Every year, we see NFL teams make a complete turnaround from the year before and become playoff contenders. Some of these are for real, while others are mere pretenders. This year there are a few teams that look to be Super Bowl contenders, of which I will put under a microscope in this piece. As a side note, this does not include Peyton’s Broncos or the reigning world champion Seahawks.
So… who do you think will be hanging with me in Arizona come February? #SB49 pic.twitter.com/QnXRQyFLmS
— Super Bowl (@SuperBowl) September 4, 2014
1. Detroit Lions (7-2, 1st in the NFC North) – The Lions don’t seem to be getting enough love for what they have accomplished so far this year. Despite being in a multitude of close games, quarterback Matthew Stafford also seems to come up clutch in the fourth. They are currently one game up on the Green Bay Packers and pose a legitimate chance of making the playoffs. Free agent acquisition Golden Tate has been tremendous with 66 catches for 909 yards throughout what has been an injury-plagued season for Calvin Johnson. The defense has also been impressive led by leader tackler, DeAndre Levy, and a tantalizing defensive line featuring Ndamukong Suh and Ezekiel Ansah. This week they take on the Arizona Cardinals, who will be without starting quarterback Carson Palmer.
2. Cleveland Browns (6-3, 1st in the AFC North) – In what was supposed to be the start of the Johnny Football era, this season has ended up being all about Brian Hoyer. While he hasn’t been amazing, Hoyer has been able to give the Browns a chance to win ballgames. The Browns do have a solid defense led by All-Pro cornerback Joe Haden. Furthermore, expect the offense to get a boost when Josh Gordon returns from suspension in week 12. Gordon put together one of the most impressive seasons last year, piling up 87 receptions for 1646 yards and 9 touchdowns in only 14 games. Adding a threat like that to the three-headed backfield of Terrance West, Ben Tate, and Isaiah Crowell will keep the Browns in the running. Week 11 sees the Browns play host to the Houston Texans, who are making a quarterback change to Ryan Mallett.
3. San Francisco 49ers (5-4, 3rd in NFC West) – After seeing what Jim Harbaugh has been able to do in the past, I’ve learned you can never count him out. Last week’s win was huge for them, as they looked to be done until Colin Kaepernick found Michael Crabtree free behind the defense. They’ll have some work to do to just get into the playoffs, but if they do make it, watch out. A pair of matchups with the Seattle Seahawks may hold strong implications on their future. Losing Patrick Willis for the season and Navorro Bowman’s knee injury are going to create some questions for the linebacking core, which will now have to start Chris Borland and Michael Wilhoite. However, Aldon Smith will be back for this week’s matchup, which should help bring some more pressure to the opposing quarterbacks. With a strong running game and stellar defense, can Colin Kaepernick make enough plays to make another run at a Super Bowl?
4. Kansas City Chiefs (6-3, 2nd in AFC West) – It has definitely been an impressive second year for Andy Reid in Kansas City, considering some of the circumstances. Most of this revolved around a rocky start. In the opening game, the Chiefs got embarrassed by what now appears to be a not very good Tennessee Titans team. Not only this, but they lost key defensive players in Derrick Johnson and Mike DeVito. Soon after, they would lose other starters, including lineman Jeff Allen. However, now with Alex Smith and Jamaal Charles playing good, the Chiefs have reeled off six wins in seven games since the 0-2 start. Playmakers, such as Travis Kelce and De’Anthony Thomas, have emerged as a legitimate threats to complement the efforts of superstar Jamaal Charles. Accompanying this, the defense has been impressive, to the point where they are number one in passing defense. They have a tough matchup facing the Seahawks next, but it is winnable considering they have to come to Arrowhead.
5. Philadelphia Eagles (7-2, 1st in NFC East) – When Chip Kelly first took over the head coaching position for the Eagles, some wondered whether his high-octane offense from his time at Oregon would work at the NFL level. I would say he’s silenced the doubters. A possible indicator of how far they go may depend on when and if Nick Foles comes back this season. It was recently reported that Foles might not need surgery on his cracked collarbone and he could possibly return in six weeks. However, in their last victory against the Carolina Panthers, it appeared Mark Sanchez should be able to hold down the fort until Foles is healthy. This should provide some relief to Eagles’ fans, who also lost a defensive leader in DeMeco Ryans. Ultimately, it appears the Eagles and going to live and die through their offense. It is a potent one, with plenty of playmakers such as LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin. If the defense is able to force some turnovers and get enough stops, they could be dangerous come playoff time.
Who do you think will take home the Lombardi Trophy this year?
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