By Nick Ferraro
1. New York Jets
The offense seems to have found itself after the opening night nightmare against Baltimore. The Vikings defense will be a good test for Sanchez and company.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers stay put even after the loss Sunday. That’s a game they win handily if Big Ben is playing. With the suspension in their rear-view mirror, the Steelers will start to show their dominance.
3. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons defense is allowing only 15 points per game thus far. They have more than enough offense to be a major factor in the NFC race if their defense can maintain anything close to its current pace.
4. New Orleans Saints It wasn’t quite the resounding win you would have liked to see coming off their first loss. There is something off about the champs. Injuries in the backfield aren’t helping, and the passing game isn’t in synch.
5. Green Bay Packers The defense has allowed over 20 points per game to teams not named the Bills. That has to change if the Pack wants to achieve their lofty goals for 2010.
6. Baltimore Ravens The Ravens don’t have to apologize for a road win in Pittsburgh no matter who played or didn’t play.
7. New England Patriots The Pats lead the league in scoring through the first quarter of the season. If they are seriously entertaining thoughts of trading Randy Moss, the offense can expect to find things much more difficult through the remaining three quarters of the season.
8. Houston Texans The Texans won in Oakland in the fashion you should if you consider yourself a contender.
9. Chicago Bears Mike Martz still has no idea how to protect a quarterback against a big-time NFL pass rush.
10. San Diego Chargers The Chargers offense isn’t missing Vincent Jackson. His leverage is sliding as the Bolts put up over 28 points per game in the first four contests.
You can discuss these rankings on our NFL message board.