by Vegas Writer
Thursday, Oct 05, 2023Through the quarter-pole of the season, there is only one team without an ATS loss.
It's also the team that leapfrogged its way into the top spot this week.
Per Stathead.com, the 49ers are 3-0-1 ATS.
Nine other teams have three ATS wins. All at 3-1, we have the Buccaneers, Seahawks, Ravens, Titans, Dolphins, Lions, Cowboys, Cardinals and Bills.
At the other end of the ATS standings, there are five teams that have not covered a game to date: Saints (0-2-2), Panthers (0-3-1), Bears (0-3-1), Broncos (0-3-1) and Giants (0-4).
Let's get started with this week's rankings:
THE UPPER TIER
1. San Francisco (4-0) - Though the Cardinals made an early charge at the 49ers, the NFC West leaders were too much in the second half. I have them leapfrogging the Eagles and Chiefs for the top spot. Pressure is on boys. Sunday night's game against the Cowboys will tell us plenty about both teams. (Last week 3)
2. Philadelphia (4-0) - I didn't mind dropping the Eagles one spot after seeing how they performed against the Commanders last week. I still think they might be the best of the NFC, but the Eagles have to show me much more now that they've faced quarterbacks Mac Jones, Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, and Sam Howell to start the season. (Last week 1)
3. Kansas City (3-1) - I also didn't have an issue dropping the Chiefs down one after it struggled against the Jets. So much for what I thought was an improved defense, as the Chiefs allowed 245 yards and two touchdowns to Wilson and 6.8 yards per carry on the ground. The champs can redeem themselves with dominating performances when it goes to Minnesota and then host the Broncos. (Last week 2)
4. Buffalo (3-1) - Since a brutal four-interception introduction to the season against the Jets in Week 1, quarterback Josh Allen has completed 76.6% of his passes for 812 yards (8.6 yards per attempt), eight touchdowns, and just one interception. Maybe, just maybe, the Bills are the team to beat in the AFC. (Last week 5)
5. Dallas (3-1) - As I expected, the loss to the Cardinals was a brief mental collapse for the Cowboys, who responded impressively with a blowout home win over the Patriots. This Sunday will be their biggest game of the season when they travel to San Francisco for the primetime game on Sunday. How will the 30th-ranked Red Zone team fare? (Last week 7)
6. Miami (3-1) - Maybe I jumped the gun on calling the Dolphins the best team in the NFL last week. They lost by 28 in Buffalo, and I have to wonder where the offensive swagger disappeared to, especially when they averaged 6.8 yards per play. Vic Fangio needs to shore up that defense, which has now allowed the Chargers to score 36 and the Bills to put up 48. (Last week 4)
7. Baltimore (3-1) - I'll give the Ravens a bump after last week's 28-3 win in Cleveland, but I'll also keep in mind they played the Browns with Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center - not Deshaun Watson. How fortuitous, as they'll face the banged-up Steelers this week. (Last week 8)
8. Seattle (3-1) - I still don't think the Seahawks would lose to the Rams if they replayed Week 1's clash. We saw Seattle's defense suffocate the Giants on Monday night, registering a whopping 11 sacks while allowing a mere three points. It's the type of defense we've become accustomed to with this team, not the unit we saw yield 30, 31, and 27 points to the Rams, Lions, and Panthers, respectively. (Last week 9)
9. Detroit (3-1) - The Lions made a statement by going into Lambeau and dominating the Packers on Thursday night. I think it's clear at the quarter-pole of the season the NFC North, for now, is Detroit's to lose. Dan Campbell's D ranks fourth in yards per play allowed (4.5) and 12th in points per drive allowed (1.69). (Last week 10)
10. L.A. Chargers (2-2) - The verdict remains out with the Bolts. They're on the fence of being a very good team or mediocre. And I can't tell if it's coaching or lack of direction. The latter, however, would indicate coaching. A bye week should help them get focused. (Last week 11)
11. Jacksonville (2-2) - The Jags went across the pond and dismantled the Falcons in the Toy Story-themed game at Wembley. The Bills, on the other hand, are in London and there will be no toying around with that offense. (Last week 15)
12. Tampa Bay (3-1) - The Buccaneers responded to their first loss of the season with an impressive win over the Saints. Quarterback Baker Mayfield can now use the bye week to tighten things up and improve from sixth among qualifying quarterbacks in EPA per play. (Last week 23)
13. Cleveland (2-2) - Good thing for the Browns they have a bye week. Thompson-Robinson didn't get help from his offensive line, and was facing an upper-tier defense from Baltimore. The off week will help Watson get healthy. (Last week 12)
14. Green Bay (2-2) - I thought the Packers might be more competitive against the Lions on Thursday, but to no avail. Jordan Love looks better each week, but the entire offense needs to gradually improve. Unfortunately, we're in the second quarter of the season and gradually may take too long. (Last week 13)
15. Minnesota (1-3) - The Vikings got their first win of the season, and the only reason they jump four spots is the teams around them have looked horrendous. If they can't get their running game going this week, it'll be back down the ladder after a loss to Kansas City. (Last week 19)
16. N.Y. Jets (1-3) - Sinking quickly, I don't have anywhere to really put this team with the teams just behind also have losses. Thing is, it would be hard to punish this team after Zach Wilson completed 28-of-39 for 245 yards and two scores against a Kansas City defense that appeared to be stellar through Week 3. (Last week 14)
THE LOWER TIER:
17. Cincinnati (1-3) - Force the Bengals to beat you at this point, as I'm a bit in shock with this offense. (Last week 6)
18. Pittsburgh (2-2) - With Kenny Pickett, this offense still needs help. Without Pickett, the offense is in big trouble. (Last week 16)
19. New Orleans (2-2) - Once Alvin Kamara gets up to game speed and Derek Carr is 100 percent, I expect more from the Saints. (Last week 17)
20. New England (1-3) - Is Bill Belichick still coach? (Last week 18)
21. Denver (1-3) - Good, the Broncos earned their first win. Bad, the Broncos trailed No. 32 Chicago by 21 before doing so. (Last week 26)
22. Tennessee (2-2) - The Titans should probably be higher, but they need to earn their ascension. We've seen two different Titans teams, at home and on the road. (Last week 27)
23. Houston (2-2) - Okay, I see you C.J. Stroud. So you're the rookie who's going to make some noise. (Last week 28)
24. L.A. Rams (2-2) - Another team I believe can be higher. Is Puka Nacua the most important player on the offense? (Last week 30)
25. Washington (2-2) - The Eagles brought the Commanders down to earth last week. But they're still better than the Giants. (Last week 21)
26. N.Y. Giants (1-3) - Speaking of which, things are looking awfully bleak with this team. (Last week 20)
27. Atlanta (2-2) - On the fence where this team belongs after opening the season 2-0, and now 0-2 since. (Last week 22)
28. Indianapolis (2-2) - Granted, the Colts were competitive against the Rams. But a loss in overtime drops Indy. (Last week 24)
29. Arizona (1-3) - A loss to No. 1 San Francisco means the Cardinals will stay put at 29. They showed spunk early, but couldn't sustain. (Last week 29)
30. Las Vegas (1-3) - They didn't make it a game in Inglewood, the Chargers took their foot off the gas. (Last week 25)
31. Carolina (0-4) - Bryce Young returned to the offense. He shouldn't have. (Last week 31)
32. Chicago (0-4) - The Bears found their offense, but couldn't hold on at home against Denver. Is this locker room unraveling? (Last week 32)
It's also the team that leapfrogged its way into the top spot this week.
Per Stathead.com, the 49ers are 3-0-1 ATS.
Nine other teams have three ATS wins. All at 3-1, we have the Buccaneers, Seahawks, Ravens, Titans, Dolphins, Lions, Cowboys, Cardinals and Bills.
At the other end of the ATS standings, there are five teams that have not covered a game to date: Saints (0-2-2), Panthers (0-3-1), Bears (0-3-1), Broncos (0-3-1) and Giants (0-4).
Let's get started with this week's rankings:
THE UPPER TIER
1. San Francisco (4-0) - Though the Cardinals made an early charge at the 49ers, the NFC West leaders were too much in the second half. I have them leapfrogging the Eagles and Chiefs for the top spot. Pressure is on boys. Sunday night's game against the Cowboys will tell us plenty about both teams. (Last week 3)
2. Philadelphia (4-0) - I didn't mind dropping the Eagles one spot after seeing how they performed against the Commanders last week. I still think they might be the best of the NFC, but the Eagles have to show me much more now that they've faced quarterbacks Mac Jones, Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, and Sam Howell to start the season. (Last week 1)
3. Kansas City (3-1) - I also didn't have an issue dropping the Chiefs down one after it struggled against the Jets. So much for what I thought was an improved defense, as the Chiefs allowed 245 yards and two touchdowns to Wilson and 6.8 yards per carry on the ground. The champs can redeem themselves with dominating performances when it goes to Minnesota and then host the Broncos. (Last week 2)
4. Buffalo (3-1) - Since a brutal four-interception introduction to the season against the Jets in Week 1, quarterback Josh Allen has completed 76.6% of his passes for 812 yards (8.6 yards per attempt), eight touchdowns, and just one interception. Maybe, just maybe, the Bills are the team to beat in the AFC. (Last week 5)
5. Dallas (3-1) - As I expected, the loss to the Cardinals was a brief mental collapse for the Cowboys, who responded impressively with a blowout home win over the Patriots. This Sunday will be their biggest game of the season when they travel to San Francisco for the primetime game on Sunday. How will the 30th-ranked Red Zone team fare? (Last week 7)
6. Miami (3-1) - Maybe I jumped the gun on calling the Dolphins the best team in the NFL last week. They lost by 28 in Buffalo, and I have to wonder where the offensive swagger disappeared to, especially when they averaged 6.8 yards per play. Vic Fangio needs to shore up that defense, which has now allowed the Chargers to score 36 and the Bills to put up 48. (Last week 4)
7. Baltimore (3-1) - I'll give the Ravens a bump after last week's 28-3 win in Cleveland, but I'll also keep in mind they played the Browns with Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center - not Deshaun Watson. How fortuitous, as they'll face the banged-up Steelers this week. (Last week 8)
8. Seattle (3-1) - I still don't think the Seahawks would lose to the Rams if they replayed Week 1's clash. We saw Seattle's defense suffocate the Giants on Monday night, registering a whopping 11 sacks while allowing a mere three points. It's the type of defense we've become accustomed to with this team, not the unit we saw yield 30, 31, and 27 points to the Rams, Lions, and Panthers, respectively. (Last week 9)
9. Detroit (3-1) - The Lions made a statement by going into Lambeau and dominating the Packers on Thursday night. I think it's clear at the quarter-pole of the season the NFC North, for now, is Detroit's to lose. Dan Campbell's D ranks fourth in yards per play allowed (4.5) and 12th in points per drive allowed (1.69). (Last week 10)
10. L.A. Chargers (2-2) - The verdict remains out with the Bolts. They're on the fence of being a very good team or mediocre. And I can't tell if it's coaching or lack of direction. The latter, however, would indicate coaching. A bye week should help them get focused. (Last week 11)
11. Jacksonville (2-2) - The Jags went across the pond and dismantled the Falcons in the Toy Story-themed game at Wembley. The Bills, on the other hand, are in London and there will be no toying around with that offense. (Last week 15)
12. Tampa Bay (3-1) - The Buccaneers responded to their first loss of the season with an impressive win over the Saints. Quarterback Baker Mayfield can now use the bye week to tighten things up and improve from sixth among qualifying quarterbacks in EPA per play. (Last week 23)
13. Cleveland (2-2) - Good thing for the Browns they have a bye week. Thompson-Robinson didn't get help from his offensive line, and was facing an upper-tier defense from Baltimore. The off week will help Watson get healthy. (Last week 12)
14. Green Bay (2-2) - I thought the Packers might be more competitive against the Lions on Thursday, but to no avail. Jordan Love looks better each week, but the entire offense needs to gradually improve. Unfortunately, we're in the second quarter of the season and gradually may take too long. (Last week 13)
15. Minnesota (1-3) - The Vikings got their first win of the season, and the only reason they jump four spots is the teams around them have looked horrendous. If they can't get their running game going this week, it'll be back down the ladder after a loss to Kansas City. (Last week 19)
16. N.Y. Jets (1-3) - Sinking quickly, I don't have anywhere to really put this team with the teams just behind also have losses. Thing is, it would be hard to punish this team after Zach Wilson completed 28-of-39 for 245 yards and two scores against a Kansas City defense that appeared to be stellar through Week 3. (Last week 14)
THE LOWER TIER:
17. Cincinnati (1-3) - Force the Bengals to beat you at this point, as I'm a bit in shock with this offense. (Last week 6)
18. Pittsburgh (2-2) - With Kenny Pickett, this offense still needs help. Without Pickett, the offense is in big trouble. (Last week 16)
19. New Orleans (2-2) - Once Alvin Kamara gets up to game speed and Derek Carr is 100 percent, I expect more from the Saints. (Last week 17)
20. New England (1-3) - Is Bill Belichick still coach? (Last week 18)
21. Denver (1-3) - Good, the Broncos earned their first win. Bad, the Broncos trailed No. 32 Chicago by 21 before doing so. (Last week 26)
22. Tennessee (2-2) - The Titans should probably be higher, but they need to earn their ascension. We've seen two different Titans teams, at home and on the road. (Last week 27)
23. Houston (2-2) - Okay, I see you C.J. Stroud. So you're the rookie who's going to make some noise. (Last week 28)
24. L.A. Rams (2-2) - Another team I believe can be higher. Is Puka Nacua the most important player on the offense? (Last week 30)
25. Washington (2-2) - The Eagles brought the Commanders down to earth last week. But they're still better than the Giants. (Last week 21)
26. N.Y. Giants (1-3) - Speaking of which, things are looking awfully bleak with this team. (Last week 20)
27. Atlanta (2-2) - On the fence where this team belongs after opening the season 2-0, and now 0-2 since. (Last week 22)
28. Indianapolis (2-2) - Granted, the Colts were competitive against the Rams. But a loss in overtime drops Indy. (Last week 24)
29. Arizona (1-3) - A loss to No. 1 San Francisco means the Cardinals will stay put at 29. They showed spunk early, but couldn't sustain. (Last week 29)
30. Las Vegas (1-3) - They didn't make it a game in Inglewood, the Chargers took their foot off the gas. (Last week 25)
31. Carolina (0-4) - Bryce Young returned to the offense. He shouldn't have. (Last week 31)
32. Chicago (0-4) - The Bears found their offense, but couldn't hold on at home against Denver. Is this locker room unraveling? (Last week 32)
