Week 1 hit like a freight train, and the fallout is still shaking up the league! Colin Cowherd just dropped his updated “Herd Hierarchy” on Tuesday, and let me tell you, it’s a seismic shift, especially for the Los Angeles Rams. They’ve plummeted clean out of his top 10 after a tough loss to the 49ers, compounded by the absolutely brutal news that Myles Garrett is heading to injured reserve. Cowherd’s still got faith in the Rams’ long-term outlook, but without Garrett on the field, he simply can’t keep them in his top tier. Too many question marks, you know?
It wasn’t just the Rams catching a demotion; the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos also got shown the door from Cowherd’s elite group. Week 1 was a total rollercoaster, unpredictable as anything, which means plenty of teams still have a shot to claw their way onto that list. But right now, the early season landscape looks completely different than anyone expected, and it’s got fans talking across the country.
Early Season Surprises and Shifting Power
So, who is Cowherd looking at? The Eagles, for one, are “maddening,” according to him. Five three-and-outs in a game? Seriously? But he also says they’ve got the “best roster in the NFL,” and Jalen Hurts is leading the league in completions, touchdowns, and pass attempts over 25-plus yards. Cowherd even thinks they’re *better* without A.J. Brown, believing they’ll spread the ball around more. You can’t just ditch the team he picked to win a division after one “ugly outing,” right?
Then there are the Bengals, who Cowherd pegs as the “second-most-improved team” and a definite playoff squad. He’s high on Chase Brown, calling him the “best running back in the NFL,” pointing to his “touchdown and a half” over his last six games. Plus, they “bought a defense” that’s “much bigger, much faster and much more physical” with guys like Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, and Cashius Howell. That defense is a game-changer; give Joe Burrow a little help, and he’s a playoff quarterback, no doubt.
Talent, Culture, and a Run Game Revival
Don’t sleep on the Giants, either. Cowherd doesn’t care what anyone says, those guys are *talented*. He sees a culture issue, not a talent one. I mean, Abdul Carter and Brian Burns on the edge? Tell me you’ve seen a better edge rushing tandem! And with Malik Nabers, Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Arvell Reese, and that monster offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, who had 36 pass blocking snaps without allowing a hit? Talent is absolutely not the problem. Sure, they could use another corner, but it’s been about coaching, culture, and health. Andrew Thomas, too; these dudes are not the issue. Cowherd had them as the most improved team for a reason.
Even the mighty Kansas City Chiefs are getting a fresh look. Cowherd admits they might be ranked low, but he watched their run game, and “wow.” He’s comparing it to the days of Priest Holmes and Jamaal Charles! He thought it was super smart they didn’t have Patrick Mahomes throwing deep all the time; a really “smart, intentional game plan.” It makes you wonder about Bo Nix and the defense, but you gotta admit, Andy Reid off a bye or in September is “no fun to play.” That was an impressive performance, even if some of you don’t want to admit it.
Week 2 is just around the corner, and after that Week 1 chaos, every snap matters. These early season trends set the stage, and with so much movement already, who knows what next week’s rankings will bring? Buckle up, it’s gonna be a wild ride.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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