We are now four weeks into the 2016 NFL season and the picture for Super Bowl contenders is starting to get a little clearer. Some teams have soared so far while others have fallen flat. Let’s take a look at how things are shaping up.

Russell Wilson hands the ball off to Thomas Rawls.

Contenders

Denver Broncos: They have not slowed down after their Super Bowl win. A 4-0 start has shown that their team can still thrive on an average offense and exceptional defense. Another deep playoff run is in their sights if the defensive core can stay healthy.

Minnesota Vikings: Maybe a surprise 4-0 start after losing starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater for the year before the season even started, but this defense is not messing around. It has already confused the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, and Eli Manning.

Seattle Seahawks: Despite injuries to the offense the defense is as strong as ever (seeing a theme here?) Fans got quite a scare with Russell Wilson hurting his ankle, but he showed last game that won’t slow him down.

Pretenders

Los Angeles Rams: A 3-1 start isn’t fooling anyone. Despite a staunch defense this offense lacks support up front for rising star Todd Gurley. Don’t expect them to keep up this pretty record.

Atlanta Falcons: This team will go as far as their offense takes them. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones make up one of the most potent quarterback-wide receiver combinations in the league, but even their recent win over the Panthers was shadowed by concerns about the defense after giving up 23 fourthquarterpointstoletthemback into the game.

Houston Texans: Only the Rams have a worse point differential among division leaders. New quarterback Brock Osweiler has not yet lived up to his contract ,which has kept the offense from reaching its full potential.

Disappointments

Carolina Panthers: A year removed from going 15-1 and making a Super Bowl appearance the Panthers are 1-3 and appear all out of sorts. 2015 MVP Cam Newton has not shown up and now may have a concussion. The offensive line isn’t creating any lanes for running or stopping any defenders from hitting Newton. Last years dominating defense seems to have disappeared, most recently giving up 300 receiving yards to Julio Jones. They don’t have much time to figure things out before this season slips away.

Willy may be reached at
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