Breaking down the top 10 Super Bowl contenders

8. Philadelphia Eagles

Offense: A year ago, quarterback Carson Wentz wound up throwing for 4,039 yards and 27 scores. But he suffered a concussion early in the wild-card loss to Seattle. He must do a better job of taking care of the ball. The team has its share of talent at the skill positions and veteran tackle Jason Peters will line up at right guard this year.

Defense: Under coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Birds have had plenty of talent and depth when it comes to the defensive front. The rested of this unit has been somewhat suspect, especially a secondary that added three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay via trade from the Lions but will miss the leadership of safety Malcolm Jenkins.

Coaching: Only Bill Belichick and Andy Reid have currently led their team to the playoffs more consecutive years than Doug Pederson, who is tied with Sean Payton with three straight postseason appearances. But the Birds have had to overcome sluggish starts each of the last two years and that’s an awfully dangerous way to live.

X-Factor: Can Wentz make it through a season and postseason healthy? That’s arguably been the biggest question surrounding the team and the player as well. And because his playoff experience has been limited to only one quarter, he could indeed by the difference if the Eagles can reach the postseason for a fourth consecutive year.