Is it just me, or is this years NFL season one of the weirdest in recent memory?

Each year we have some teams who surprise and some teams who are the favorites.  However, this year, it’s almost as if everything has been flip-flopped.  Enter the evidence…

First, let’s start with the last two unbeaten teams: Chicago Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs

Let’s be honest.  No one, I repeat, no one expected those two teams to be good; let alone undefeated after 3 or 4 games.

Next, division leaders: Chicago, Atlanta, Arizona, Baltimore, and Kansas City.  There are ties in a few divisions: AFC South, all 4 teams are tied at 3-2. AFC East, Jets and Patriots are tied at 3-1 (as of this post, Jets are playing now).   NFC East, Washington, Philadelphia, and New York are tied at 3-2.

Of those teams mentioned above, how many were expected to win their division coming into the season?  I’m mostly recalling from memory, but I’d venture to say the only teams currently listed as division leaders were expected to be there: Jets and Ravens.

Division by Division Break down

NFC North

Most people expected the Packers or the Vikings to win that division.  Chicago was expected to be fighting off the Lions for the bottom half of the division.

NFC East

The Cowboys were the heavy favorite in this division.  Where are they? Dead last, and not showing any signs of turning it around soon.

NFC South

New Orleans Saints were again expected to be near the top of the NFC, and especially their division.  Yep, they’re looking up at Tampa Bay and the Atlanta Falcons!  I could have seen the possibility of Atlanta battling them for the division, but Tampa Bay? Not a chance.

NFC West

Don’t get me started with this one.  I’m a 49ers fan and it has been painful to watch them let games slip away this year.  San Francisco was predicted by many as a team on the rise, and likely to win this weakened division.  That will definitely not be happening this year, barring an unprecedented turnaround.  Arizona is surprising many by leading the division despite losing Kurt Warner to retirement.

AFC North & AFC East

These are the only two divisions in the NFL that seem to be playing out as expected.  The Jets and Patriots are battling for the division lead in the East and the Ravens and Steelers will be going at it for the North title.  The one surprisingly bad team in the North is the Cincinnati Bengals.  The Bengals were another team expected to turn the corner and compete, and so far, not happening.

AFC South

This division is going to be a dog fight down to the wire.  Each team is 3-2 and each division game will be extremely crucial to the outcome of this division.  Indianapolis was the most likely pre-season choice, but they’ve looked very beatable at times this season and the other 3 teams in this division play solid defense and run the ball extremely well.

AFC West

San Diego, Denver, and Oakland are all trailing the Chiefs! Seriously, the Chiefs have to be the biggest surprise in the NFL.  After getting to watch them play the Colts this past Sunday, I think they are for real.  Their defense made Peyton Manning look average and they have a ton of young, fast, and extremely talented players on their squad.  I’d say their weak spot is the passing game, but if their D plays to their capability, they may not need a huge contribution in the passing game.  San Diego and Denver were the pre-season favorites to win this division.

Obviously, we still have a long way to go to see how things unfold.  However, I’m going to officially stamp this as the weirdest NFL season in recent memory.