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Top 10 favorites for Super Bowl 56: Chiefs lead the way

By Mike Phillips

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 17: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns drops back to pass against the defense of the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 17, 2021, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 17: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns drops back to pass against the defense of the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 17, 2021, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

8. Super Bowl 56 favorites – Cleveland Browns

Sometimes a new coach is all it takes for a talented team to take a big leap forward. That was the case with the Browns, who went from an underachieving mess under Freddie Kitchens to an 11-win team that made the Divisional Round under Kevin Stefanski.

Baker Mayfield took a promising step forward for Cleveland, which altered its offensive approach to rely more on the running game, which helped Mayfield considerably. The Browns’ offense was also dynamic without Odell Beckham Jr, who was lost for the season after tearing his ACL in October.

A healthy return from Beckham will give Mayfield his best weapon back, which should help provide more support for a strong defense. Myles Garrett is a game-wrecking presence on the defensive line while Cleveland’s secondary is more than capable of making plays against strong passing games.

The big issue for the Browns will be simply getting out of the AFC North, which placed three teams on this list and is rounded out by an improving Bengals team. Cleveland is clearly on the way up, however, and can list itself as a legitimate Super Bowl contender next season.

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