NFL News and Updates 2016: ESPN Asks Fans, 'Who's the Best 3-0 Team?' Patriots, Broncos Lead Poll
A lot of legendary runs in basketball come in fives. Basketball tournaments have their "Mythical Five"; the Michigan Wolverines college team had their Fab Five stars, and All-NBA teams had five of the best players of the season.
The 2016 NFL season, however, is witness to the rise of five noteworthy teams; all of which had not lost a single game in three weeks so far. Only two of the 3-0 teams will play in Week 4, with the possibility of stretching to 4-0 against light competition.
In light of their recent triumphs, ESPN pitted the five teams against each other in a fan poll, asking who the best among them is. The poll can be accessed here.
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New England Patriots
As of press time, the Pats are leading in the polls with 13,782 votes or 32 percent out of the five competing teams. It is no surprise to see them at the top, considering how they were always in the first two spots of ESPN's Power Rankings since the season started.
The Patriots still don't have Tom Brady on board, but they did not need their superstar to win three straight. Jimmy Garoppolo did wonders for the team before he got sidelined; rookie Jacoby Brissett looks to be adapting well with the team; and fourth-stringer Julian Adelman might as well be given big minutes at this point. They will face No. 22 Buffalo Bills next time out.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos are the hottest team in the NFL to date and they are leading the ESPN Power Rankings this week for good reason. Sophomore quarterback Trevor Siemian took the reigns, following the departure of legend Peyton Manning, but it looks like he's not much intimidated by the latter's shadow.
Their defense is also strong this year and they are averaging 111 rushing yards per game—production on both ends that might give them back-to-back Lombardis. They currently have 10,115 votes.
The Minnesota Vikings trail with 9,665 votes at the third spot, the Philadelphia Eagles have 8,047 votes and the Baltimore Ravens have 1,532. It is worth noting that the Vikings and Eagles engaged in a last-minute trade prior to the season, sending Sam Bradford and high draft picks to the Vikings as Teddy Bridgewater recovers.
Bradford is having one of the best years of his career at the starting QB spot. Carson Wentz, meanwhile, is showing the league that his rookie start is warranted for the Eagles and has yet to turn over the ball this season.
