Heading into wk.4 there are still five undefeated teams in the NFL. The Vikings, Steelers, Chiefs, Bills, and Seahawks are all sitting at 3-0. Ironically, all five teams are facing road matchups this week. It is unlikely all five will win, it is also unlikely all five will lose. By week’s end, some of these teams will be 4-0…but which one’s.
At this time of year, we begin to hear stories about the 1972 Dolphins and their undefeated season. When 4-0, becomes 5-0, and then 6-0, and beyond, we hear about the surviving Dolphins popping champagne upon the loss of that remaining undefeated team.
In looking at this week’s matchups, there is a chance there will only be one team standing…and it’s not the team you think. The Vikings are heading to Green Bay to face the Packers. The Steelers are going to Indianapolis. The Chiefs are playing the Chargers. The Bills are going to Baltimore. And Seattle faces the Lions, in Detroit on Monday night.
The logical choice is to say that thet Patrick Mahomes led Kansas City Chiefs will definitely remain undefeated, and they probably will…but, they haven’t played great despite their 3-0 record. And some would say that each game has been aided by advantageous calls by the refs. They are facing off against a divisional opponent on the road, versus a team coming off of a loss. They could very well leave Sofi Stadium with a loss.
The Vikings have been the story of the season, starting off 3-0 with Sam Darnold as their QB. With that said, they too have a divisional game on the road. Going to Lambeau Field is never easy. And every divisional matchup will be pivotal because aside from each other, these two teams have to contend with the Lions…every win matters. Especially if Jordan Love is back, it is not a stretch to think Minnesota will get their first loss of the year.
The Ravens looked like themselves against the Cowboys last week. And they almost beat Kansas City in wk.1 on the road. This was better than an 0-2 team, and they are better than a 1-2 team. Iot’s hard to think they will begin the season 1-3. Clawing back to 2-2 will keep them in the race for the division. It would not be surprise to see the Ravens give the Bills their first loss of the year.
The Lions lost their last home game, due to boneheaded clock management by HC Dan Campbell. If not for that, this would be a matchup of two 3-0 teams. Truth be told, the 30 record of the Seahawks is a bit of a mirage. They defeated the clueless Patriots, the nearly clueless Broncos, and the Tua Tagovailoa-less Dolphins. This may be a blowout win for the Lions.
And that leaves the Steelers. Out of all of these five games, the matchup against the Colts is by far the easiest opponent any of these undefeated teams will face this week. The Colts nearly lost against the hapless Bears. QB Anthony Richardson looked terrible. The Steelers defense is legitimately one of the best in the league, and it is difficult to see where the Colts will score their points. QB Justin Fields has been legitimate, and his play has been good enough to keep Russell Wilson on the bench. Look for the Steelers to prevail this week and go to 4-0. And when the smoke clears Monday night, they may find themselves as the only remaining undefeated team left.
The 1972 Dolphins will have to keep the champagne on ice for at least one more week.