The NFL season is finally here, and it has had no shortage of dramatics.  Teams have fallen from the top and risen from the bottom, and this is just week four.

The biggest shock this season has to be the New England Patriots.  The Patriots are consistently one of the best teams in the NFL, but this year is different.  This year, the Patriots opened up the season with a 3-0 record despite starting a second string quarterback (third string after Jimmy Garoppolo got injured in week 2), a second string running back, and a second string tight-end. Injuries and suspensions have plagued the Patriots’ depth chart, but have had no apparent effect on the team’s ability to play.

The Philadelphia Eagles are a team that has exhibited a surprising amount of potential after their 3-0 start, placing them among the last five undefeated teams remaining. This is a roster built behind a rookie quarterback and committee of running backs, yet the team has still managed to get the job done. It’s possible that their success is accredited to a major change in the coaching staff after Chip Kelly took his hurry-up-offense scheme to the 49ers, but regardless the reason, the Eagles’ stuff is working.

Not only has this season been full of pleasant surprises, but also some disappointing let-downs.  The Carolina Panthers are coming back after a loss in last year’s Super Bowl, and it seems as though the disappointment has only continued.

The Panthers are off to a 1-2 record to open the season, which is shocking after the team almost finished undefeated last year.  In their defense, their two losses were suffered to two of the best teams in the league this season, as the Vikings and Broncos both remain undefeated.

With each week will only come more drama, so it is likely that this breakdown is only the tip of the iceberg.