Days of beaches, warm weather, and embarrassing sunburns are all behind us. We shout goodbye to summer and scream hello to fall, with changing colors, sweatshirts, and romantic pictures of social media of new couples enjoying young love.

But honestly, does anyone care about any of that?

Fall truly means the return of football, both collegiate and professional. That is the most important aspect of fall. I have always been one to put sports above pretty much everything else, and with each year the obsession grows. This year, the return of football has been accompanied with a newfound zeal for the trend love of classic rock and roll. So while you are reading this article, go blast some ACDC or Led Zepplin and interrupt your nerd roommates' studying.

Yes, pro football is back. But really, it never left. With deflategate looming all spring and summer, the NFL was always in the back of your mind, whether you wanted it to be there or not. For me, it took precedence (as it always does) and I spend my Sundays procrastinating every inch of homework to watch the garbage-time minutes of the Raiders vs. the Rams. I know, I’m a terrible student. But college is about more than schoolwork. It’s about growing as a person, making connections and memories, as well as consistently and regularly ordering unhealthy food while watching eight straight hours of football on Sundays.

This year, the NFL has already been full of twists and turns, and it hasn’t even hit the first quarter mark of the season. Surprises, letdowns, and the same old team struggles continue to fill our Sunday afternoon schedules. Now, it may still be early on (it isn’t even October, which means my favorite classic movie, "Halloween," has yet to air), but it is time to evaluate the top teams in the league, and their foreseeable future as the temperatures drop and Christmas music harasses our ears. Let's begin our list of the top five teams with my personal favorite (surprise, surprise):

1. New England Patriots (3-0)

Thank you, Roger Goodell. Thank you so much, really. You crossed the line, and when justice was finally served, the Tom Brady revenge tour officially began. Not only is the competitively crazed Brady vying for another unprecedented championship, but he also is looking to rub it in everyone’s face that wronged him over the past off-season. If they repeat and defend their title, he should personally thank Goodell and send him a nice fruitcake. In reality, the Patriots look like a well-oiled machine that plays little-league teams. The offense is virtually unstoppable, scoring on nearly every possible possession. They are averaging 39.7 ppg. behind Tom Terrificand the Gronk. On the other side of the ball, the defense is executing their “bend, don’t break” strategy better than ever. With an improved front line and a deep linebacking corp, the front seven is making up for the lack of star power in the secondary. Barring injuries to Brady, this team will continue to excel as the season progresses. Age will not slow Brady down as he seeks a heralded fifth ring.

2. Green Bay Packers (4-0)

Another team, another dominant quarterback wearing number 12. The Packers, at some points, look virtually unstoppable on offense. Rodgers continue to play at the highest of levels, and when he is fully healthy (aka now) there is little to nothing opposing defenses can seem to do to slow him down. Injuries continue to pile up on this team, and while it has not affected them yet, the late season push could be difficult if stamina becomes an issue. But it seems wrong to say that with A-Rod playing flawlessly, and a revamped defense that has over 10 sacks combined in their last two contests. The Packers are finally off to a fast start, and come playoff time -- when home field is the most important factor -- Green Bay will benefit the most. They just do not lose at home, and I don’t see it happening much at any other point this season.

3. Denver Broncos (4-0)

It doesn’t look quite as pretty, nor does it look as effortless as Peyton Manning used to make it look a short time ago, but it is hard to argue with the win-to-loss column. Despite subpar performances by Manning in each of the first four games this year, the Broncos have come out on top in each of those battles. And the opponents are not walks in the park. Ravens, Chiefs, Lions, and Vikings: four quality football teams that the Broncos have taken on and defeated. It will be interesting to see Manning as the season goes on. His body will show some wear and tear, and it will be difficult for him to continue to play at a high level with his aging arm.

4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-0)

For the first time in Andy Dalton’s career, he looks poised to lead a team deep into the playoffs. The Bengals are a team on a fast start to the season, quickly jumping into a two-game division lead. With weapons galore, Dalton has many options in a balanced offensive attack. On the other side of the ball, the defense has been impressive, not allowing over 25 points in any of the four contests. In the past, this team hailing from Ohio has suffered late season catastrophes. But this could be a turning point year for a balanced team with an emerging quarterback.

5. Atlanta Falcons (4-0)

The surprise of the season so far has to be the Atlanta Falcons. A team projected to finish under .500, Matt Ryan and company have completely surprised the league and every analyst paid to make predictions. The Falcons have asserted their air dominance (literally, can you say Julio Jones?) as the best aerial animal team in the league. And they have taken care of business, both through the air and on the ground. Julio Jones has taken over as the most dominant receiver in the NFL. He is virtually unguardable, making plays over, around, and past opponents. It is a delight to watch him play. And over the past two weeks, Davonte Freeman has shown his ability as a runner. The second year back has back-to-back three-touchdown performances (as well as back-to-back 30-point fantasy performances; slow down, man, I need to win at some point). The Falcons are playing efficient football, unlike their slow start last year, and are a force to be reckoned with. The only problem: Cam Newton and the Panthers are also 4-0 in the division. And in an extremely deep NFC, the Falcons cannot afford to falter.

*Subject to change every week. The Coyne Power rankings are based on an algorithm combining win percentage, injuries, team match-ups, and a dabble of bias towards a certain team from New England.*

Cashin’ out for the week,

Ryan “Save that Money” Coyne