We’re over halfway through the NFL season, and a clear
picture is developing regarding the league’s elite teams. Excitingly, there
isn’t really one team that stands head and shoulders above their peers,
ensuring what should be a very hotly-contested playoff that lacks a clear
favorite. That lack of a singular standout team doesn’t mean that there’s a
lack of quality; three teams are carrying just one loss, while four others have
only lost twice.
So who might win the Super Bowl? Here are ten teams who
have demonstrated that they may well have what it takes.
(10) HOUSTON
TEXANS
It would be foolish to ignore the team that is currently
one of the hottest in the NFL. The Texans have won six in a row on the strength
of a solid defense and an offense that is slowly improving as Deshaun Watson
gets progressively healthier. They now lead the AFC South, and their three division
foes look too inconsistent to really push them. They lack the elite talent and
depth of their peers, but a sturdy defense that doesn’t allow many points
combined with the Watson-DeAndre Hopkins connection means they always have a
chance.
(9) PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
It’s safe to say that Philadelphia’s Super Bowl defense
has been less-than-inspired, but it’s still too soon to count out the reigning
champions. For all the frustration over their performances, only four teams
have allowed fewer points this season. The offense has too often been a
letdown, but there appears to be room to grow there. Carson Wentz doesn’t look
like he’s experiencing any enduring impacts from his injury, and the addition
of Golden Tate should only help the receiving corps. Their run game, however,
needs to improve for them to reach the heights of 2017.
(8) CAROLINA
PANTHERS
Unfortunately, the Panthers occupy the same division as
the New Orleans Saints, which means a division title will take some real heavy
lifting. Carolina still looks bound for a playoff spot, though, and they’ll be
a big threat in the NFC once they get there. Cam Newton is performing well, and
the threat of Christian McCaffrey in the backfield has helped diversify the
offense. Add in the fact that they have a sound defense, and this is a team
that, while not elite, is well-rounded enough to make a playoff run.
(7) LOS ANGELES
CHARGERS
Despite the fact that Joey Bosa still hasn’t played this
season, the Chargers are still in good shape for a playoff run. They’ve won
five in a row behind generally strong offensive play, and no AFC West team has
allowed fewer points than the Chargers have. Bosa is expected to return this
season to provide an even bigger boost. Their December clash with the Kansas
City Chiefs should be a marquee matchup that could ultimately decide the
division.
(6) MINNESOTA
VIKINGS
The Vikings have underperformed this year, but it’s easy
to see where corrections have already taken place. A better kicking game would
have gotten them a win at Green Bay instead of a tie, and their awful
performance against the Buffalo Bills has to go down as a very baffling fluke
at this point. They’ve played the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams tough
on the road, but they’re not as good as either yet. They could be, particularly
if their highly-touted defense comes together, as the Kirk Cousins-led passing
offense has done as well as it was expected to.
(5) NEW ORLEANS
SAINTS
The Saints proved themselves with their win over the Los
Angeles Rams, with their opponents proving unable to stop them when the ball
was in Drew Brees’ hands. Only two teams have scored more points than the
Saints this season, and their offense will be a massive challenge to whoever
faces them in the playoffs. Concerns linger over their defense, which has shown
itself to be vulnerable at various points and isn’t as good as it was last
year. They may just be able to outscore their foes anyway.
(4) NEW ENGLAND
PATRIOTS
After a very shaky start to the season, nobody is
doubting the Patriots anymore. Tom Brady is well on his way to another
30-touchdown season, and the offense has become a top five unit in terms of
points scored. They’ve been able to win without Rob Gronkowski or Sony Michel
healthy, so they could be a real force if those players regain top form.
Concerns over the defense remain, but the unit has improved since having some
real early-season problems. Wins over the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay
Packers at home demonstrate just what these guys are capable of. Plus, no team
has more playoff experience or a proven track record of postseason success.
(3) PITTSBURGH
STEELERS
After a very shaky start to the season, the Steelers have
rounded into form. They’ve won four in a row, and they’ve held three of their
opponents during that span less than 20 points. Perhaps more impressively, the
offense hasn’t suffered that much during Le’Veon Bell’s extended absence, as
Ben Roethlisberger continues to rack up the yardage. James Conner has ably
stepped into the running back position and kept the team moving well. Now that
the Bell drama is over the Steelers can now focus on playing football and get
to the Super Bowl
(2) LOS ANGELES
RAMS
Don’t let their loss at New Orleans fool you. The Rams
fell well behind and fought back to make it a game that they very much could
have won. The numbers bear out their dominance, as the Chiefs are the only team
that have outscored them overall in 2018. Their defense is better than Kansas
City’s, though, and while not elite, it doesn’t really have to be if the offense
is clicking. They’ve seen off both the Chargers and Vikings at home and are
going to be an extremely formidable foe. Don’t expect a repeat of last year’s
quick playoff exit.
(1) KANSAS CITY
CHIEFS
The adage may be that defense wins championships, but the
Chiefs are looking to show that offense can do it too. Through nine games,
they’re the only team with 300 points scored, and their only loss was plenty
forgivable: a 43-40 defeat at New England. They’ve even won on the road against
both the Steelers and the Chargers, and the sensational Patrick Mahomes is
already on the verge of passing 3,000 passing yards. In a year of great
offenses, Kansas City’s is the best, and they’re going to be enormously
dangerous to anyone who faces them.
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