than anyone expected. I certainly didn't expect Seattle's offense and defense to so quickly improve under MacDonald and Grubb, but there's a marked improvement with minimal actual player changes.

Disappointments: Eagles, Cowboys (but only from their fans. The rest of us always expect them to suck), Miami, but only because of just how inept they are without Tua.