Updated Super Bowl Odds at Season's Quarter Mark
With four weeks in the books, we've officially hit the quarter mark of the 2014 NFL season. Time flies when you're having fun!
As always, the goal of all 32 NFL franchises is to ascend the proverbial mountaintop and hoist the Lombardi Trophy on the first Sunday in February. And as to be expected, some teams are (much) closer than others in attaining that particular goal.
The vast majority of the league has played a full four games (six had a Week 4 bye), so now is an ideal time to survey each team's Super Bowl odds.
Remember that these are the odds listed by Las Vegas and take an entire season into account. That's why, for example, the 2-2 Green Bay Packers have better Super Bowl odds than the 3-0 Arizona Cardinals—because Vegas believes the Packers are a better long-term bet to win it all.
Here are the updated Super Bowl odds for every NFL team at the season's quarter mark.
All odds courtesy of OddsShark.com.
Oakland Raiders
1 of 32
Odds: 2,000-1
Late Monday night, the news came down, via Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, that the 0-4 Oakland Raiders fired head coach Dennis Allen.
Quite frankly, the news was long overdue. And the next move should be the dismissal of overmatched general manager Reggie McKenzie.
Allen presided over one of the most inept eras in recent memory, accruing a record of 8-28 over two-plus seasons on the job. It's true that he never had a ton of talent to work with, but better coaches have coaxed more out of similar players. The Raiders were clearly tuning Allen out, the latest example being this past Sunday's blowout loss at the hands of the Dolphins, who had spent the previous two weeks looking absolutely inept.
The franchise announced Tony Sparano will be the interim head coach, but it didn't matter who ended up with the post, because this team is dead in the water. Vince Lombardi could come back to life, and even he wouldn't be able to lead the Raiders to a postseason berth.
The roster lacks talent, which is an indictment on McKenzie. Owner Mark Davis needs to completely clean house and start over this offseason, which is a prospect that surely angers long-suffering Raiders fans, but it's the only move that makes sense.
The team now has a bye week to lick its wounds and pull itself off the mat. Another 12 long games await.
Next Game: San Diego (Week 6)
Jacksonville Jaguars
2 of 32
Odds: 2,000-1
The Blake Bortles era in Jacksonville began the same way that Chad Henne's ended: with a loss.
But despite the 33-14 defeat at the hands of the Chargers—which dropped the Jaguars to 0-4 for the second consecutive season—there were positives to take away from the game, most notably the progress made by Bortles, the team's rookie passer.
Bortles went 29-of-37 for 253 yards, one touchdown pass and two interceptions, providing hope for the future. The Jaguars do possess a talented young receiving corps with players like Cecil Shorts III and rookies Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns, so there is reason for optimism as it concerns the offense.
But the defense—the brainchild of head coach Gus Bradley—has been nothing short of an unmitigated disaster. The unit currently ranks last in overall defense and last against the pass. The Jaguars have allowed 152 points, the most in the NFL.
There's no chance the Jaguars make the playoffs (forget about winning the Super Bowl), so this season is all about Bortles' development and getting him ready to lead the club back to the postseason in 2015.
Next Game: Pittsburgh
Tennessee Titans
3 of 32
Odds: 500-1
Coming into the season, the Tennessee Titans were the most nondescript team in the NFL, void of any foreseeable identity.
And with four games now in the books, it's safe to say that the characterization still fits coach Ken Whisenhunt's squad.
Are the Titans the type of team that will beat you on offense? Probably not, as the unit is ranked 26th overall. And it's not like the defense has been their calling card, either, ranking 15th.
Not surprisingly, oft-injured starting quarterback Jake Locker missed this past Sunday's game with a wrist malady, meaning backup passer Charlie Whitehurst got the start. Also not surprisingly, the Colts won with relative ease.
The Titans desperately need more talent on both sides of the ball, but more than anything they need a legitimate franchise quarterback for Whisenhunt to groom. It's tough to say with even a modicum of confidence that Locker can be the guy, and it's obviously not Whitehurst. Sixth-round rookie passer Zach Mettenberger looms as a possibility, but the team clearly isn't ready to turn the reins over to him with the record currently sitting at 1-3.
If Tennessee harbors any hope of hanging around in the playoff race, a home victory this Sunday over the Cleveland Browns is an absolute must. But let's be honest: The Super Bowl is nothing more than a pipe dream for the denizens of the Music City.
Next Game: Cleveland
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4 of 32
Odds: 300-1
With their season on life support, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers performed an epic resuscitation job this past Sunday, knocking off the Steelers in Pittsburgh to earn their first victory of the year. Their record now stands at 1-3.
The victory in Pittsburgh was stunning, particularly considering the circumstances. Tampa Bay was coming off a hideous 56-14 defeat in Week 3 at the hands of the Falcons and were starting a new quarterback in Mike Glennon. But Glennon led the team down the field to score the game-winning touchdown in the final moments, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
Don't look now, but through 15 games (14 starts), Glennon has thrown for 22 touchdown passes against only 10 interceptions. He deserves to be "The Guy" for the remainder of the season, regardless of when Josh McCown returns from his thumb injury.
Coach Lovie Smith deserves a lot of credit for having his team ready to play after being humiliated in Week 3.
Next up for the Bucs is a road date in New Orleans against the Saints. A loss would drop them to 1-4 and severely hurt their playoff chances, but a win would have the team thinking that a trip to the postseason would be very much within the realm of possibility.
Next Game: at New Orleans
St. Louis Rams
5 of 32
Odds: 300-1
A series of extremely unfortunate events has contributed to the St. Louis Rams' 1-2 start.
First was the season-ending ACL tear suffered by quarterback Sam Bradford in the preseason, which thrust backup Shaun Hill into the starting role. And then Hill became hobbled by injury, meaning third-stringer Austin Davis, an undrafted free agent, assumed the reins.
And while Davis led the team to a stirring road victory over the Buccaneers in Week 2, he presided over a choke job in Week 3, as the Rams yakked away a 21-point lead in losing at home to the Cowboys.
Coach Jeff Fisher's team has had a week to think about that loss and prepare for a big road game at the Eagles. A loss would drop his club to 1-3 and put it squarely behind the eight ball in the ultra-competitive NFC West.
The Rams are in danger of watching their season waste away. A win on Sunday in Philadelphia is imperative for their playoff hopes.
Next Game: at Philadelphia
Washington Redskins
6 of 32
Odds: 200-1
Did someone get the license plate of the Mack truck that ran over the Washington Redskins last Thursday night?
The Redskins were decimated by the Giants to the tune of a 45-14 final score, and that defeat left the team with many more questions than answers.
After a stellar first start in place of the injured Robert Griffin III, quarterback Kirk Cousins was brutal against the Giants, tossing four hideous interceptions and generally looking like he had zero clue how to competently play the position.
The defense, which had been propped up by a dominant effort against the horrendous Jaguars in Week 2, was sliced and diced by Giants quarterback Eli Manning. The unit made Giants tight end Larry Donnell (three touchdown receptions) look like an amalgamation of Jimmy Graham and Kellen Winslow Sr.
Now at 1-3, coach Jay Gruden's team is in danger of watching its season slip away.
And don't look now, but the defending world champion Seahawks are coming to town for a Monday night affair in our nation's capital.
A loss could put an end to Washington's playoff hopes before every annoying co-worker in your office starts trumpeting the greatness of pumpkin-flavored everything.
Next Game: Seattle (Monday Night Football)
New York Jets
7 of 32
Odds: 200-1
The New York Jets' Week 1 victory over the Oakland Raiders seems like a lifetime ago.
Three straight defeats have followed, the latest being a 24-17 home loss to the Lions, and coach Rex Ryan's team now sits at 1-3 and is in significant danger of missing the postseason for the fourth consecutive year.
To those who point to second-year quarterback Geno Smith as the root of the team's problems: Slow your roll. While Smith hasn't played well, it's not like he's surrounded by a bunch of Pro Bowlers at the skill positions. Aside from a hobbled Eric Decker, there isn't much in the passing game to be excited about, and the cornerback position is the albatross slung around the team's collective neck.
And forget about Michael Vick replacing Smith. If Vick is the answer, I'd love to know the question. Actually, I do know the question: Which quarterback would be worse than Smith?
And Rex is sticking by Geno for now, saying, via Jets team reporter Eric Allen, "Jets are going to get it done and Geno is going to be a main reason that they will."
Assuming the Jets don't make the playoffs (which appears likely), Ryan will undoubtedly go down with the ship and lose his job, and he obviously knows that. His only logical play is to ride with Smith and hope he turns it around. Smith still has hope. Vick provides none.
A glance at the upcoming schedule will turn the stomach of even the most optimistic Jets fan: at San Diego, Denver, at New England. They very well could be staring at a 1-6 mark.
A win in San Diego this Sunday is a must if the Jets are to harbor any dreams of making the postseason.
Next Game: at San Diego
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
Odds: 200-1
Despite a 1-2 record, fans of the Cleveland Browns should be optimistic.
The Browns have been competitive in every contest this year and could very easily be 3-0. The close losses to Pittsburgh and Baltimore should serve the team well moving forward in coach Mike Pettine's first year.
Quarterback Brian Hoyer, who held off rookie Johnny Manziel in the preseason, has been steady if not spectacular, tossing three touchdown passes against zero interceptions. Although he doesn't have a ton of weapons to work with, Hoyer is making it happen, which is a major credit to him. Right now, it's his team, and it's not particularly close, either. Manziel will have to wait for his opportunity.
Coming out of the bye week, Pettine surely hopes his defense will be better, as the unit has allowed nearly 26 points per game. The talent is there, and Pettine is a known defensive guru, so realistic improvement can be expected.
The Browns aren't going to make the playoffs and are obviously not a Super Bowl contender. But that shouldn't change the positive vibes around the team. Fans should feel good about the direction Pettine is leading it in.
Next Game: at Tennessee
Buffalo Bills
9 of 32
Odds: 100-1
After a brutal loss to the Texans dropped their record to 2-2, Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone made a major change, benching quarterback EJ Manuel in favor of backup Kyle Orton.
Manuel was completing only 58 percent of his passes and was atrocious against Houston, tossing a pair of brutal interceptions. The fact of the matter is that Manuel wasn't giving the Bills their best chance to win, not with Orton on the bench.
The writing was on the wall for Manuel the moment the Bills inked Orton to a two-year deal paying in excess of $5 million annually. It was only a matter of time before Marrone turned the reins over to Orton. With new ownership coming to Buffalo in the form of billionaire Terry Pegula, Marrone and general manager Doug Whaley are in full-on job-saving mode.
That means playing the better quarterback, and that's Orton.
While Bills fans can rightly be upset that the growth of their supposed "franchise" quarterback will be stunted by the benching, the team wasn't going anywhere in 2014 with Manuel at the helm. Orton is a competent option who will give the Bills a chance to win.
Buffalo possesses a talented roster capable of making a playoff run. Now, it'll be up to Orton to get it there.
If he doesn't, there will be a new head coach and general manager in lovely Western New York next season.
Next Game: at Detroit
Minnesota Vikings
10 of 32
Odds: 75-1
Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater couldn't have asked for a better NFL debut.
Bridgewater was superb this past Sunday in leading the Vikings to a 41-28 win over Atlanta. He completed 19 of 30 passes for 317 yards and rushed for a touchdown. He was cool, calm and composed, and he appeared in total command of the offense. Minnesota's record now sits at 2-2.
It's currently unclear when and if star running back Adrian Peterson will return to the team, but Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon are holding down the fort in his absence. The Vikings defense has also been solid under new coach Mike Zimmer.
The Vikings are probably still the worst team in their own division (to be fair, the NFC North is loaded), but the future is bright in Minnesota. They probably won't make the postseason, but Bridgewater's emergence is a major reason for optimism in the Twin Cities.
Next Game: at Green Bay (Thursday Night Football)
Miami Dolphins
11 of 32
Odds: 66-1
Apparently, the Miami Dolphins' formula for success is for head coach Joe Philbin to not publicly back his quarterback, because that's all it took for Ryan Tannehill to bust out of his slump in a major way.
After two consecutive losses apparently loosened Tannehill's grip on the starting job, he was outstanding this past Sunday in London against the Raiders, completing 23 of 31 passes for 278 yards, two touchdown tosses and one interception in a 38-14 victory. The triumph evened Miami's record at 2-2.
While some would (correctly) point out that the level of competition wasn't exactly up to snuff (the Raiders are horrifically bad), that's not the point. You can only beat who's on your schedule, and Tannehill and the Dolphins did just that.
And credit Philbin, who has apparently added "Master Motivator" to his resume. Who would have thunk it?
With the Patriots (2-2) struggling and looking like a middling outfit, the Dolphins have a major opportunity to potentially seize control of the AFC East. They now have two weeks to prepare for a home date against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, and a victory in that game would have the residents of South Beach thinking playoffs.
Next Game: Green Bay (Week 6)
Houston Texans
12 of 32
Odds: 66-1
Thanks to the best player in the league, the Houston Texans managed a big home victory over the Bills to move to 3-1.
That player is defensive end J.J. Watt, and that's right, you read it correctly—Watt is the NFL's finest player, regardless of position.
And it isn't particularly close.
Watt is ranked as Pro Football Focus' (subscription required) No. 1 3-4 defensive end and is the early front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year. He's already accumulated two sacks, caught a touchdown pass and returned an interception for a touchdown, in addition to wreaking havoc on nearly every play he's in the game for. He's an absolute terror and is only getting better, which is a scary prospect for the rest of the league.
Right now, Texans fans should be feeling good about the 3-1 start, especially on the heels of last year's 2-14 debacle.
But a deeper inspection of the Texans reveals a team not yet ready for prime time. Any squad quarterbacked by Ryan Fitzpatrick cannot be taken seriously as a Super Bowl contender.
If the Texans can beat the Cowboys on Sunday to improve to 4-1, the playoff chatter can start. But it's too early to start thinking about the postseason in H-Town.
Next Game: at Dallas
Carolina Panthers
13 of 32
Odds: 66-1
After two consecutive wins to open the season, the Carolina Panthers have crashed back down to Earth, losing two straight to drop to 2-2.
Coach Ron Rivera's team has been undoubtedly hurt by the loss of star defensive end Greg Hardy (placed on the exempt/commissioner's permission list), and quarterback Cam Newton doesn't look like the same player following ankle and rib maladies this offseason.
The normally stout Panthers defense was shredded by Joe Flacco and the Ravens this past Sunday and was eviscerated by the Steelers in Week 3. The unit must play better to give the Panthers any shot of returning to the postseason.
Compounding Carolina's woes are the myriad injuries at the running back position, with DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert all due to miss time. Undrafted free agent Darrin Reaves is the next man up in the backfield.
Thankfully for them, the Panthers play in the suddenly mediocre NFC South, and they sit tied atop the division with a 2-2 record. So they're very much in the race. A home victory over the Bears on Sunday would be a massive one for Carolina's playoff push.
Next Game: Chicago
Pittsburgh Steelers
14 of 32
Odds: 50-1
The Pittsburgh Steelers have to be wondering just what the hell happened this past Sunday.
A week after annihilating the Carolina Panthers on Sunday Night Football—and looking like world beaters in doing so—the Steelers somehow managed to lose at home to the formerly winless Buccaneers, and in heartbreaking fashion.
The loss was firmly snatched from the jaws of victory and should make fans wonder if the Steelers are indeed ready to snap their two-year postseason drought. It was an unacceptable loss that could end up ultimately keeping the team out of the playoffs.
There are positives, notably the play of star receiver Antonio Brown, but the vibes in Pittsburgh right now are negative.
Luckily for the Steelers, their next game comes this Sunday in Jacksonville. If they can't beat the Jaguars, forget about the postseason, and coach Mike Tomlin can start updating his resume.
Next Game: at Jacksonville
Kansas City Chiefs
15 of 32
Odds: 50-1
Break up the Kansas City Chiefs!
Following a 0-2 start, the Chiefs have been dominant in back-to-back weeks, thumping the Dolphins in Week 3 before pasting the Patriots on Monday night, 41-14.
The win over New England was a rousing one and provided hope that the Chiefs could return to the postseason for the second consecutive year. Running back Jamaal Charles put forth his best game of the season, scoring three touchdowns (two through the air), and tight end Travis Kelce dazzled.
With a confident Alex Smith at quarterback and a defense that has already produced 12 sacks, the Chiefs are suddenly a very dangerous football team.
Smith will get his chance at revenge against his old club, the 49ers, when the Chiefs visit Levi's Stadium this Sunday. A win would greatly improve their Super Bowl odds at this time next week.
Next Game: at San Francisco
Atlanta Falcons
16 of 32
Odds: 50-1
Is there a greater example of parity in the National Football League than the Atlanta Falcons?
In Week 1, they surprised the Saints at home to improve to 1-0, only to get waxed in Cincinnati in Week 2. In Week 3, they crushed the Buccaneers to move to 2-1, only to get whipped by an inferior Vikings team in Week 4.
Through four weeks, the Falcons are who we thought they were: an explosive offense tethered to a toothless defense, thoroughly incapable of mounting an effective pass rush (three sacks on the season).
Quarterback Matt Ryan is tremendous and Julio Jones could be the best receiver in the league, but that doesn't matter if the defense can't hold up its end of the bargain. And allowing 41 points to a Vikings team led by a rookie quarterback (Teddy Bridgewater) making his first NFL start is simply inexcusable.
If the Falcons are to return to the postseason, the defense must improve. Their next task will be stopping the suddenly high-powered New York Giants offense. Sunday's clash between the 2-2 Falcons and 2-2 Giants at MetLife Stadium looms as an important one in the NFC playoff race.
Next Game: at N.Y. Giants
New York Giants
17 of 32
Odds: 40-1
To paraphrase the great philosopher, LL Cool J: Don't call it a comeback, the New York Giants have been here for years.
After starting 0-2 and looking incompetent in the process, coach Tom Coughlin's team has pulled itself off the mat and whipped two straight opponents—the Texans and Redskins—to even its record at 2-2.
It's been a startling turnaround, especially for the offense and quarterback Eli Manning. Early in the season, Manning looked lost, but he now appears to be completely in control of new coordinator Ben McAdoo's West Coast scheme and has the look and feel of the player who led the Giants to two Super Bowl titles over the past seven years.
The defense has also stepped up its game, as a thought-to-be toothless pass rush has accrued nine sacks through four games and is trending upward.
This isn't the 2013 Giants that started 0-6 and never truly threatened to qualify for the postseason. This iteration of Big Blue appears ready to once again contend for the Lombardi Trophy, which is a sentence one wouldn't expect to see until 2015 at the earliest.
If the Giants can pull out a home victory against the Falcons this Sunday, it would set up a juicy Sunday night affair in Week 6 at the Eagles. Count the Giants out of the NFC East race at your own risk.
Next Game: Atlanta
Chicago Bears
18 of 32
Odds: 40-1
Yes, the Chicago Bears suffered a disappointing Week 4 loss at the hands of division rival Green Bay.
But Bears fans need to take a cue from Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and R-E-L-A-X.
Why? Because the Bears are still a playoff-caliber team. They got run over by the best quarterback in the world; it happens.
What's important is how the Bears respond this Sunday when they travel to Carolina to take on a desperate Panthers team. A loss would drop Chicago to 2-3 and cast serious doubt on its ability to contend for the Lombardi Trophy.
Coach Marc Trestman will need a sterling effort from his quarterback, Jay Cutler, and a better performance from his defense to earn the victory. The game against Carolina looms as a major early-season NFC clash that could eventually determine which club makes the postseason.
Next Game: at Carolina
Dallas Cowboys
19 of 32
Odds: 33-1
The 3-1 Dallas Cowboys are the most pleasant surprise of the 2014 season, and it isn't particularly close.
Widely expected to be among the league's bottom feeders, the Cowboys are riding a three-game winning streak and have been extremely impressive in doing so. The defense, projected by many to be one of the worst in the league (if not in the history of the NFL), has played well, and the offense has been keyed by a dominant rushing attack.
The Cowboys, led by star running back DeMarco Murray, top the league with 660 rushing yards and are averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. Murray has been among the best players in the NFL, already accumulating 534 rushing yards and five touchdown runs. Quarterback Tony Romo seems to have shaken off the effects of offseason back surgery and is making quality decisions with the football. Receiver Dez Bryant is an absolute beast.
And credit must be given where credit is due: Through four weeks, Jason Garrett is a legitimate candidate for Coach of the Year. He's done a masterful job of sticking with the run game and minimizing the lapses on defense. The switch has finally appeared to flip for Garrett, who has yet to make a grotesque error in game management.
The haters need to step down (at least for now). The Cowboys didn't get to 3-1 by accident; they earned it.
A home victory on Sunday over in-state rival Houston would only further the notion that the Cowboys are ready to get back to the postseason for the first time since 2009.
Next Game: Houston
Baltimore Ravens
20 of 32
Odds: 28-1
After a season-opening defeat at the hands of division rival Cincinnati and the Ray Rice scandal that rocked the NFL world, it appeared that the 2014 Baltimore Ravens were in a spot of trouble.
But coach John Harbaugh's team bounced back in a major way, showing extreme resilience in rattling off three straight victories, the last of which being a home triumph over the Panthers this past Sunday.
Quarterback Joe Flacco is quietly authoring a solid campaign with seven touchdown passes against only two interceptions, and the defense has been terrific. But the biggest revelation has been 35-year-old receiver Steve Smith Sr. Signed this offseason after being cut by the Panthers, Smith has already caught 25 passes for 429 yards and three touchdown receptions.
The Ravens are only two years removed from their last Super Bowl triumph, and they undoubtedly possess a championship pedigree. While it appears that the Bengals are the best team in the AFC North, the Ravens aren't an outfit to be trifled with.
No one in the AFC will want to see the Ravens on the schedule as the temperature drops and the holiday season approaches.
Next Game: at Indianapolis
New Orleans Saints
21 of 32
Odds: 25-1
Remember the Sean Payton-coached, Drew Brees-quarterbacked New Orleans Saints?
Boy, they were sure fun to watch. They were a swashbuckling, high-octane, foot-to-the-throat team that simultaneously won games and were aesthetically pleasing in the process.
What in the world happened to that team?
The Saints—thought by many (including the esteemed author of this piece) to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender—are now 1-3 after being demolished on Sunday Night Football in Dallas.
The defense, which was much improved in 2013 under the stewardship of coordinator Rob Ryan, has taken a major step back in 2014. The unit was sliced and diced in Week 1 (against the Falcons) and this past Sunday night in Dallas. It also allowed Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer to lead a game-winning drive in Week 2, which would be grounds for firing in some countries.
And the offensive symphony that we're all so used to seeing, conducted by maestros Payton and Brees? It has yet to truly show itself.
Even though the season has been a massive disappointment thus far, the Saints are only one game out of first place in the suddenly mediocre NFC South, and there's a lot of time for Payton and Co. to right the ship.
A home victory on Sunday against the Buccaneers would go a long way toward curing their ails.
Next Game: Tampa Bay
Arizona Cardinals
22 of 32
Odds: 25-1
Through three games, the 2014 Arizona Cardinals are flying high.
Buoyed by the outstanding coaching of Bruce Arians, the Cardinals have raced out to a 3-0 record and have the look and feel of one of the best teams in the league. Arizona has already downed two playoff clubs from 2013: the Chargers and 49ers.
Most impressive about the team's start has been the fact that two wins have come without starting quarterback Carson Palmer, who continues to recover from nerve issues in his throwing shoulder. Backup signal-caller Drew Stanton has handled the situation with aplomb, leading the Cardinals to a pair victories and playing excellent football in the process.
Arians is now 13-6 as the head coach in Arizona and exudes confidence and a will to win. He's been nothing short of a revelation out in the desert.
The Cardinals can make a major statement that they're a Super Bowl contender with a victory on Sunday in Denver against Peyton Manning and the Broncos.
And it's worth noting that Super Bowl XLIX will be played at University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the Cardinals.
Don't discount the possibility of the Cardinals staying home for the big game.
Next Game: at Denver
Philadelphia Eagles
23 of 32
Odds: 20-1
Despite their record standing at 3-1, the Philadelphia Eagles haven't been particularly impressive in the 2014 season.
They became the first team in NFL history to start 3-0 despite facing a double-digit deficit in all three games and were lucky to lose by only five points this past Sunday in San Francisco. Coach Chip Kelly's vaunted offense didn't run a play in 49ers territory until five minutes remained in the fourth quarter.
What should concern Eagles fans the most is the suddenly moribund rushing attack, which was so superb in 2013. The Eagles are rushing for only 3.6 yards per carry, and star back LeSean McCoy has only 192 rushing yards in four games. Key injuries on the offensive line have surely contributed to the malaise, but they need better production.
But the Eagles are still 3-1 and tied atop the NFC East with Dallas. Right tackle Lane Johnson returns this week from his four-game suspension, and they will get back center Jason Kelce and guard Evan Mathis this season as well. And the safe money is on McCoy eventually putting it together and authoring a series of impressive performances.
A home victory on Sunday over the Rams would go a long way toward creating positive vibes in the City of Brotherly Love.
Next Game: St. Louis
Indianapolis Colts
24 of 32
Odds: 20-1
Following their 0-2 start, the Indianapolis Colts have roared back to .500 thanks to consecutive dominant performances from their star quarterback, Andrew Luck.
Luck was magnificent in this past Sunday's home win over the Titans, completing 29 of 41 passes for 393 yards, four touchdown tosses and one interception. Through four games, Luck has accumulated 13 passing touchdowns and is on pace for more than 5,000 yards through the air (1,305 thus far).
Aside from Luck's overall majesty, the defense has played better over the last two games, albeit against lesser competition (the Chad Henne-led Jaguars and Charlie Whitehurst-led Titans). With Luck playing at a ridiculously high level, it's fair to say that as long as the team around him puts forth even an average performance, the Colts will have a chance to win every game on their schedule. Such is the greatness of Luck.
We'll learn a lot about the 2014 Colts this Sunday when they host the 3-1 Baltimore Ravens. Can the Colts hang with an extremely physical football team? Will Luck be able to slice and dice what's been a stout Ravens defense?
If the Colts do pull off a victory over Baltimore, expect their Super Bowl odds to be much higher next week.
Next Game: Baltimore
Detroit Lions
25 of 32
Odds: 20-1
How about coach Jim Caldwell, quarterback Matthew Stafford and the 3-1 Detroit Lions?
After a miserable ending to the 2013 campaign lost coach Jim Schwartz his job, the Lions have come roaring out of the gates in 2014 and look very much like a playoff-caliber squad.
Despite star receiver Calvin Johnson being hobbled by an ankle injury that limited him to only two catches for 12 yards, the Lions managed a 24-17 road victory this past weekend over the Jets. In the past, the Lions would have found a way to lose that game. Stafford would have thrown a critical interception or the defense would have collapsed down the stretch.
But these Lions appear to be made of something tougher.
The defense, keyed by the emergence of cornerback Darius Slay (the 17th-ranked cornerback in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus), has been superb. In his first season on the job, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has performed masterfully.
This Sunday, the Lions can improve to 4-1 with a home victory against the Bills and their new starting quarterback, Kyle Orton. It's unclear whether the Lions can contend for the Super Bowl, but a 4-1 start would be a great help toward qualifying for the postseason.
Next Game: Buffalo
New England Patriots
26 of 32
Odds: 16-1
Ah, how the mighty have fallen.
Over the course of the Bill Belichick and Tom Brady era in New England, we haven't become accustomed to seeing the Patriots blown out of football games. But that's exactly what happened Monday night, as they were throttled by the Chiefs, 41-14.
The team's 2-2 record is deceiving, as its two wins came against a Vikings team coming off the heels of deactivating star running back Adrian Peterson and the hapless Raiders. New England has not been impressive in the slightest.
The offensive line has been dreadful, and the Patriots haven't been able to mount much semblance of a downfield passing attack. Brady has looked skittish and at age 37 is surely on the decline. But he hasn't had much time to throw, so the blame doesn't deserve to be hoisted solely on him.
Belichick must get his team ready to play, or it'll be steamrolled by the 3-0 Bengals this Sunday night. If the Patriots lose, it'll be fair to question if they are indeed a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
For more on the Patriots' troubles, check out this piece from B/R's Ty Schalter.
Next Game: Cincinnati (Sunday Night Football)
Green Bay Packers
27 of 32
Odds: 14-1
The reports of the Green Bay Packers' demise turned out to be greatly exaggerated.
Thanks to a stellar performance (22-of-28 for 302 yards and four touchdown passes) from the Galactus of quarterbacks—the great Aaron Rodgers—the Packers improved to 2-2 with a road victory against hated rival Chicago, 38-17.
Earlier in the week, Rodgers, speaking with Jason Wilde on his ESPN Milwaukee radio show, told nervous Packers fans to "R-E-L-A-X." Once that happened, you just knew he was going to unleash hellfire and brimstone upon the Bears.
At this best, Rodgers is a veritable destroyer of worlds, capable of single-handedly winning games. That was the type of effort he displayed this past Sunday in Soldier Field.
The Packers are now 2-2, and the offense is on a bit of a roll, despite the early-season foibles of running back Eddie Lacy (averaging only 3.0 yards per carry). If Rodgers continues to play at this level, he can compensate for whatever defensive shortcomings the Packers possess.
Up next for Green Bay is a Thursday night home affair at Lambeau Field against the Vikings, and a victory is the likely outcome.
If the Packers are fortunate enough to be 3-2 this time next week, their Super Bowl odds will surely spike.
Next Game: Minnesota (Thursday Night Football)
San Francisco 49ers
28 of 32
Odds: 12-1
After consecutive losses dropped their record to 1-2, the San Francisco 49ers got back on track with a big home victory over the previously undefeated Eagles.
A dominant effort from the defense propelled the 49ers to victory. Although the final score was 26-21, the 49ers would have won by 20 if not for numerous errors on offense and special teams.
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick was dreadful against the Eagles and hasn't looked like the same player in 2014 that he was in 2012 and 2013. His accuracy and decision-making have been suspect, and his awareness of game situations is troubling to say the least. Anyone who has ever played Madden knows when to take timeouts and when to take a delay-of-game penalty, but Kaepernick apparently still hasn't learned the distinction.
But despite Kaepernick's hiccups, the positives must be stressed. The ground game was excellent against the Eagles, led by the ageless Frank Gore, and the defense was superb.
A win over the Chiefs and old friend Alex Smith on Sunday would propel the 49ers to 3-2. The 49ers remain a threat to win the Super Bowl.
Next Game: Kansas City
San Diego Chargers
29 of 32
Odds: 10-1
Don't look now, but the 3-1 San Diego Chargers are currently in first place in the ultra-competitive AFC West.
Of course, the 2-1 Broncos had a bye last week, but let's not rain on San Diego's parade. It's been a marvelous first quarter of the season for coach Mike McCoy's team.
Quarterback Philip Rivers is playing at an MVP level, slinging the ball with confidence and swagger. He's completing over 70 percent of his attempts and has thrown nine touchdown passes against only one interception.
And the defense, led by coordinator John Pagano, has been impressive, allowing under 19 points per game and garnering 10 sacks through four contests.
While the Broncos still must be considered the favorite in the AFC West, the Chargers aren't far behind, and it isn't unreasonable to think that San Diego could end up overtaking Denver by season's end.
Thanks to Rivers and an improved defense, the Chargers are absolutely a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Next Game: N.Y. Jets
Cincinnati Bengals
30 of 32
Odds: 9-1
The Cincinnati Bengals entered their bye week at 3-0 and have to be feeling mighty good about themselves.
Cincinnati has been ultra impressive in its three wins, knocking off the Ravens in Baltimore before absolutely pounding the Falcons and Titans at home. The defense has been stifling, and quarterback Andy Dalton heads an offense that is scoring nearly 27 points per game (26.7).
The bottom line is that the Bengals possess the requisite talent to contend for a Super Bowl championship. The roster is loaded, and coach Marvin Lewis' team is playing with a ton of confidence. It's not outside the realm of possibility that the Bengals could end up being Denver's stiffest competition to represent the AFC in Super Bowl XLIX.
On Sunday night, the Bengals travel to Foxborough to battle the 2-2 Patriots, who are coming off a Monday night whitewashing at the hands of the Chiefs. Cincinnati couldn't ask for a better opportunity to show the world that it's for real and capable of winning games once the calendar turns to January.
If Dalton can lead the Bengals to a road victory in New England and improve his club to 4-0, the residents of the Queen City can start dreaming of the franchise's first Super Bowl appearance since 1988.
Next Game: at New England (Sunday Night Football)
Denver Broncos
31 of 32
Odds: 9-2
The defending AFC Champion Denver Broncos entered their bye week with a sour taste in their mouths, having dropped a road decision in overtime to the team that throttled them in Super Bowl XLVIII, the Seattle Seahawks. The loss left their record at 2-1.
But there were positives to be gleaned from that game. Unlike in the Super Bowl, the Broncos remained competitive throughout, with quarterback Peyton Manning leading a stirring touchdown drive in the waning moments of regulation. Although the Broncos allowed a touchdown drive to open up the overtime period, the team has to feel good about itself.
Bottom line: The Broncos are the best team in the AFC; the loss to Seattle doesn't change that. But this season has never been about the Broncos winning the AFC, it's been about winning the Super Bowl. And their effort against the Seahawks proves that the 2014 Broncos—unlike the 2013 iteration—are capable of hanging with the big boys of the NFC.
The Broncos will face a tough test this Sunday against the 3-0 Cardinals. A win would push them to 3-1 and fan the flames of another potential Super Bowl appearance.
Next Game: Arizona
Seattle Seahawks
32 of 32
Odds: 4-1
The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks entered the bye week at 2-1, and there's no reason to believe that they aren't a serious threat to repeat.
Their sole loss came on the road against a very good Chargers team, and their victories came against Super Bowl contenders Green Bay and Denver.
Quarterback Russell Wilson has been fantastic, with six touchdown passes against only one interception, while the defense has been excellent as usual. Coach Pete Carroll is among the best in the league at his job, and his staff is superb. And once again, the roster depth is fantastic.
While the Seahawks are behind the 3-0 Cardinals in the NFC West, make no mistake about it: The Seahawks are not only the favorite to win the division but have to be considered the front-runner to raise the Lombardi Trophy this upcoming February.
Next up is a Monday night date at the 1-3 Redskins.
Next Game: Washington (Monday Night Football)
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