The 2019 NFL season is now in full flow and already, we’re starting to see which teams look the strongest. Seemingly invincible so far, the New England Patriots extended their opening run of wins to 5-0, while the New Orleans Saints won their third in a row. Let’s take a look at the movers and shakers, along with the key players as quarterbacks dominated headlines.
Rank 1 – New England Patriots
From the touchdown celebrations to the Brady chants.
Sights & sounds from the win in Washington. pic.twitter.com/tmgEkm5oip
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 9, 2019
Who can stop the New England Patriots? Well, nobody it seems after they smashed the Washington Redskins 33-7 to record their fifth win in a row. Given the Patriots are now +300 to win Super Bowl LIV, even the bookmakers are struggling to see anyone being better this season.
Interesting, given their passing game hasn’t been at peak recently and Tom Brady struggled some against the Redskins. That said, he still moved into third spot for the most yards passed in NFL history, surpassing Packers legend Brett Favre.
Rank 2 – New Orleans Saints
Teddy Bridgewater keeps the @Saints ROLLING! ⚜ #HaveADay @teddyb_h2o | #Saints pic.twitter.com/kENaVVmlYC
— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2019
It’s often said that one man doesn’t make a team in sports, although Teddy Bridgewater is certainly proving to be a talisman for the Saints of late. Now 3-0 in games the backup quarterback has started, his influence for the team was telling in the 31-24 triumph against Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The mighty arm of Bridgewater threw 314 yards and led to four touchdowns, taking his 2019 NFL passing total so far to 849 yards and 6 touchdowns for the season. If he keeps on going like that, the Saints will surely be flying towards the playoffs this season, just like the ball after one of his throws.
Rank 3 – Kansas City Chiefs
Only Mahomes is right, Al 🚀#INDvsKC 📺: KSHB pic.twitter.com/c487FgDH9G
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 7, 2019
They were 4-0 and flying heading into the game last week, although everything came unstuck for the Kansas City Chiefs during the 19-13 surprise defeat against the Indianapolis Colts. Not only did the Chiefs record their lowest points tally in 26 games, arguably a key contribution to the loss, quarterback Patrick Mahomes struggled with an ankle injury.
Nevertheless, Mahomes still managed to throw 321 yards and one touchdown, and my lord, what a rocket it was! Even after defeat against the Colts, he became only the fourth quarterback in NFL history to start a season passing 300 yards or more, in five consecutive opening games.
Player of the Week
If you’re going to announce yourself as one to watch, a true NFL star in the making, then how about doing it during the Monday Night Football game. That’s exactly what Nick Bosa did with an amazing performance for the San Francisco 49ers, as they crushed the Cleveland Browns 31-3 to go 4-0 for the first time since way back in 1990.
As for the hype about Bosa, it’s fair to say his personal display was utterly brilliant would be an understatement. He achieved two sacks, two tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, stealing the show for the 49ers against the Browns. It goes without saying, get this 21-year-old defensive end in your fantasy picks, if you haven’t already.
