If Sunday night’s game was any indication, Peyton Manning might possibly have thrown 700 touchdown passes by the time he’s finished playing. Going by his career average of 2.01 passing touchdowns per game, Manning would have to play in every game from now thru Week 5 of the 2020 season, when he would be 44 years old. That seems far-fetched, but what accomplishments of his haven’t seemed far-fetched?
Other impressive performances last week included that of Aaron Rodgers (who, like Manning, left the game early due to gaining such a big lead), Arizona improving to 5-1, and the Ravens just completely drubbing the Falcons. The Jaguars got their first win of the season and the Raiders remain winless. It goes to show you can make something of out nothing if you have determination and play together.
How about the Bengals getting shut out? I fully realize the Colts are a strong outfit and Lucas Oil Stadium is a challenging venue for visiting teams. But even without A.J. Green, how does Cincinnati not even score three points? I mean, if they were facing the 2000 Ravens defense or the 1985 Bears defense, that’s one thing. But when you’re supposed to be taking the ‘next step,’ being shut out anywhere is, as Brandon Marshall would say, is unacceptable.
What is acceptable is the way these five teams are playing. All of them are led by outstanding, Pro Bowl-caliber quarterbacks and top-notch head coaches. The playoffs are 11 weeks away, but if I had to bet money, I’d say these five teams would be playing football this January.
1. Dallas Cowboys (6-1)
Next game: vs. Washington (2-5)
Don’t be fooled. The Giants are a good team. Eli Manning played well on Sunday, but Tony Romo played better. Despite losing Sean Lee and Mo Claiborne for the year, the Cowboys defense has stepped up collectively to hold teams like Houston and New Orleans to 17 points each. Dallas has won six consecutive games, going on seven, as they host the Redskins on Monday Night Football to cap Week 8.
2. Denver Broncos (5-1)
Next game: vs. San Diego (5-2)
What else needs to be said about Peyton Manning? He’s certainly on the Mt. Rushmore of all-time quarterbacks. No one should dispute that. The Broncos defense is playing really well and Von Miller is making a case to be named Defensive Player of the Year.
Yet again, Denver gets a big game at home when they host the Chargers this week on Thursday Night Football. Last season when the Broncos hosted the Chargers, it was also played on a Thursday night following a 20-plus point win at home.
The Chargers won that game, 27-20.
3. Green Bay Packers (5-2)
Next game: at New Orleans (2-4)
In my opinion, Aaron Rodgers is playing the best football of anyone in the NFL right now. The Packers have the best turnover margin of any team in the league (plus-10). In their last four games, they’ve gone 4-0 and have outscored their opponents, 145-68. In that time, Rodgers has thrown for 13 touchdowns and zero interceptions. He’s also left two of those games early because the Packers were dominating so much.
Considering Eddie Lacy has only gained 103 yards in his last two games, it’s appropriate to say the Packers could be on an even bigger role than they’re on right now.
4. Indianapolis Colts (5-2)
Next game: at Pittsburgh (4-3)
The Colts have racked up a 5-2 record to begin their season for the second straight time. Andew Luck leads the league in passing by more than 250 yards. Despite numerous prior injuries, Ahmad Bradshaw is 4th in the NFL in touchdown receptions (6)–21 spots higher than the next running back. Indianapolis’ defense is giving up the 4th-fewest points per game (19.4).
But as good as the Colts have played and as certain as a first-round bye looks for them, I’m not ready to say they can compete for a Super Bowl. It seems like, with the exception of Reggie Wayne and Cory Redding, their roster is either young and/or hasn’t experienced a deep playoff run. Andrew Luck is 1-2 in postseason play with a 55 percent completion rate, while throwing 6 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. This team is good, but I’m not sure how good.
5. San Diego Chargers (5-2)
Next game: at Denver (5-2)
As I’ve been saying over the last few weeks, the game this week at Denver is the biggest of the year for San Diego. Winning it would mean 1st place in the division, a crucial head-to-head win, and loads of confidence to take into the second half of the season.
They were edged out by Kansas City last week, which isn’t that bad of a loss considering Andy Reid is 13-2 in games immediately following the bye week. The Chargers have been tested enough this season that they should be able win on Thursday night. However, I don’t like their offense having to rely so much on 34-year old tight end Antonio Gates and rookie running back Branden Oliver.
Game of the week: Baltimore (5-2) at Cincinnati (3-2-1)
Sunday, October 26 at 1:00 P.M. ET on CBS
Current Vegas line: Cincinnati -1
Over/under: 46
Game-time forecast: Sunny, 67 degrees, 0% chance of rain, wind SW at 6 mph
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