AFC so far.....3 weeks

[Bengalstripes9]

(09-27-2021, 02:25 PM)fredtoast Wrote: No one is going to stuff the Brown run game as long as Chubb and the O-line are healthy.

Chubb is in his 4th season and has never had an per carry average under 5.0.  It is 5.5 this season and 5.2 for his career.  He could actually have an MVP type season behind that offensive line.

Ravens have no healthy RBs or good WRs.  Lamar is a freak, but if you beat him up and keep him some what under control that offense is very vulnerable.

I agree. The Ravens are certainly lacking in the skill positions. Their oline isn't bad though. And even their backup running backs are decent. But if you can contain Lamar, you can shut that offense down. Their defense is very good though. They're definitely going to be in the top 2 or 3 teams in the division. If they miss the playoffs that would be crazy--and most likely due to injuries piling up. 

The Browns are just so loaded at oline. They invested heavily there and it's payed dividends. They've got a good defense as well. They are the toughest run game to stop--and a big reason we loaded up on the dline the past couple years. I don't see them missing the playoffs either.

You're right not to count the Steelers out of it too. But their line looks really shaky. If they get healthy on defense, they'll be in a lot of games. They shut down the Bills impressively in week one (an extremely difficult task). They've got loads of talent at the skill positions as well. But without an oline, they are going to struggle offensively. I see them dropping to 1-4, but bouncing back if they get healthy. I don't see them making the playoffs though.

I think the Bengals will be on the verge of a playoff birth. But there's a lot thats up in the air. The offense needs to improve. We see glimpses, but no consistency as you pointed out. Gotta get better on 3rd down and along the oline to give Burrow more time. Gotta do a better job of getting off the field on 3rd down on defense as well. But the defense looks a lot better. I see us as just outside the playoffs, or making the wild card. But they have a lot of talent. It is possible that they win the division. There's just so much up in the air with a lot of their talent being young and inexperienced, and you never know what will happen with injuries. Tough to know what to expect yet.