I’m not wavering from my pre-season picks. But…
My pre-season pick–Chargers vs. Saints–could very well happen. Today, though, New Orleans vs. Kansas City seems to be a popular pick. It’s hard to argue against that pairing.
But, in truth, any one of seven teams could end up hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. Here’s my profile of each.
Seven Contenders
Patriots: The answer is straightforward: as long as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are a team, you can never count out New England.
Courtesy: Thesportsgrid.com
Ravens: Baltimore’s defense can hang with anyone, proven so by smashing the Chargers last week and taking over the AFC North lead. QB Lamar Jackson (and his ability to run for positive yards) gives defenses and D-coordinators nightmares.
Chargers: Despite the recent loss to those Ravens, the Chargers are a complete team. That’s the reason why they’ve won 11 times so far this season. Besides the Patriots, the Bolts are the only team to beat both the Chiefs and Steelers.
Chiefs: For my money, KC has the best offense in the league. Patrick Mahomes has put together an MVP season, and the team hasn’t missed a beat since Kareem Hunt’s departure. The defense–the team’s sore spot–is playing better and getting healthier. Bottom line? It will take 30+ points to beat KC. The Chiefs also have one of the best home-field advantages in football. If the road to Atlanta goes through Arrowhead, then we could see KC in its first Super Bowl since the days of Len Dawson and Hank Stram.
Who would have thought he’d be THIS good?! (photo, Chiefs Wire-USAToday)
Saints: New Orleans, the most balanced team in the league as I see it, has already locked down the #1 seed in the NFC. Strategically, a dome team with a #1-seed has a tremendous advantage because it won’t have to play an outdoor game in January. And Drew Brees is playing as well as he has ever played. That’s scary! New Orleans also has a two-headed monster–at running back and receiver. Add it all up, and it makes the Saints the favorite to come out of the NFC.
Seahawks: Russell Wilson is playing like an MVP again. And–surprise–a new “Legion of Boom” may be forming on defense. Bobby Wagner is in the running for Defensive Player of the Year. Witness how Seattle just handed Pat Mahomes and the Chiefs. But what impresses me most is how this team plays in the final quarter. Wilson is a master of fourth-quarter comebacks. Despite a spotty record, the Seahawks are the last team you want to see in January.
Courtesy: barstoolsports.com
Bears: Before the season started, I could never imagine saying this: the Chicago Bears are Super Bowl contenders! The Bears have one of the NFL’s best defenses, and they need one, too. That’s because the offense is not what I’d call ‘formidable.’ Yes, Chicago can run the ball pretty well and Mitchell Trubisky can make plays out of the pocket, but passing has been an issue all season. Credit Coach of the Year candidate, Matt Nagy, for figuring out how to use his players to optimal advantage. If the Bears play turnover-free football and the defense continues to be lights out, these Bears could be the last team standing.
My Picks
I’m sticking with my pre-season pick–Chargers beating the Saints–with Phillip Rivers getting his first (and well deserved) Super Bowl ring.
Could it be these two in Super Bowl? (photo, Sporting News)
In my opinion, those are the two most complete teams in the league. And I admire the fact that no player on either team takes off a play.
But let me also say this: I appreciate solid defensive play. If a defense shuts down a high powered offense, I stand up and applaud.
So…if Super Bowl Sunday ends up Ravens v. Bears, I’ll happily watch ‘Smash Mouth’ football!
