Yet there they are, following up two road defeats with a pair of home victories over Florida teams. It seems unfathomable, but a victory at Cleveland could put the Jets on top of the division.
From the tundra of Lambeau to the gap in the Texas Stadium roof to Jerry's palace.
New York Jets (2-2) at Cleveland (0-4)
The Lions are an officiating review that overruled a last-minute touchdown away from being unbeaten. They lead the league with 11 takeaways and seven interceptions. Carolina is a minus-5, with Newton being picked off that many times.
The 2004 draft's first round produced Eli Manning and Philip Rivers,Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys. Both have impressive — some would say Hall of Fame — credentials.
Carolina (3-1) at Detroit (3-1)
The Seahawks also have come alive on offense, gaining 910 yards overall in losing at Tennessee and beating Indianapolis at home. But rookie sensation RB Chris Carson broke his leg and is on injured reserve.
Good news out of Indy: Andrew Luck is practicing.
The Eagles haven't been doing it all — they rank 30th against the pass — yet they're atop the NFC's tough East division. In the clutch, Philly comes through, whether it's stopping the run (second overall) or finding balance with the ball. The Eagles have scored 20-plus points in eight consecutive games, the longest current streak in the NFL.
Arizona (2-2) at Philadelphia (3-1)
Off this week are Washington (2-2), New Orleans (2-2), Atlanta (3-1) and Denver (3-1)
The week's action began with New England's 19-14 victory at Tampa Bay.
Minnesota doesn't exactly like Illinois, where it has dropped 14 of its past 16 road games, including one in Champaign. With outstanding rookie RB Dalvin Cook tearing the ACL in his left knee last week, Latavius Murray will get plenty of work, but he's still not 100 percent after being limited through training camp following right ankle surgery.
But Miami could get a break because Titans QB Marcus Mariota left last week's debacle in Houston with a hamstring problem. Matt Cassel is the unremarkable backup.
Two weeks ago, these teams were undefeated. Then the Ravens' offense disappeared — the defense remains formidable — and the Raiders began getting hurt. In particular, quarterback Derek Carr damaged his back and will be replaced by E.J. Manuel this Sunday. Manuel must get better results on third downs: Oakland went 2 for 23 in the losses.
Takeaways could allow one team to, uh, take away the win. Baltimore leads the NFL with nine picks; Oakland has none. But the Ravens also have turned over the ball nine times.
Packers-Cowboys has been one of the NFL's most entertaining and meaningful rivalries for decades. Whether it was the Ice Bowl or A-Rod's impromptu pass to Jared Cook, people (and players and coaches) remember these matchups.
Seattle (2-2) at Los Angeles Rams (3-1)
Minnesota (2-2) at Chicago (1-3), Monday night
They could be tested by A.J. Green. The receiver has 15 catches for 174 yards and two TDs with new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor calling plays the past two games.
Defense has been the key to Buffalo's surprising start and first-place standing in the AFC East. The Bills have held all four opponents to 17 or fewer points, a franchise record to start a season. Only once have they yielded 300 yards so far.
Is there a more up-and-down bunch than the Jaguars? They romp in wins over Houston and Baltimore. They are inconsistent and at times inept, in losses to the Titans and Jets.
Tom Brady threw for 303 yards and one touchdown, and New England's porous defense showed signs of improvement. The Super Bowl champion Patriot (3-2) rebounded from a last-second loss to Carolina, despite Brady turning the ball over twice — on his first interception in eight regular-season games and a fumble on one of Tampa Bay's three sacks. Neither of the mistakes led to points for Tampa Bay (2-2), which was unable to do much offensively until the fourth quarter.
They'll be back at it on Sunday when Green Bay (3-1) visits Dallas (2-2).
Cowboys tight end Jason Witten recognizes why the Packers are so formidable, especially for Dallas.
Houston has come on defensively even without J.J. Watt being the major force. Watt does not have a sack, but he has 4? sacks, a forced fumble and fumble return combined in his past three meetings with KC.
Buffalo (3-1) at Cincinnati (1-3)
The Browns went 1-15 in 2016, winning in Game 15. For all the rebuilding and optimism, they appear to have regressed. Getting routed at home by previously winless Cincinnati was ugly.
This is only the third time they have faced off, and the Chargers have won the past three meetings, including 2005 with Rivers sitting beh