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Ranking the Top Super Bowl 51 Contenders

The Road to NRG Stadium

Unlike last year, not many teams stand out in particular, and almost every team has a weakness that can be exploited by another team. Heading into Week 17, 10 out of the 12 playoff teams have already been decided. The Packers (9-6), Lions (9-6), Redskins (8-6-1), and the longshot Buccaneers (8-7), all from the NFC, still have a chance to play in January. Here are my rankings for which teams I believe have the best chances to make it to NRG Stadium in Houston (where the Super Bowl will be hosted) and play to win the championship.
  1. New England Patriots (13-2) - The Patriots, led by MVP candidate Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, should be the favorites to win the Super Bowl. They have experience on their side, and also have one of the best passing attacks in the league, coupled with excellent defensive play. They are probably the most all-around team.
  2. Dallas Cowboys (13-2) - This team is led by their rookie quarterback and running back, Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot, respectively, and their two losses have both come against the Giants. They are able to control the clock and time of possession effectively with their running game and strong offensive game. Their defense is also playing much better as of late.
  3. Seattle Seahawks (9-5-1) - The Seahawks always seem to play well once the playoffs come around, and should be able to challenge any other team through their balanced offense and defense. The loss of Earl Thomas on defense is definitely hurting them, but are still quite strong in the secondary. They must find good offensive line play and a running game at some point if they are to win.
  4. Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) - The Chiefs are, in my opinion, the most dangerous team. They have a lot of weapons on offense - Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill to name a few. Alex Smith is playing the most sound football of his career and is not turning the football over most times. Jeremy Maclin coming back from his injury will be huge, and strong defensive play will certainly help them out.
  5. Atlanta Falcons (10-5) - The Falcons are currently the #2 seed in the NFC, and are led by MVP candidate Matt Ryan. They have a historically great offense, posting 33 points per game, throwing touchdowns to 13 different receivers, and Ryan has the best passer rating in the NFL. The defense is starting to play better, and the offense is only getting hotter. All of these aspects will make them tough to beat come January.
  6. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5) - The triplet of Roethlisberger, Bell, and Brown on offense is very dangerous, and this team can put up points in a hurry. Their main problem is with the secondary, although they are the only team to have an offense and defense in the top ten of efficiency.
  7. Green Bay Packers (9-6) - Aaron Rodgers said that this team would run the table, and they have won five straight games ever since he made that statement. Granted, they have to beat the Detroit Lions to win the division and guarantee a playoff spot, but if they make it to January, they will give every team in the NFC a run for their money. They are definitely the hottest team in the league.
  8. New York Giants (10-5)
  9. Oakland Raiders (12-3)
  10. Washington Redskins (8-6-1)
  11. Detroit Lions (9-6)
  12. Houston Texans (9-6)
  13. Miami Dolphins (10-5)
  14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) - A lot of things need to happen for them to make the playoffs.

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