NFL Roundtable: 49ers pursue perfection, while Chiefs regress

Every week we sit down with BetAmerica Extra columnists Ashley Anderson, James Scully and Scott Shapiro to discuss the latest news from around the NFL. This week they weigh in on the 49ers' perfect start, NFL expansion and Jameis Winston's uncertain future in Tampa Bay.

What's more surprising: the fact that the San Francisco 49ers are 5-0 or that the Kansas City Chiefs have now lost two straight?

Ashley:  The 49ers’ 5-0 record. Ahead of the season I would’ve predicted three losses by now, back when I expected Ben Roethlisberger to be healthy and the Browns and Rams to look a lot more dominant. I knew the Chiefs defense would be a liability, and now that opposing defenses are figuring out Patrick Mahomes, I’m not shocked to see Kansas City struggling.

James:  It's more surprising to see Kansas City lose two straight home games. San Francisco is certainly exceeding expectations, but I'm shocked to see Kansas City so vulnerable. Injuries are playing a major role, with Mahones limited by a bad ankle. And Kansas City’s defense is worse than expected, ranking ahead of only Miami and Washington in opponent time of possession (33:18).

Scott: It is more surprising that the Chiefs have lost two in a row, mainly because both games came at home, where in 2018 Kansas City finished the regular season with just one loss. The 49ers being undefeated through five games is somewhat of a surprise, but they have had a favorable schedule and were a team I had pegged as a longshot to contend in the NFC West and to win the conference.

The Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers dueled in London over the weekend. Which city do you think the NFL will expand into next?

Ashley: I think the NFL should consider Portland. It’s one of the most populous cities in the U.S. without an NFL franchise already in its state and has proven it can support professional teams. The Trail Blazers were seventh in average attendance in the NBA last season, and the Timbers ranked fourth in turnout in the MLS. Outside the U.S., Toronto would be an enticing option. Not only has it experienced success with its NBA and MLS franchises, but the Maple Leafs ranked fourth in NHL attendance in 2019.

James:  The Chargers should move back to San Diego, given the lack of local interest/home field advantage, but it won’t happen with a new stadium on the way. I envision the NFL expanding its international format if a 17-game schedule is enacted for 2021, with every team eventually playing one game outside the U.S. per year, in cities likes Paris, Hamburg, Toronto and Mexico City.

Scott: Given the success of its basketball team and the fact that the other three major sports in North America have teams there, I think Toronto is one of the likelier options as the next city for the NFL to expand into. The CFL has a presence there, but that league hasn't increased in popularity. Perhaps the NFL will have a club in this great city soon.

Jameis Winston turned the ball over six times against the Panthers. Will his carelessness finally cost him his starting job?

Ashley: With the way Teddy Bridgewater and Kyle Allen have been playing, most teams struggling at quarterback should feel encouraged to try out the second string. However, Buccaneers backup Ryan Griffin has never played in a regular-season NFL game, so the idea of starting him over Jameis Winston doesn’t invoke confidence. I expect Tampa Bay to ride it out with Winston for now, but the Bucs will seek his replacement in the draft. He’s clearly not the answer at quarterback.

James:  Jameis Winston is a turnover machine. This season will be his last in Tampa Bay, but his job is likely safe for the short term. Back up Ryan Griffin has never taken a snap in a real game, and the Buccaneers appear resigned to finding a new quarterback during the offseason.

Scott: In many cases Winston’s carelessness might land him on the bench, but not in Tampa. Ryan Griffin has never thrown a pass in the NFL, which makes him a difficult player to turn to mid-season. And head coach Bruce Arians has put as much of the blame on himself and the offensive line for Winston’s mistakes. I do not foresee Arians making a change after the Buccaneers' bye week.

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