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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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 13: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Chargers +1500

It feels like now or never for Phillip Rivers. He’s accomplished everything a quarterback could hope to — except qualifying for the Super Bowl.

Rivers hasn’t seem fazed by pressure to carry the team or by father time yet. The 37-year-old has not missed a single start since taking the reins in 2006 and continues to produce at a high level every year.

In addition to having a rock like Rivers at the most important position, the Chargers have a phenomenal defense. They acquired Jerry Tillery in the first round of this year’s draft to further bolster a pass rush already headlined by Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.

Ingram himself said in June his team is, “definitely going to win the Super Bowl.” So boom.

One big issue, though: Swiss Army knife safety Derwin James is already one of the game’s elite defenders entering his sophomore season. Unfortunately, a foot injury that required surgery sent him to injured reserve, so he won’t be eligible to return until Week 9.

If L.A. can shake off its tendency to start slow — a task admittedly more difficult with James’ absence — this 2019 Chargers outfit could be especially dangerous.

Pittsburgh Steelers +1800

Is losing someone as dynamic as wide receiver Antonio Brown really addition by subtraction for Pittsburgh? Brown averaged 114 catches per year over the past six seasons.

It remains to be seen how quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will fare without his go-to target, who became such a disruptive presence in the locker room that the whole team imploded and missed the playoffs in 2018.

One reason for optimism that Big Ben will build on his 5,000-yard campaign of yesteryear is the presence of JuJu Smith-Schuster, who hauled in a Brown-esque 111 receptions this past season. The young star must prove he can be the go-to option without the benefit of Brown drawing the majority of attention.

Steelers rookie first-round linebacker Devin Bush also gives the team a defensive field general with speed and range the likes of which they haven’t seen since Ryan Shazier.

Cleveland’s improved roster makes ascending to the AFC North throne all the more challenging. At least Roethlisberger and coach Mike Tomlin offer Pittsburgh the edge of a far more proven quarterback-coach combination than the Browns’ Mayfield and Kitchens.

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