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NFL contenders and pretenders after Week 4

By Rucker Haringey

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 8, 2019: Running back Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball in the third quarter of a game against the Tennessee Titans on September 8, 2019 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Tennessee won 43-13. (Photo by: 2019 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 8, 2019: Running back Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball in the third quarter of a game against the Tennessee Titans on September 8, 2019 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Tennessee won 43-13. (Photo by: 2019 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) /
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At the end of Week 4 there are 13 NFL franchises sitting with a 2-2 record. This piece examines which teams still have Super Bowl dreams on life support.

Last week we took a look at the select group of NFL teams that finished Week 3 with sparkling records of 3-0. This week we are shifting our focus towards the mediocre section of the league’s standings. Some 2-2 teams still have legitimate Super Bowl dreams while other teams should already be making plans for the 2020 NFL Draft.

As you might expect, the majority of teams with .500 records at this point in the season belong on the pretenders list. Still, there are a few who are still worthy of contender status. Let’s start by taking a look at the four 2-2 teams that still have a legitimate chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy when all is said and done.

The Contenders

Cleveland Browns

The Browns have bounced back from an ugly Week 1 loss to the Rams by playing pretty decent football. Sunday’s 40-25 trouncing of the Ravens sent an emphatic message to the AFC North that the road to the division title runs through Northeast Ohio.

The upside for Cleveland is getting Baker Mayfield more comfortable in the pocket. Nick Chubb had a legitimate coming out party against the overrated Ravens’ defense. If Mayfield can get the ball out of his hands quicker we could see the Browns go on an extended wining streak.

Baltimore Ravens

Losing to the Browns at home was a pretty big disappointment for the Ravens. Even so, the untapped potential left in quarterback Lamar Jackson leaves a clear path for Baltimore to improve as the season goes along.

The more important story line to watch in Baltimore is if the defense can get its act together. This group lost serious talent in the offseason and hasn’t looked good through four games. This isn’t the same caliber unit we’re used to seeing in recent years.

Philadelphia Eagles

Going into Lambeau Field and pulling out a 34-27 victory was a huge win for Carson Wentz and company. Lighting up what had previously been a really good Packers’ defense bodes well for the offense’s immediate future.

The questions in Philadelphia continue to surround their secondary. There’s talent in the group, but it can’t seem to find any measure of consistency. Even so, there’s plenty of time for the Eagles’ coaching staff to get the defense right and to get key players back from injury. They’re definitely contenders if a few things break right.

Minnesota Vikings

It’s really easy to pile on Kirk Cousins right now after the offense’s listless showing against the Bears. There’s still too much high-end talent on that side of the ball in Minnesota to declare their season over after four games.

It’s also important to note that the defense continues to play pretty good football. If they can get a little help from Cousins and company, the Vikings could take the NFC North by storm.

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