Hearts are title contenders
Let's quickly address the headline: no, Hearts are not yet Premiership title favourites. It would have been beyond fanciful to suggest it before a ball was kicked this season, and it remains a bold idea even now.
Celtic's squad is star-studded, and there is still an expectation that Hearts' momentum will halt. That said, the Jam Tarts are eight points clear at the top of the table - and they've earned that on merit.
Their 3-1 victory over Celtic in Edinburgh at the weekend capped a stunning run that's seen Derek McInnes' side scoop up 25 points from a possible 27, beating the Glaswegian duopoly along the way.
Hearts' performances so far this season have captured the imagination, with fans and pundits alike wondering if they could go all the way with their blend of old-school grit and sharp attacking nerve, spearheaded by Lawrence Shankland, Alexandros Kyziridis, and Claudio Braga.
They travel to St Mirren next, which is rarely an easy task, but with the Saints on a three-game losing streak, few would bet against McInnes' men extending their charge.
Another three points on the road would only deepen the good vibes at Tynecastle. After all, no one can catch them if they just keep winning.
Celtic continue to slide
Despite that eight-point gap, Celtic remain the bookies’ favourites to lift the Premiership trophy come the end of the season, if only because they’ve been here before. There's a belief that this squad, for all its current woes, will find a way to turn things around.
That reset could begin in Glasgow on Wednesday with a statement win over Falkirk, though in a season already rich in twists and turns, nothing can be assumed. After all, the Bairns head into the match having won their last two, while Celtic lost theirs.
That said, the season is long, and if Hearts’ surge slows even slightly, the points difference could easily be clawed back along the way.
But before any of that, Celtic first need to fix their own problems. They entered the clash with Hearts at the weekend with momentum, but were punished soundly by a team with their tails firmly up. Tactical misfires, a blunt attack, and injuries have given manager Brendan Rodgers a lot to think about, as murmurs of frustration ripple through the Parkhead crowd.
Celtic are expected to recover before it's too late, but if Hearts' eight-point lead stretches even further, we may soon be seriously discussing the possibility of new Scottish champions for the first time since 1985.
Rangers still a shadow
A change in the dugout was overdue at Ibrox, but Rangers’ problems were never going to be solved overnight.
A 3-1 win over an inconsistent Kilmarnock offered some relief, though when George Stanger cancelled out Derek Cornelius’ opener before half-time, a familiar unease was felt in the stands.
However, Rangers did what they've failed to do several times so far this season, and put their opponents to the sword in the second period - scoring twice through Danilo and Youssef Chermiti.
The win offers new manager Danny Rohl something to build on. Rangers remain 13 points off leaders Hearts and five behind Celtic, but there's an opportunity ahead.
A trip to Edinburgh to face third-placed Hibernian is up next. It's a daunting challenge, but it also provides an opportunity to leapfrog Hibs and edge closer to the top two spots.
Hibs have won their last two matches and will not be easy opponents. They can also at least take comfort in not having to prepare for a League Cup semi-final against their biggest rivals just four days later, as Rangers must at Celtic Park.
*Dundee FC and Livingston have already played 10 matches this season