Through Week 9, there are five clear-cut contenders for the Lombardi Trophy. Here they are.
We all know twelve teams will make it into the NFL postseason. But how many are capable of playing in Miami on February 1? Based on season performances so far, here are the five clubs I believe have a legitimate shot.
New England Patriots (8-1)
Courtesy: Jackson Progress-Argus
Tom Brady is still a top-notch quarterback, and it looks like he could play until he’s 50.
But the storyline for NE this year is defense! Ranked #1, some people say it’s because they haven’t played tough teams. Well, they did last Sunday against the Ravens, and the defense cracked a bit.
But let’s face it: the Patriots are coached by the greatest schemer that the NFL has ever seen, Bill Belichick. New England has the ingredients to make yet another run at a Super Bowl Championship.
San Francisco 49ers (8-0)
Kyle Shanahan (photo, Head Coaching Ranking)
Kyle Shanahan has these 49ers rolling!
The defense is ranked in the top 5, and so is the offense. And here’s a shout-out to Nick Bosa, who has lived up to his hype. The 49ers also have the best running attack in the league.
But there’s a problem.
This is an unproven team that hasn’t played under pressure against top-notch competitors. If it can–and the Niners will get a test on Sunday v. Seattle–then watch out!
The 49ers could be the NFL entry on February 1.
New Orleans Saints (7-1)
Here’s another team that’s solid on both sides of the ball. Another playoff appearance is likely … even though Drew Brees has been on the shelf.
But Drew’s injury may be a good thing in the long run. It means that he’ll be fresh for the stretch run. The Saints know they have a capable backup in Teddy Bridgwater. He’s a big reason why the Saints haven’t missed a beat.
Add Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara to the mix, and New Orleans has a recipe for Super Bowl Sunday.
Baltimore Ravens (6-2)
Jackson powered Ravens past the Pats (photo, CBS Sports)
Lamar Jackson! He’s having himself an MVP year. The Ravens run-heavy offense is taking advantage of Jackson’s elusiveness with Mark Ingram, Jr. doing the heavy lifting.
The Ravens made a strong case as an SB contender by dropping 37 on the Patriots last Sunday. It was a win that put the league on notice.
Look for Baltimore to make the playoffs and quite possibly be the AFC rep in Miami. At the very least, I’ll say this to anybody who plays this team: GOOD LUCK!
Kansas City Chiefs (6-3)
The Chiefs are 2-1 since Patrick Mahomes went out of the lineup. Matt Moore has filled in fine, but the Chiefs need Mahomes to make a run. With luck, he’ll be back under center this Sunday or in Week 11.
In the meantime, Mahomes has even more time to do film study.
But the big question in KC isn’t about Mahomes’ health. It’s the same question we asked last year: Is the Chiefs’ defense capable of getting this team to the Super Bowl?
The jury is still out.
Close teams
Packers (7-2): Matt Lefleur and Arron Rodgers can co-exist, the other Aaron (Jones) is excellent.
Texans (6-3): DeShaun Watson!, surprisingly good ground game, sneaky good defense.
Seahawks (7-2): Russell Wilson and wideouts, no pressure on them, Pete Carroll.
