When the season started many pundits expected New England to regain supremacy in the AFC with the return of Tom Brady. Others figured the return to health of Shawne Merriman and LaDainian Tomlinson would give San Diego a shot at finally breaking through. Still more observers figured Peyton Manning would lead Indianapolis back to Super Bowl glory.

Early on these predictions don’t look good.

New England held New York to 16 points Sunday but couldn’t score against the improving Jets’ defense. And last week Fred Jackson and the Bills ran all over New England, controlling most everything about the game except the final score.

As the fourth quarter of tonight’s Monday nighter begins the Indianapolis defense has been on the field for about 80 of the game’s 45 minutes so far. Why? Because Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown are running over, around, above and under the Colts. Indy has long been undersized on the defensive line, but this performance is among the worst this team has put forth in years.

Both teams also look old and tired – especially New England, where several defensive leaders have retired or left. The trade of Richard Seymour will pay off in the long run but it added a hole to a defense that reportedly was already looking for a pass rush in the preseason.

And Baltimore and Oakland have both run the ball well against San Diego, with the Ravens pulling off a win when Ray Lewis stopped Darren Sproles on a questionable call at the end of the game.

So who looks good so far?

Well, it’s tough and way too early to judge based on two games. But Baltimore has been very impressive. Long a defensive power, quarterback Joe Flacco, in his second year, looks at best like a star and at worst like a very, very solid NFL quarterback. They gave up too many yards through the air to Philip Rivers, but the big-play defense answered the bell when it needed to in week two after a comfortable win against Kansas City in week one.

Pittsburgh, despite losing a game it shouldn’t have to Chicago, has been impressive – especially given the injury to Troy Polamalu – for the most part through games with Tennessee and the Bears.

And the aforementioned Jets, under Rex Ryan’s leadership, appear to be emerging as well. This is going to be a really nice team when it’s all said and done.

Again, two games don’t make a season. But if early returns provide any indication, the Jets and Ravens could be joining the Steelers and replacing the Colts and Patriots as the class of the AFC.