NFL Power Rankings: Buffalo Bills and 5 Surprising 3-1 Teams

This NFL Season has been all kinds of crazy. Six of the eight division leaders are teams that did not make the playoffs last year; as New Orleans and Baltimore are the only two that made the post season last year which have lived up to their expectations after month one. 

Who all had the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants not only as 3-1 teams but in first place in their divisions? Even more impressive, who had the Detroit Lions not only at 4-0, but, with two comeback wins on the road?  

So what’s going on this year? Why is it that the top half of the NFL are teams that were awful last year? Well, let’s dive into why these 3-1 teams are all having success after four games this year. 

Buffalo Bills 

The Bills this year are one collapse in the fourth quarter last week against Cincinnati from being at a perfect 4-0 after the first month of football. But, at 3-1, the Bills have had a road win, a win against the defending AFC East Division Champion New England Patriots and have an offense that is up there with some of the best in the league.  

Their upcoming schedule showcases four of their next five games against the NFC East Division. All of these games are against teams that have defenses that are very weak in their passing defense.  

The Bills could be 8-2 heading into the final months of the season. 

San Francisco 49ers 

Sitting at 3-1 in the NFC West with a two game lead over the Seahawks and Cardinals has them set perfectly for the playoffs. Yes, just after four games a two game lead in this division might as well be a six game lead.  

With three wins they only need five or six more wins to clinch the division title. That’s five wins in twelve games with five of those games against their division.

Tennessee Titans 

Tennessee and Houston are both surprise teams that are 3-1. However, once Peyton Manning went down for the season Indianapolis went from being a favorite in the division to being a favorite to finish dead last. Houston is expected to rise up in this division to take over Indianapolis’ spot.  

But, it’s the Titans who are the team that no one expected to be 3-1 with no help from running back Chris Johnson; while being led by Matt Hasselbeck. 

This team will continue to surprise as long as their offensive line continues their strong play protecting Hasselbeck. He’s found a way to have a three touchdown passing game even without their leading receiver Kenny Britt.  

If this team can get Chris Johnson on track performing like he’s accustomed to, then this team will be very hard to beat. 

New York Giants & Washington Redskins 

Both teams came into the season as after thoughts in a division with the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams made bold moves in the offseason by releasing good players.  

After four games in the season both the Giants and Redskins are atop of the NFC East Division while the Eagles and Cowboys are struggling.  

One of these teams will win the NFC East while the other will take the five seed in the playoffs as a wild-card team. 

Twitter: @tjmcaloon