"The New England Patriots are leading the AFC East at 5-2, including a big win at Buffalo, a year after going 4-13 under Jerod Mayo. Mike Vrabel has brought a winning culture to New England and Drake Maye has developed into an elite quarterback in just his second season. The San Francisco 49ers are leading the NFC West at 5-2, including a road win over the Los Angeles Rams. They were 6-11 last season."
"And, the 49ers are doing it despite a slew of injuries to key starters. Mac Jones is 4-1 filling in for Brock Purdy even though most of the starting wide receivers are injured and All-Pro tight end George Kittle sat out five games. The defense lost four-time All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner and star edge rusher Nick Bosa to season-ending injuries. Yet, Kyle Shanahan's team finds ways to win."
Through seven weeks, two teams that finished last in 2024 are leading their divisions, and seven teams that missed the playoffs last season have at least four wins. The New England Patriots are 5-2 after a road win at Buffalo, with Mike Vrabel establishing a winning culture and Drake Maye emerging as an elite quarterback in his second season. The San Francisco 49ers are 5-2 and atop the NFC West despite injuries; Mac Jones is 4-1 filling in for Brock Purdy while George Kittle missed five games and the defense lost Fred Warner and Nick Bosa for the season. Since 2002, 25 teams have gone from worst in their division to first the next season, and the Patriots and 49ers could increase that total. The Indianapolis Colts are 6-1, the Chicago Bears have won four straight to reach 4-2, the Carolina Panthers have won three straight to reach 4-3, and the Jacksonville Jaguars sit at 4-3.
Read at Newsday
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