Determining Whether the Record of Every NFL Team Is Deceiving

Five weeks into the NFL season, it's become apparent who are taking the early lead in the standings. 

However, there is reason to carry some doubt. From early-season jitters to late-game injuries to some funky scheduling, a team's win-loss record could be very deceiving.

Records don't lie. Until they do.

Here is the early breakdown of every NFL team's record...

Arizona Cardinals

Record: 1-4

While the Arizona Cardinals have struggled to establish defensive consistency, the team has to be distraught to see their team on the lower end of the quarterback stats as well. 

Newly acquired quarterback Kevin Kolb is currently 20th in passer accuracy (tied with the recently deposed Denver Broncos' Kyle Orton at 58.7 percent), and the lack of a viable second receiving option has been an immediate issue in dealing with secondaries more than willing to throw at least double coverage on Larry Fitzgerald.

Barring major improvements, it looks like there could be some major growing pains in Kolb's first full year as a NFL starter. 

Is it deceiving?: No. This team is awful.

Atlanta Falcons

Record: 2-3

Seeing the Atlanta Falcons at 2-3 is like going to the bookshelf to see a book put in upside down and in the wrong place.

"How did you get here?"

At fault is the team's inconsistent play, which was on display as the Falcons let the Green Bay Packers slip through for 25 unanswered points Sunday after Atlanta took a 14-point lead.

With games against the Carolina Panthers and Detroit Lions before their bye week, this team could be 2-5 if they don't watch themselves.

Is it deceiving?: No

Baltimore Ravens

Record: 3-1

All is well in Baltimore, as the Ravens entered the bye with one of the best defenses in the league. In addition to leading the league in allowing the fewest points, the team is third in yards allowed as well. The unit's play against the New York Jets was nothing short of sensational.

The only forseeable issue for the team is the offense. While typically solid so far (see the win over the St. Louis Rams), they did sputter against the Tennessee Titans in the team's only loss.

Is it deceiving?: No

Buffalo Bills

You'd be laughed out of your local bar/watering hole if you had said before the season started that:

1) The Bills would be 4-1.

2) The Bills would beat the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles to do so.

However, there's a lot of good reason to buy into the hype. Ryan Fitzpatrick (you hear he went to Harvard?) is playing some of the best football in his career, and Fred Jackson has been devastating for opposing defenses (nearly racking up 200 total yards against the Eagles).

While it should be interesting to see Fitzpatrick as the season progresses (word is his play chills with the colder weather), but the running game should keep this team going.

Is it deceiving?: No. Even if they lost to the Bengals.

Carolina Panthers

Record: 1-4

Quarterback Cam Newton has been electrifying in his first weeks as a pro, but unfortunately his play has prompted more fantasy football wins than ones for his new team.

Even for a team that was meant to struggle, this team has put up several good efforts in losing games. I have a feeling that play will be rewarded in the next three weeks, as the team will have some winnable match-ups (@Atlanta Falcons, Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings).

This team will have some growing pains to go through, but this team has plenty of wins to pick up in the first half of the season.

Is it deceiving?: Yes

Chicago Bears

Record: 2-3

Fans of the Chicago Bears can't be thrilled to see their quarterback Jay Cutler rank in the lower half of the stat chart in both passing yards and accuracy. Even with a defense that's currently fourth in yardage allowed, the lack of offensive production (18th in scoring) will have this team down.

Does this mean it can't get better? No. But does it mean that Cutler will again see fingers fly his way should the team underperform? Absolutely.

Is it deceiving?: No

Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 3-2

After starting the season 1-2, the Cincinnati Bengals have gone on a tear to their last two. Quarterback Andy "Red Rocket" Dalton has been the catalyst for the offense, but the numbers look best on the defensive side: The team has allowed the fewest offensive yards in the league.

While close losses to the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos sting, their next two games (vs. Indianapolis Colts, @Seattle Seahawks) are very much winnable. 

The Bengals at 5-2? You better believe it...

Is it deceiving?: Yes

Cleveland Browns

Record: 2-2

The Cleveland Browns' offense has been less than consistent, and with that in mind the team should be praised for getting itself to 2-2.

Winning the games it should win (@Indianapolis, Miami) and losing the games it should lose (Cincinnati, Tennessee), the Browns are pretty much living exactly to expectations.

Unfortunately, those expectations weren't very high to begin with.

Is it deceiving?: No

Dallas Cowboys

Record: 2-2

Your view on the Cowboys record so far may depend on your perspective on life.

Half full: The team was a complete meltdown away from being at 3-1.

Half empty: If not for the boot of Dan Bailey, we might be 1-3.

With that in mind, 2-2 is not an unhappy compromise.

Is it deceiving?: No

Denver Broncos

Record: 1-4

No matter who lines up under center for the Denver Broncos coming out of the bye week, the real challenge for this squad is finding a way to stop opposing offenses.

The team is third in points allowed, and until that stops, don't expect the wins to come rolling through.

Is it deceiving?: No

Detroit Lions

Believe the hype. The defense is intimidating, and a healthy Matthew Stafford is having the time of his life passing to Calvin Johnson.

While the team does have a knack for having to play catch-up, this is a team that has a real opportunity to shake up the entire NFC.

Is it deceiving?: Not a chance

Green Bay Packers

Record: 5-0

Everything is running very smoothly for the defending Super Bowl champions. The defense has improved after some early struggles, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers is in prime form.

Who isn't looking forward to the team's Week 12 matchup against the Lions?

Is it deceiving?: No

Houston Texans

Record: 3-2

Despite falling short against the Oakland Raiders late, this is a team that could be a real contender. Matt Schaub is putting up good numbers (even with the injury to major weapon Andre Johnson), and the running game has been solid even with the injuries to Arian Foster.

If there is any weakness here, it's the defense that is among the 10 worst in points allowed to start the season.

Is it deceiving?: No

Indianapolis Colts

Record: 0-5

Everyone knew the Colts would lose some spark with the apparent season-ending injury to quarterback Peyton Manning, but nobody could have predicted how far they would fall.

While the defense has shown signs of life, the lack of a quarterback has been devastating. The team currently sits in the bottom five in almost every offensive category, including scoring and yardage.

This will be a long year.

Is it deceiving?: No. This team could easily go 0-8 (and even worse).

Jacksonville Jaguars

Record: 1-4

The Jacksonville Jaguars have struggled out the gate, with quarterback Blaine Gabbert slowly adjusting to the NFL game. However, the defense has stood as a real gem, allowing only 11.4 points per game.

If the offense can get its act together, it might be able to make a run.

Is it deceiving?: Yes

Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 2-3

Don't let the recent winning streak fool you: this team is in a precarious spot. With injuries to Eric Berry and Jamaal Charles damaging the efforts on both sides of the ball, the team has really lacked a spark for most of the season.

Even worse, recent rumors had head coach Todd Haley possibly getting axed for the team's poor start. There's no doubt he'll be on the hot seat for the rest of the year.

Is it deceiving?: Yes. They could be a lot worse.

Miami Dolphins

Record: 0-4

Things for the winless Miami Dolphins have gone from bad to worse as injuries go through the roster.

Most importantly, a recent injury to (struggling) starting quarterback Chad Henne has pushed the team to the services of Matt Moore.

All signs point to an offense so dismal that the defense will have to keep up its solid play (fourth in points allowed) for the Dolphins to even have a shot in most outings.

Is it deceiving?: No

Minnesota Vikings

Record: 1-4

While the signing of Donovan McNabb was supposed to bring stability to the Minnesota Vikings, the team hasn't been anywhere close to that goal.

McNabb has struggled with questions about his throwing motion, and the defense has been pedestrian at best. This team will have major questions about its future direction coming at the end of its season.

Is it deceiving?: No

New England Patriots

Record: 4-1

It's tough to rip on a team that's been so confident to start the year.

However, beyond an unbelievably talented passing attack (the record-breaking production of wide receiver Wes Welker), the defense will be a huge problem as the year progresses.

The unit is ranked last in yards allowed and is right in the middle of the pack in points per game.

Especially as the colder winter weather prevents the Tom Brady-Welker connection, the Patriots will have to see the true colors of their defensive game.

Is it deceiving?: No…well…yeah.

New Orleans Saints

Record: 4-1

Despite the strong start for the New Orleans Saints, its defense will be a cause for concern. In the bottom five for points and yardage allowed, the team's (lack of) defense has pushed many of the games into an offensive slugfest.

Unless the defense steps up, the Saints could find itself on the wrong end of shootout games.

Is it deceiving?: Yes

New York Giants

Record: 3-2

While the New York Giants impressed in wins against the Philadelphia Eagles and the Arizona Cardinals, the team also will have to look at itself long and hard in the mirror for losses against the Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks. 

For a team looking to make a return to the playoffs, those kind of losses (especially the Seahawks loss) have to be deemed unacceptable.

With that said, they have a great opportunity to show their ability this week against the Buffalo Bills. I expect them to put in a good showing.

Is it deceiving?: Yes

New York Jets

Record: 2-3

While the New York Jets have a great track record with head coach Rex Ryan, this could be a plateau year for the team. 

Efforts like the one they had against the Baltimore Ravens show that this team could be left wanting should they need to come up with some quick scores against tough defensive competition.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez will have a lot of work to do to show he deserves to have his name thrown around as a marquee quarterback.

Is it deceiving?: Yes

Oakland Raiders

Record: 3-2

Boosted by a solid running attack, the Oakland Raiders look to be major contenders in the AFC West.

Darren McFadden leads the league in rushing yards, and quarterback Jason Campbell has been effective in limiting his mistakes. 

However, for them to stay in contention, they will need to cut down opponents' point totals: the Raiders are fifth worst in points allowed.

On a side note, if you're a football fan, you have to be excited about the atmosphere at this Sunday's game vs. the Cleveland Browns, the first home game for the team since the passing of owner Al Davis.

Is it deceiving?: No

Philadelphia Eagles

How the mighty have fallen. 

Labeled the "Dream Team" going into the season, the Philadelphia Eagles have sputtered with several embarrassing losses in a row.

With that said, I'd be amazed if this team can't turn the ship around. They just have too much talent (at almost every position except linebacker). Michael Vick won't throw four picks in every game, and the defense can't continue to play this bad for the rest of the ear

They have a great opportunity to make amends for their early play against the NFC East-leading Washington Redskins this week.

Is it deceiving?: Yes

Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 3-2

While the Steelers should be happy with their 3-2 start, I'm not sold that this team is a contender. In addition to their humiliating opening-week loss to the rival Baltimore Ravens, they were also flat in games against the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts.

While their defense has been effective in limiting opponents' scoring, their offense will be the reason for concern. The offensive line has been a major question mark, and unfortunately for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, that means he'll be taking a lot of extra pressure.

However, they do have two very winnable games coming up (Jacksonville Jaguars, at Arizona Cardinals), so they could be 5-2 going into their game vs. the New England Patriots

Is it deceiving?: Yes

San Diego Chargers

Record: 4-1

While the San Diego Chargers have put out strong offensive numbers, the defense has also put in a solid effort. Around the top ten in points allowed, the defense has found a way to limit opposing offenses.

However, Chargers fans should be worried about being outcoached like they were against New England the Chargers' early-season loss. Going up against top competition, they can't afford to make any mental errors.

Is it deceiving?: No

San Francisco 49ers

Record: 4-1

This is not the same San Francisco 49ers team that has struggled the past five years to find any kind of offensive legitimacy.

Alex Smith looks steady, the running game is effective. The Niners' run defense has been on point.

After big wins against the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it will be interesting to see how they handle the Detroit Lions, who have a tough defensive line and wide receiver Calvin Johnson to deal with.

Is it deceiving?: No

Seattle Seahawks

Record: 2-3

While the Seattle Seahawks struggled initially, the return of wide receiver Sidney Rice appears to be a catalyst to the offense.

On a bye this week, they have winnable games against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals in the next two weeks.

If the Seahawks can put together more efforts like this past Sunday against the New York Giants, they should be able to make the Niners have to look over their shoulder in the standings constantly.

Is it deceiving?: Yes

St. Louis Rams

Record: 0-4

While the Rams are among the worst in the league in several categories, I'm willing to believe they were a victim of a tough early schedule. 

In addition to playing a full-strength Philadelphia Eagles (and losing running back Stephen Jackson on his first run), the Rams have also had games against the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants.

Even worse, they exit the bye with games on the road against Green Bay and Dallas.  

Good luck.

Is it deceiving?: Yes

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 3-2

The Buccaneers surprised many, including myself, with how lousy they fared against the San Francisco 49ers. 

While the team played well in early wins, particularly against the Atlanta Falcons, the team came out incredibly flat and was punished immensely for it.

Their response this week against the New Orleans Saints should say a lot about whether their start is for real.

Is it deceiving?: Yes

Tennessee Titans

Record: 3-2

It's tough to make an assessment of this team, given the hot-and-cold nature of their play on a week-to-week basis. However, Matt Hasselbeck has been effective in his transition from the Seattle Seahawks, and it looks like Chris Johnson is starting to warm up his numbers.

Things should be looking better for the Titans in the next few weeks.

Is it deceiving?: No

Washington Redskins

Record: 3-1

I'm just not sold on the Washington Redskins just yet. 

While the team has allowed the third fewest points in the league, the quarterback play of Rex Grossman hasn't done it for me yet.

In addition to being on the low end of the stats column in accuracy and passing yards, he has also thrown an unsightly five interceptions in four games (among the worst in the league). 

I'll be much more convinced should Grossman and the 'Skins pull out the victory this week against the Philadelphia Eagles. With the Eagles most likely entering panic-mode with a loss in this game, this is too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Is it deceiving?: Yes