Top 10 favorites for Super Bowl LI

3. Arizona Cardinals

If there’s anyone that can help Larry Fitzgerald win a championship ring before the legendary receiver retires, it’s Bruce Arians. The reigning AP Head Coach of the Year has overseen steady improvement in three seasons on the job with Arizona, leading the team to 10-6, 11-5, and 13-3 records, along with two playoff appearances and one playoff win. The Cardinals have also steadily ascended the ranks of one of the NFL’s toughest divisions, going from third to second to first place under Arians.

Fitzgerald, meanwhile, has seen his career revitalized since moving to the slot in Arizona’s high-octane offense. With fellow receivers John Brown and Michael Floyd on the edges, the dynamic rushing tandem of Johnson & Johnson (David and Chris) in the backfield, and a healthy Carson Palmer throwing lasers like an MVP candidate, the Cardinals once again have the kind of offense that can win a championship.

What’s really scary is that their defense is even better. Beset by injuries to several crucial playmakers, the Cards didn’t look like themselves at the end of the regular season against the Seahawks and in the playoffs versus the Packers and Panthers. But assuming they can get those players back in the fold and up to speed before next season, the Cardinals should find themselves in the running for a Super Bowl berth in 2016.

Next: 2. New England Patriots