Surprising Starts

The Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions are 3-0.  Not only that more than ever (partially due to a shortened off season) teams that have been known to struggle are are quickly improving through the draft and free agency.  The Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders are 2-1, while teams like the Indianapolis Colts (0-3) have struggled this season.

The Bills have had consecutive comebacks of 18 points or more against the Raiders and Patriots.   The Bills are fourth overall in rushing.  Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown for 9 TDs and 3 ints orchestrating two 2nd half comebacks.  Running back Fred Jackson is averaging 6.4 yards per carry with 3 TDs on the season.

The Raiders may have lost to the Bills, but the Raiders had a 21-3 lead at halftime.   Running back Darren McFadden leads the league with 393 rushing yards and is also averaging 6.4 yards per rush with 3 TDs.  In the Raider’s 34-24 victory over the Jets in Week 3, McFadden run for 171 yards and 2 TDs.  The Raiders defensive line anchored by Richard Seymour and Kamerion Wimbley is among the best in the league.

When it comes to the best defensive lines in the league, you can’t leave out those Lions.  How about their 20 point comeback to the Vikings?  Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Ndamukong Suh are three 1st round draft picks that have played well.  The Lions are 4th overall in the league in passing.  Stafford has thrown for 977 yards with 9 TDs.  In a 41-3 victory victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 he threw for 4 TDs.  Getting rookie tackle Nick Fairley back from injury this weekend, will only make this team better (scary).

Washington and Cleveland are both 2-1.  But, I wouldn’t jump on either of these two teams bandwagons.  I don’t think the Browns own a bandwagon.  But, Cleveland has beaten two 0-3 teams in Indianapolis and Miami by a total of 9 points.  The Browns defense led by the great play of cornerback Joe Haden is 3rd overall against the pass.  The Redskins are coming off a tough Monday night loss to the Cowboys.  With that being said, they actually looked good in wins against the Giants and Cardinals.  The Redskins beat the Giants 28-14 in Week 1 and the Eagles were beaten convincingly by the Giants last weekend, so by that logic the Redskins have a shot to win the NFC East.

Only time will tell if this trend will continue.  Last weekend there were 12 games decided by a touchdown or less.  That was the most since 2003.  I’m not sure if it is a result of preparation as a reason to why these traditional underdogs are becoming re-emerging powers, but I love watching games where truly anyone can win.  But, then again, it’s still early.