New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks into the crowd after giving his team a 27-7 lead with a touchdown pass to Shane Vereen (34) against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter of action at Gillette Stadium. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)
THREE UP
1. Patriots: Forgot slot receivers. Julian Edelman is great by any standard. He has scored 10 TDs in past nine games counting the playoffs.2. Packers: RB Eddie Lacy is good for 85 to 90 yards per game from scrimmage, balance that makes Aaron Rodgers more dangerous.
3. Bengals: They haven’t won a playoff game since 1991. But this team is built like a championship contender. Andy Dalton, yes, Andy Dalton is the league’s top-ranked quarterback. Team looking for first 5-0 start since 1988.
THREE DOWN
1. Dolphins: Nice showing in London. Joe Philbin is a good man, but not a leader of men. New coach Dan Campbell looking to change culture. Dismissed defensive coordinator and ran ‘Oklahoma’ drill in Wednesday’s practice.2. Lions: Itap official: the officials ruined their season. Not that Detroitap offense hasn’t done its part in sabotage.
3. Chiefs: They boasted of title chances before the season. They are one loss from their season swirling down the drain.
