The Top Five Teams in the NFL through Week 3
5 (tie). Indianapolis Colts (3-0): Any time Peyton Manning is under center, the Colts have a chance to win, and the defense has allowed just 45 points in three games. Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark are having big seasons so far at wide receiver.
5 (tie). Minnesota Vikings (3-0): They wanted Brett Favre from the moment he said goodbye to Green Bay, and the end to the Vikings’ win Sunday over the 49ers was the reason why. You don’t win that game with Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels at quarterback.
4. New York Jets (3-0): The Jets have the league’s best defense right now, a rookie quarterback who has the confidence and poise of a veteran, and a head coach who has his players believing they can win. This is as good as fans in New York have felt about the Jets in a long time. Sunday’s game at New Orleans will be a huge test.
3. New York Giants (3-0): The Giants have been hit hard by injuries, but they turned in an impressive performance Sunday in shutting out Tampa Bay. Any team in the league would take Brandon Jacobs at running back, and Steve Smith and Mario Manningham have given Eli Manning reliable targets to throw to.
2. Baltimore Ravens (3-0): We know about the Ravens’ defense - still one of the league’s best - but the offense has been spectacular, averaging 34 points per game. My suprise pick to reach the Super Bowl out of the AFC, Baltimore is for real. Big matchup this week at New England.
1. New Orleans Saints (3-0): This team can light it up, and Drew Brees is on pace to have an MVP season. There are questions on defense, but the Saints are averaging 40 points per game, and they play four of their next five at home.
Notes: Indianapolis has beaten Jacksonville (1-2), Miami (0-3), and Arizona (1-2), while the Vikings have beaten Cleveland (0-3), Detroit (1-2), and San Francisco (2-1). Note the combined records of the teams the Colts and Vikings have beaten…. The only 3-0 team not to make the Top 5 was the Denver Broncos.
