Sports Krunch W/dkrom

NFL Week 3 began last week with an unexpectedly entertaining barn-burner between the Rams and 49ers with LA escaping an admirable San Francisco comeback by a score of 41-39. We arguably saw the best game of this young 2017 NFL season last night, but hopefully it is a sign of exciting games to come this weekend. And to help us preview those contests, it is a pleasure to welcome our good friend Hal Bent back to the program. Hal covers the Patriots for Scout media, MusketFire.com and Cover32.com.     Hal’s Twitter handle: @halbent01   Other Twitter handles: @MusketFire, @Cover32_NE   1. Does the Rams offense make them a legit playoff contender??   2. How encouraged should 49ers fans be about the long-term future under the Lynch/Shanahan regime??   3. Contender or Pretender?   • Lions • Falcons • Panthers • Ravens • Steelers • Broncos • Chiefs • Raiders • Would it surprise you if it turns out to be a three-team race for first in the AFC West until the very end?   4. Falcons/Lions   • Which