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NFL Power Rankings: 5 Super Bowl favorites

By Taylor Armosino

Jun 17, 2014; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson (3) watch a scrimmage play during minicamp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2014; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson (3) watch a scrimmage play during minicamp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) against the Denver Broncos in the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) against the Denver Broncos in the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Patriots

There’s an argument to be made that there are potentially five or six teams better than the Patriots in the NFC. However, the lack of quality AFC teams gives New England a distinct advantage in getting to the Super Bowl. They played Denver in the AFC Championship last season; a rematch of that game is likely again this season.

The Patriots did improve defensively, adding corners Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in secondary, linebacker James Anderson and lineman Will Smith and Dominique Easley – their first round choice. New England also suffered a rash of injuries last season. Having Vince Wilfork, Jerod Mayo and Tommy Kelly return from injury at full strength will help them immensely. Despite being the 20th ranked defense in DVOA, the Patriots won 12 games. Assuming they stay semi-healthy, that unit will be much improved.

Tom Brady may not be as good as he once was, but he’s still one of the league’s best quarterbacks. Matched with a strong running game featuring Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, Brady is still more than capable of leading an elite offense, as he did last season. It would help immensely if they could get a full season, or close to it, from Rob Gronkowski.

The AFC as a whole is weak this season, but the AFC East is especially bad. The Bills are probably the second best team in the division, but EJ Manuel is a huge question mark at quarterback. The Jets are spectacularly mediocre, as are the Dolphins. New England will again win the division almost by default, and if Denver slips up in the playoffs, their road through the AFC won’t be much more difficult.

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