Contenders with concerns

9. Los Angeles Rams (0-1) 10. Green Bay Packers (0-1) 11. Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) 12. New Orleans Saints (1-0) 13. Denver Broncos (0-1) 14. Indianapolis Colts (0-0-1)

After entering the season among the favorites to win the NFC, the Rams and Packers were left to answer some tough questions about their future. The Rams insist that quarterback Matthew Stafford’s throwing elbow is fine, but he didn’t look like his usual self in Thursday’s loss to the Bills. Aaron Rodgers, meanwhile, seemed to miss star receiver Davante Adams, who finished with more receiving yards in Week 1 with the Raiders (141) than the rest of Green Bay’s wide receivers combined (120). Both teams are still talented enough, particularly on defense, to remain near the top of the conference, but they should no longer be considered the favorites.

Last year’s surprising AFC champions, the Bengals, got off to just about the worst possible start in a 23-20 overtime loss to the Steelers. Quarterback Joe Burrow turned the ball over five times (four interceptions, one fumble), kicker Evan McPherson missed a 29-yard field goal in overtime and had a game-winning extra-point attempt blocked at the end of regulation, and the defense couldn’t stop quarterback Mitchell Trubisky on the final drive that led to Chris Boswell’s game-winning 53-yard field goal. The offensive line, thought to be improved with freeagent signings this offseason, struggled once