AFC- The Patriots are the obvious answer in the AFC. However, teams such as the Steelers, Texans, Raiders, or Titans could be big Super Bowl contenders.
Patriots-The Patriots have possibly the best team in NFL history. The Patriots pulled off the biggest Super Bowl comeback in NFL history in an amazing game that ended in overtime. Brady is still throwing like a top NFL quarterback. Even with the four game suspension he put up 3554 passing yards and an 11-1 season. The receivers are making big catches and getting big yards after the catch. There is also no problem with their powerful defense.
The Steelers-Under the leadership of Big Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, and Ryan Shazier, the Pittsburgh Steelers can easily make it to the Super Bowl. The Steelers were only one step away from the Super Bowl this year. The Steelers just have to find the key to beating the Patriots. Maybe what they need is just another linebacker or defensive end to pressure Tom Brady.
The Texans- The Houston Texans could have faced the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game if it weren’t for the Patriots. With JJ Watt, Brian Cushing, and maybe the returning AJ Bouye the Texans of a sound defense. The Texans also have Brock Osweiler, Lamar Miller, and Deandre Hopkins on offense. Just like the Steelers, the Texans have to find away around the Patriots. The Texans should get another big target for Brock Osweiler to throw to. Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall are two top free agent receivers the Texans should look into.
Raiders-The Raiders also have big name stars like Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, Latavius Murray, and Kalil Mack. Just like other AFC teams, the Raiders main problem getting to the Super Bowl is the Patriots. They should look for a safety to replace Charles Woodson. Jairus Byrd, who the New Orleans Saints plan on releasing, could be the answer.
Titans-With Marcus Mariota, Demarco Murray, and Anthony Fasano, the Titans could be in the picture. They need a little improvement on the defense and maybe another target or two for Mariota. With the right Weapons, Mariota can have a huge season. Just like the Panthers and Falcons, the Tennessee Titans can have a huge break out season.
Photo Credit: “Tom Brady” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Keith Allison
