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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CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 30: Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy talks with Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) during a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears on September 30, 2018, at the Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Chicago Bears +1900

Among the 10 teams covered herein, Chicago easily has the worst quarterback, Mitch Trubisky. On the other hand, the Bears yielded a league-low 17.7 points per game last season.

The “defense wins championships” moniker will certainly be put to the test in the Windy City. Trubisky had only one year of starting experience in college, and that’s shown at times in the pros.

There’s reason to believe in Trubisky’s upside due to his arm strength, athleticism and incredible performances, notably last year’s six-touchdown effort against Tampa Bay.

Reigning AP NFL Coach of the Year Matt Nagy was named as such for a reason, though: his development of Trubisky — and ability to mask some of the youngster’s weakness with schematic brilliance.

But if Chicago can maintain its elite defensive form despite prior coordinator Vic Fangio’s departure, and Trubisky can continue to progress even a little, it’s absolutely feasible the Bears will be in the Super Bowl mix.

Green Bay Packers +1900

Aaron Rodgers has missed the postseason the past two years. That almost seems impossible. His prior head coach and play-caller Mike McCarthy failed to evolve his offense, and Green Bay’s defense continually fell short.

Now Rodgers has a fresh offense under new coach Matt LaFleur, and the Packers front office uncharacteristically splurged in free agency to upgrade defensively.

Among the additions on defense: rival Bears safety Adrian Amos, along with linebackers Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith. First-round pick Rashan Gary should also inject much-needed athleticism to the front seven.

Rodgers doesn’t have a great cast of receivers outside of Davante Adams, though tight ends Jimmy Graham and rookie Jace Sternberger present a ton of potential production and matchup problems for opponents.

This is clearly the best roster Rodgers has had in years. LaFleur may be the breath of fresh air Rodgers and the rest of the locker room needs to make another Super Bowl push.

As long as Green Bay’s No. 12 is throwing the pigskin, Packers fans should have hope.

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