Upon looking back at Week 4 of the NFL, we come to the sad realization that the regular season is already a quarter complete. After a stressful offseason that debated whether a season would even be played, the first four weeks have gone by in a flash. Still, that does not mean this hasn’t already been one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. We have rookies playing well above expectations, very young offensive powerhouses, and a to-be legendary hall of famer limited to calling plays from the coach’s box. As we head into our first bye week of the season, it’s time to analyze what has made this season so great already.

Biggest Surprises

5. Indianapolis Colts
(0-4), 4th in AFC South
    When news came out that longtime quarterback Peyton Manning would be out for part of the season, fans rightfully worried. Still, the Colts have great talent on both sides of the ball, so losing Manning won’t be that big of a setback…right? As it turned out, losing the greatest field general to ever play the game pretty much screwed the Colts out of even being a mid-tier team. And now that Manning won’t be able to practice until December, if ever again, it looks like it’s time for the Curtis Painter era. Good luck.

4. Washington Redskins
(3-1), Tied 1st in NFC East
    Before the season started, the big question was if quarterback Rex Grossman could win the starting position over the less experienced John Beck. Now, the question is if Grossman has actually matured into a legitimate quarterback threat. Along with a great running back committee and defense that’s actually making plays, this team has a great chance to make the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

3. Buffalo Bills
(3-1), Tied 1st in AFC East
    Much like Grossman in Washington, it’s amazing to see former Harvard quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick play at such a high level. With an explosive receiving core comprised of players whose average age is 25, this offense is putting up amazing numbers. Sure, they had a bad outing against Cincinnati last week, but don’t be surprised to see them compete for the AFC East title all season long.
 
2. Philadelphia Eagles
(1-3), 4th in NFC East
    Even with a losing record, the Eagles are still a great team and have the talent to be a playoff contender. Injuries to quarterback Michael Vick can attribute to two losses, but there’s a bigger picture here. The self-proclaimed “Dream Team” had big leads in the third quarter of their last three games and they managed to blow all of them. If they don’t learn how to finish games, it could be a long season in Philadelphia.

1. Detroit Lions
(4-0), Tied 1st in NFC North
    Everyone knows the Lions are far from their winless season in 2008, but holy crap, these guys are damn good. Both quarterback Matthew Stafford and receiver Calvin Johnson (aka “Megatron”) are emerging as two of the greatest players of their respective positions. As long as Stafford stays healthy, expect this team to do great things this season and in years to come.

Top Rookies to Watch

5. QB Andy Dalton- Cincinnati Bengals
868 Passing Yards, 4 Passing TDs, 1 Rushing TD, 4 INTs
    This is the year of young quarterbacks trying to prove themselves. Sure, Dalton’s numbers aren’t exceptional, but he’s proven to have a very strong and accurate arm. He is obviously something special since bringing his alma mater TCU from obscurity to contention. The NFL presents a steep learning curve, but once he gets it, great things will happen.

4. DT Nick Fairley- Detroit Lions
    You might notice that I didn’t include any statistics over Fairley’s performance so far this year. That reason is simply because he hasn’t played yet. Recovering from a broken foot he suffered in August, Fairley could play as early as next week. When he’s healed, playing adjacent to Detroit’s other brute tackle, Ndamukong Suh, will provoke wonderful things.

3. RB Mark Ingram- New Orleans Saints
53 Rushing Attempts, 184 Yards, 1 TD
    Ingram hasn’t put up great numbers, but he’s due for a breakout game. Although hasn’t had a monster game, signs of greatness have been shown. There will be a time when the Saint’s won’t be able to rely on quarterback Drew Brees’ arm, and Ingram will answer his call in divine fashion.

2. WR A.J. Green- Cincinnati Bengals
19 Receptions, 312 Receiving Yards, 2 TDs
    Obviously, Green hasn’t put up even decent numbers for a number-one wideout, but the talent is there. Look for the chemistry to grow between him and quarterback Andy Dalton, as they have already made some spectacular plays. Green could form to be “Megatron’s” “Optimus Prime” by rivaling in spectacular catches. Yeah, I went there.

1. QB Cam Newton- Carolina Panthers
1,386 Passing Yards, 5 Passing TDs, 4 Rushing TDs, 5 INTs
    Coming off a year where he won both the Heisman and the National Championship, Newton was expected to do great things…in the future. Absolutely no one foresaw one of the greatest performances by a rookie quarterback in his first four games. No, you didn’t call it, now put your hand down. Despite his team having only a 1-3 record, the raw talent of this kid is obvious. He will do great things in the NFL.

Top Teams in the League

5. New England Patriots
(3-1), Tied 1st in AFC East
    New England’s first two games were standard affair. Tom Brady throws enough touchdowns to win, regardless of the defense’s performance. After an embarrassing collapse against Buffalo in Week 3, it was time to change the gameplan. With a balanced offensive attack and a young defense getting the hang of things, the team looks more than qualified to win the AFC East their third straight year.

4. New Orleans Saints
(3-1), Tied 1st in NFC South
    The Saint’s passing attack is second in the league only behind the marvelous arm that is Tom Brady. Even with receiver Marques Colston out for a few games, quarterback Drew Brees still manages to get it done. Their only loss was against the Green Bay Packers, who had just unraveled their 2010 Super Bowl championship banner. No one’s going to win that game, I don’t care if you have 11 Emmitt Smith’s on the field.

3. Baltimore Ravens
(3-1), 1st in AFC North
    The Raven’s only bad showing this year was against the Tennessee Titans, who are still a pretty good team. Other than that game, their defense has been dominant while the offense hasn’t scored fewer than 34 points. Defensive leaders Ed Reed and Ray Lewis are somehow still playing football as if they’ve just reached their prime, and running back Ray Rice’s breakout year is due. With a pretty easy schedule, and an offense that laughs in the face of the league’s best defenses, there is much to look forward to.

2. Detroit Lions
(4-0), Tied 1st in NFC North
    What’s more to say about the Lion’s that I haven’t already? They’ve played some close games, but the team is still young and will only improve as each game is played. And I must reiterate a point. Have you seen some of the plays from Stafford to Johnson!? They would be a shoe-in for the playoffs if it weren’t for them being in the same division as the Packers. Speaking of which…

1. Green Bay Packers
(4-0), Tied 1st in NFC North
    Ladies and gentlemen, your Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers are here, and they’re here to stay. Their offense is even more stacked than in last year’s Super Bowl thanks to a healthy Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley. And that defense is still ferocious. Expecting a tight race against the Lions, the division champion could be decided solely on who puts on the better performance in each of their games against each other. I give the edge to Aaron Rodgers.