NFL predictions: Making a Super Bowl case for top 10 contenders

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots talks to head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots after the Patriots defeat the Rams 13-3 during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 11: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws the ball during mandatory minicamp at the NovaCare Complex on June 11, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Eagles +1400

Injuries have cut short the past two seasons for quarterback Carson Wentz. His former backup Nick Foles led Philly to the playoffs each time, including a Super Bowl.

It stands to reason Wentz can do the same, considering he’s a superior talent and has a passer rating over 100 in each of the last two seasons.

DeSean Jackson has returned to Philadelphia to give Wentz a deep threat he’s never had before.

Pairing Jackson with Alshon Jeffery in the receiving corps gives the Eagles an exceptional duo on the outside. Then there’s Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert, perhaps the best tight end tandem in the sport.

Wentz should have little trouble putting points on the scoreboard and figures to emerge as an MVP candidate.

But without Foles as insurance, Wentz’s health is all the more vital to Philadelphia’s championship hopes. If he can stay on the field, look for the Eagles to run away with the NFC East and pose a legitimate Super Bowl threat.

Cleveland Browns +1500

A blockbuster trade with the Giants netted All-Pro receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and Pro Bowl edge-rusher Olivier Vernon. That massive transaction alone catapulted the Browns into Super Bowl conversations.

Beckham joins a loaded cast of skill players in Cleveland, with best friend Jarvis Landry chief among them. The Browns also have an enviable stable of running backs in Nick Chubb, Duke Johnson and Kareem Hunt, who’s suspended for the first eight games.

Baker Mayfield set the rookie record with 27 touchdown passes last season despite not being the full-time starter till Week 4. He has plenty of weapons to take a big step forward in Year 2.

The defense will improve with the additions of Vernon, lineman Sheldon Richardson and rookie cornerback Greedy Williams. It’s up to new coach Freddie Kitchens to get this youthful team to peak at the proper time for a Super Bowl run. The talent is certainly there to get the job done.

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