1/4 way through the season (1 Viewer)

[jackdubl]

Cam Newton has to be the biggest surprise as a rookie QB - Ever.

This is what I was thinking. Passing yardage alone, has any QB ever come into the league like this. And a true rookie, not just a first year starter.

 

[Topes]

Cam Newton. Yeah, kicking myself for not grabbing him. I had him pegged as an upside backup, largely due to the rushing numbers I felt he might put up. But I expected nothing like this from his arm.

 

[FUBAR]

Can't believe we're already 1/4 of the way done with the regular season (sure there are 17 weeks, but 16 games for each team). What are your biggest surprises, what teams will fade, which will rise, and what are the trends that will last?

TEAMS:

Buffalo Bills @ 3-1. While I respect what they've done, this won't last. They'll be lucky to be in WC contention. I won't say it's smoke and mirrors, but they're playing over their heads. Now a 3 way tie for 1st and both Wild Cards could come from the North. I'd say I was right on this one.

Tennessee Titans @ 3-1. I don't see this lasting either, but as CJ hasn't played his best ball, it's entirely possible that he'll get more room to work as team start to respect Hasselbeck more. Probably not a WC team either but the AFC South is surprisingly weak, they could squeek into the playoffs. Houston has taken over, unless CJ gets in gear the Titans will be lucky to be .500

Indianapolis Colts @ 0-3. There's a reason Peyton Manning is a perennial MVP. This season has shown just how important he is. We shouldn't be surprised that the Colts aren't good without him but it still looks weird that they're on the bottom. Horrible team withou Peyton

Washington Redskins @ 3-1. This team surprises me more than any other. I don't see them winning the division but they should be a WC contender. I'm impressed. The wheels appear to have fallen off. I was wrong to be impressed.

Detroit Lions @ 4-0. Pretty much the opposite situation from Indianapolis. They've kept their "brittle" QB healthy so far and are a very good team because of him. Plus, Calvin is the MVP right now. 12-4 wouldn't be a surprise at this point. WC or division champs. Packers are the team to beat, but the Lions should get the Wild Card

San Fran @ 3-1. Beating the Eagles is impressive and they'll probably win their weak division. Harbaugh for coach of the year, Smith is even playing well.

St. Louis Rams @ 0-4. The record isn't that big a shock, but they've been outscored by a ratio of 2.5:1, have scored less points than any other team (presuming the Colts score a FG tonight), and only the Chiefs have given up more points. I expected this team to improve significantly, I couldn't have been more wrong. Now :X

PLAYERS:

Calvin Johnson - we knew he was good, but holy smokes batman. MVP right now and I don't know if it's close. He won't keep it up, but nobody can. Continues to rock the league

Aaron Rodgers - ok, MVP is a close call. Continues to rock the league

Tom Brady & Wes Welker - alright, there are a few guys in the running for MVP... I expect these two to continue to dominate.

Continue to rock the league

Cam Newton - a few of us are kicking ourselves for passing on this FF stud. He's a lot better than I thought he would be. Waiting for a 2nd half fall (so i can trade for him) So far no fall

Rex Grossman - who knew? Doubt he keeps it going, but maybe. Didn't

Denarious Moore - 5th round rookies shouldn't be this good. He is. Yep

Darren Sproles - I've liked this kid since his days at KSU, but who expected him to be top 10? Probably will fall some with Ingram gaining reps. Or not... continues to excel

CJ Spiller - I expected better I won't write him off completely, but he doesn't look good

Mario Manningham - is he the biggest bust so far? He is from my teams. Somehow I expect him to pull it together. Buy low! Better, not great but better