Now that the Super Bowl is over, it is time to take a look at some of the contenders to make next year’s big game in the Big Apple. It is hard to project how teams will perform next year since free agency has yet to begin, and the draft is over two months away. With that being said, these are the teams that I like as of now. I have ranked the top three teams from each conference.
NFC Contenders
3)Green Bay Packers
After becoming 2010 Super Bowl champions, the Green Bay Packers have had disappointing performances in the past two playoff appearances. Despite the poor performances, the Packers are on this list because of Aaron Rodgers. As long as Rodgers is under center, the Packers will most likely be Super Bowl contenders. Although the Packers still have Rodgers, they will have to replace some key players on offense. Veteran wide receiver Donald Driver has already announced his retirement, and the Packers most likely will lose Greg Jennings to free agency. On top of that, the Packers have a decision on whether or not to pick up a team option on inconsistent tight end, Jermichael Finely. Even with an explosive passing game, the Packers also need to find a running game to have more balance to win in the postseason. But, the main problem with the Packers the last two years has been their defense. If Green Bay has any aspirations of making it to the Super Bowl in 2013, they will have to greatly improve in that area by adding talent through the draft and free agency.
2)Seattle Seahawks
When the 2012 season ended, and the playoffs began, the Seattle Seahawks were my dark horse team to make the Super Bowl. The Seahawks finished the season as one of the hottest teams in the league, and it looked as though they could be the team to make a run. Obviously, that did not happen, but the Seahawks should be strong favorites in 2013. Russell Wilson appears to a franchise quarterback with the talent to lead a team to the Super Bowl as early as next season. Wilson may not throw for over 300 yards a game on average, but he can make plays with his arm and legs in the clutch to win games for his team. On the defensive side of the ball, Pete Carroll has turned the Seahawks into one of the top units in the league. Seattle should once again have a great defense led be their talented secondary. If Seattle can overtake the 49ers in the NFC West, then the Seahawks could parlay their home-field advantage (8-0 at home last year) into a Super Bowl appearance.
1)San Francisco 49ers
The NFC favorite to reach the Super Bowl in 2013 is the San Francisco 49ers. After losing in the NFC Championship in 2011, and losing the 2012 Super Bowl, the 49ers have what it takes to make that final step. The 49ers are a young team, and probably were the NFL’s deepest and most talent team this season on both sides of the ball. Having Colin Kaepernick returning for his first full season as a starter should make the 49ers offense even better next season. With their strong running game, and emergence of Michael Crabtree as a legitimate number one wide receiver, the 49ers might have the most balanced offensive attack next season. The 49ers should also be very solid on defense next season. Their front seven is arguably the best in the NFL and should once again be tremendous in stopping the run. Despite a stingy front seven, the 49ers will have to fix some of the holes in their secondary if they want to return to the Super Bowl next season.
AFC Contenders
3)Baltimore Ravens
The defending Super Bowl champions are third on my list for a couple reasons. To be honest, I almost left the Ravens off my list because of the division they play in. The AFC North should be the toughest division in the conference, and maybe the hardest in the NFL. With Cincinnati and Pittsburgh in their way, the Ravens will have a tough time winning their division, let alone winning the conference. In addition, losing Ray Lewis will bring this team down a notch. Although Lewis was not the same player the last few years, his leadership and presence helped guide the Ravens to a Super Bowl championship. It should be interesting to see how the Ravens perform without the extra motivation of trying to win for Ray Lewis. Along with losing Lewis, the Ravens defense will also be one year older and will have to avoid the injuries that they had this season. If the Ravens want to have a chance to defend their title, then Joe Flacco will have to play like he did once Jim Caldwell took over as offensive coordinator in mid-December.
2)Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos won their last 11 regular season games before losing to the Ravens in the 2012 playoffs. With Peyton Manning as their quarterback, the Broncos figure to have one of the best offenses in the NFL again next season. Coming of off multiple neck surgeries, and missing the entire 2011 season, Manning was able to develop chemistry with wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker. With another offseason under their belts, this trio should only get more familiar and comfortable with each other heading into 2013. Despite giving up 38 points to the Ravens in their 2012 playoff appearance, the Broncos defense proved itself to be one of the better units in the AFC throughout the regular season. Entering his third season, Von Miller could win defensive player of the year, and should help the Broncos be one of the top defenses again next season. If the Broncos wish to play in next year’s Super Bowl, they will have to learn from the mistakes they made versus the Ravens this season and play up to their potential in the postseason.
1)New England Patriots
As long as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are in New England, the Patriots will always appear near the top of this list. Despite not winning a Super Bowl since 2004, and losing their last two appearances, the Patriots are the favorites once again. With Tom Brady under center, the Patriots passing attack will always be among the league’s best. If Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez can stay healthy all season, then the Patriots should be very hard to stop with two of the NFL’s best tight ends. However, the Patriots may have to replace wide receiver Wes Welker if they do not sign him to a long-term deal or franchise-tag him again. If that happens, Welker will be tough to replace, but it seems as though the Patriots are prepared to insert Julian Edelman into that role. Edelman is also a free agent this offseason, but he will be a much cheaper option than Welker. In limited action, Edelman has proved to be effective in that role and could put up similar numbers to Welker. During last season, the Patriots also found success in the running game with Stevan Ridley. That should allow them to have a balanced attack, and not rely on the passing game so much. Bill Belichick has been trying to build on defense by using a number of draft picks on defensive talent in recent years. If the Patriots want to end their Super Bowl “drought”, then they need to develop that young talent and improve on defense.
-Eric Tichelbaut
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