As I am on break from any type of gambling activity, since my March Madness meltdown of 2013, here are the latest odds according to the National Football Post.
My top 5 teams to win the Super Bowl in 2014:
New England Patriots: Two words Tom Brady (98.7 QB Rating, 34 TDs) should be hungrier than ever and with the “Gronk” healthy anything is possible in 2013. The bottom line, in football terms the Patriots are stacked and obviously extremely well coached. With a great offensive line anchored by G Logan Mankins, studs on defense such as future Hall Famer DT Vince Wilfork, and young talent such as LB Dont’a Hightower the Patriots once again, will make there way through the regular season with an outstanding record and will win their 5th consecutive AFC East Championship. With the Ravens still on a Super Bowl hangover watch out!
Last Season: Lost AFC Championship to the Ravens 28-13
Green Bay Packers: With Aaron Rogers (108.o QB Rating, 39 TDs) reaching his prime the Pack will be back at it again in 2013. The bottom line after last season the Packers can only improve and they will be out for revenge in 2013. LB Clay Matthews will have an excellent year and RBs Eddie Lacy and Jonathan Franklin will take stress off of Aaron Rodgers, as the Packers look to gain another element to the offense besides his lazer arm. Watch out San Francisco, with a few minor tweaks on defense the Pack will be ready this time around.
Last Season: Lost Divisional Playoffs to 49ers 45-31
San Francisco 49ers: This team is scary good and behind a great offensive line, QB Colin Kaepernick (98.3 Rating, 10 TD, 3 INT; 415 Rushing Yards, 5 TDs) and coach Jim Harbaugh anything is possible. With studs all around especially on a defense anchored by LB Patrick Willis, the 49ers will continue their raw and physical style of play. In 2013 look for the passing game to continue to develop as teams will be heavily focusing on Kapernick’s ability to run. WR Anquan Boldin should be an excellent asset and could put this team over the hump as the a championship football team could be blossoming.
Last Season: Lost Super Bowl XXXVIII to Ravens 34-31
Denver Broncos: Under the guidance of the legendary Peyton Manning (105.8 QB Rating, 37 TD), the Broncos will make waves in 2013 as defensively and offensively in 2012 they were stellar. With WR Wes Welker moving into town, he should be the perfect counterpart for Eric Decker and he will surely rack up a plethora of catches. Additionally, another weapon they possess is WR Demaryius Thomas who became a break out star in 2012. Add in, Tavarres King this receiving core could be deadly. On the defense, DE Von Miller is an absolute stud and the secondary has the leadership of future Hall of Famer CB Champ Bailey to rely on. Overall Denver is going to be making some serious moves next season.
Last Season: Lost Divisional Playoff to Ravens 38-35
Atlanta Falcons: QB Matt Ryans (99.1 QB Rating, 32 TDs) made huge strides last season and the offense is extremely well balanced with an absolutely devastating receiving core in WRs Julio Jones and Roddy White. The main reason TE Tony Gonzalez returned surely has to be, that he knows this team has a chance to make a serious run. Defensively, this team will have to improve as 24th in overall defense is just not good enough. Veterans such as CB Asante Samuel and DT Jonathan Babineaux should lead the charge.
Last Season: Lost NFC Championship to 49ers 28-24
