The NFL has given us many surprises so far this season. From game one to now teams have stepped up to show they are playoff contenders or have a bright future. Let’s take a look at the biggest surprises thus far.
3. Seattle Seahawks 
With so many changes in both players and coaches, no one knew how good this team would be. A lot of questions surrounded the offense when the season began, and rightfully so. Picking up a new quarterback and losing two veteran wide receivers screams inconsistency, and not to mention a new offensive coordinator calling the shots. But Sam Darnold has been delivering every Sunday and now has Seattle at 5-2, well in the competition to win the NFC West.
What many thought to be a dominant run game lacks the blocking up front to be truly explosive. Which means every game rests in Darnold’s hands. And it’s hard to lose when he can throw to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who is playing like the best receiver in the league right now. At this rate, he is on pace to break the single season reception yards and be just shy of the coveted 2,000 yards mark.
On the other side of the ball, the defense was projected to the strength of the team, which it has. They rank 10th in total defense and 1st in run defense, allowing just about 75 rushing yards per game. This wasn’t a surprise heading into the season, but paring this with an offense that can consistently move the ball through the air and you get a top 10 team that most people weren’t expecting.
2. Giants
Photo Cred: A to Z Sports
While the record doesn’t make you smile, there’s a lot of hope in New York. More specifically, two rookies taking the city, and the league, by storm. Jaxson Dart walked onto the field for the first time in week 4 and upset an undefeated Chargers team. Not only that, he was the game changer and has been since.
Sure he’s had his ups and downs but he has rejuvenated life into his team. His dual threat ability combined with his hard-nosed attitude sparks every fan in the stadium. And every great player needs a partner, so why not pair him up with a man who is willing to run through telephone polls?
Seriously, since Cam Skattebo began playing football as a child, he practiced contact by running into trees, poles, and anything else that won’t move. So when you put him in the backfield and give him a hole to hit with a linebacker in the way, he’ll do anything but back down from contact. You don’t need excellent blocking to pick up yards if it takes at least three defenders to bring this man down.
1. Colts
Photo Cred: SB Nation
By far the biggest surprise is the Colts being at 6-1. And it’s not just the fact that they are winning games, but it’s how. They have the most efficient offense and have punted the least amount of times.
They don’t turn the ball over, they don’t commit penalties, they just play sound football. Jonathan Taylor is a leading candidate for the Offensive Player of the Year award and when you turn on the tape, it’s easy to see why. He is averaging 5.3 yards per carry, which means it’s almost impossible to not gain a first down when he can get half the yardage necessary on any given down.
But he’s not even the main subject of their success. It’s Daniel Jones leaving the Giants and finding an offense that works for him. He is playing smart, fast, and safe. He finds the right read, isn’t afraid of taking a deep shot, and protects the ball. They play like every offensive coordinator’s dream- perfect execution. Nothing fancy, but no mistakes.
