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2018 NFL Season: Contenders and pretenders among 2-0 teams

By Erik Lambert

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Chris Conley #17 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Tyreek Hill #10 after a 15 yard touchdown reception in the first quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Chris Conley #17 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Tyreek Hill #10 after a 15 yard touchdown reception in the first quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 16: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts with his teammates after throwing a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 16: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts with his teammates after throwing a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Contender

The Buccaneers just took down two playoff teams from last season including the defending Super Bowl champions with their backup quarterback. It’s hard not to be impressed by that. The offense is absolutely stacked with talent in the passing game including Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Chris Godwin and O.J. Howard. Their defense is also getting healthier with the return of 1st round pick Vita Vea. Will they go back to Jameis Winston after this week? Either way, this group looks ready to ascend.

Denver Broncos:  Pretender

Playing in a somewhat wide open division is a big benefit to the Broncos but it doesn’t feel like this team has really put their foot down on what are two rather bad opponents. They narrowly edged the Seahawks at home 27-24 and then narrowly edged the Raiders 19-17. Beating two what appear to be bad team by narrow margins is not the sign of a contender. Their defense is good but their offense remains a big question mark, particularly when it comes to turnovers.

Cincinnati Bengals:  Pretender

Since when have the Bengals ever delivered on a promise? This team is off to yet another good start under Marvin Lewis, beating two fairly decent teams. Their offense looks strong and the defensive front seven can be nasty. That can sustain them throughout the season and maybe even get them the division title based on how bad the Steelers and Ravens have looked. Yet the ending would be the same: a quick playoff exit. They may not even get that far.

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