Week four of the 2010 NFL Season did much to return things to a level playing field. Teams that have lost games they should have won, pulled it out of the bag, and those that had been living on a prayer were returned to Earth with a bump.
The Steelers, who had been undefeated through the first three weeks, lost to division rivals on a last gasp TD catch by TJ. The Bengals, who could have moved up to joint first in the same division, fell to bottom-dwellers, the Cleveland Browns by three huge points. Baltimore and Pittsburgh now top the North with 3-1 records.
In the AFC East the Jets landed top-spot before the Patriots and Dolphins duked it out last night for the right to join them atop the division. The Bills, however, slumped to their fourth straight defeat.
The Texans, who have been as impressive as hoped so far, now lead the AFC South after the Jaguars beat the Colts by three and the Titans fell to the Broncos who are now level with the 2-2 Chargers, who slammed the Cardinals 41-10. The Chiefs, who are 3-0, are resting this week and will hope to extend their lead by winning next week.
In the NFC East, the Eagles slipped to the Redskins who now join them atop this one-time powerhouse of a division - they both own 2-2 records. The Cowboys and Giants, who have one win and two losses a piece, come off their bye next week needing a win to stay in the early race for confidence.
The Packers moved to three wins and must hope Chicago lost last night's game if they are to claim their rightful place as frontrunners in the NFC North. Minnesota are on a much needed bye week, and need to restart their challenge for their division with a win next week. The Lions fared well against the Packers this week, but ultimately feel short and slid to 0-4.
The Falcons kept the pressure on the Saints by winning their third straight. The defending world champion Saints also edged a close win over division slumpers, the Carolina Panthers. Although the Saints stand at 3-1, their wins have been thin triumphs and they will need to click as they did last year if they are to stop Matt Ryan and his Georgian birds from stealing the Division from under their noses.
And in the NFC West, the much-fancied San Francisco 49ers lost AGAIN. The Rams are looking good under rookie Sam Bradford's direction, and destroyed division stalwarts, the Seattle Seahawks. In lieu of Arizona's battering at the hands of a surging Chargers side, the Seahawks, Rams and Cardinals are locked in a three-way tie with .500 records.
Right now the Ravens, Jets, Texans, Chargers, Falcons, Packers and...believe it or not...the RAMS look like the teams to beat - great to see a few new faces amongst the elite. Long may the upsets continue.
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