By Justin Patrick @calling_allfans on September 3, 2014
2014 NFL Predictions: 10 Teams Most Likely To Make Super Bowl 49
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The NFL regular season kicks off this week, and every team has their sights on playing in and winning Super Bowl 49 in Arizona. The first regular season game of the 2014 season hasn’t even been played yet. Does that mean it’s too early to make predictions about the 2014 season? Nah. Here are the 10 teams who are most likely to win Super Bowl 49.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (AFC)
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10. Cincinnati Bengals (AFC)
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The Bengals won the AFC North in 2013 with a record of 11-5, and they have a great shot at repeating as division champions in 2014. They have some tough games on their schedule this season, but their schedule is not incredibly difficult. The question will be if the Bengals and QB Andy Dalton can put together some playoff wins. Playing in the weaker AFC may allow them to do just that.
9. Arizona Cardinals (NFC)
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9. Arizona Cardinals (NFC)
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The Cardinals went 10-6 in 2013 and were easily the best team to not make the playoffs. They have a really solid defense and a QB in Carson Palmer who can still sling it. Larry Fitzgerald is still one of the best WRs in the NFL and their rushing attack should be solid. They can’t be ranked any higher because they play in the toughest division in the NFL, not to mention the curse of teams trying to play in Super Bowls in their home stadiums.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (NFC)
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8. Philadelphia Eagles (NFC)
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The Eagles went 10-6 and won the NFC East in 2013. With another year to adjust to second-year head coach Chip Kelly’s style of offense, the Eagles could be even better in 2014. Considering they play in the very mediocre NFC East, the Eagles should retain their division crown, and making the playoffs is step one towards making a Super Bowl appearance.
7. New Orleans Saints (NFC)
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7. New Orleans Saints (NFC)
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The Saints went 11-5 in 2013 and lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round. The Saints have one of the best QBs and head coaches in the NFL in Drew Brees and Sean Payton. Carolina will take a step back this season, and while Atlanta and Tampa Bay should be improved from last season, that won’t be enough to keep the Saints from winning the division.
6. San Francisco 49ers (NFC)
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6. San Francisco 49ers (NFC)
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The 49ers lost to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship game. Their running game looks solid with Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde. They have a stout defense, but with Aldon Smith suspended for the first nine games and Glenn Dorsey expected to miss a chunk of time due to torn biceps, the 49ers' depth on defense will be tested.
5. Green Bay Packers (NFC)
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5. Green Bay Packers (NFC)
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The Packers went 8-7-1 in 2013 and won the NFC North with QB Aaron Rodgers missing time due to a shoulder injury. Their 2014 schedule does not look particularly daunting, so don’t be surprised if they improve their record by two or three games this season. Having one of the best QBs in the league in a pass-happy NFL should help with that, plus the Packers' defense should be improved this season.
4. Indianapolis Colts (AFC)
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4. Indianapolis Colts (AFC)
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The Colts lost to the New England Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs last season after going 11-5 in the regular season. Andrew Luck isn’t just one of the best young QBs in the AFC, he’s one of the best QBs period. In a league that is all about throwing the football, the importance of a great QB cannot be understated. The Colts shouldn’t have too much trouble winning the AFC South again this season.
3. Denver Broncos (AFC)
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3. Denver Broncos (AFC)
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Coming off of a Super Bowl appearance, the Broncos lost key players such as WR Eric Decker. However, by adding players like CB Aqib Talib and WR Emmanuel Sanders, they will still be one of the favorites in the AFC. Having Peyton Manning at QB doesn’t hurt either, even if he did turn 38 in March. The Chiefs and Chargers will take a step back, and Denver should have no problem winning the AFC West again.
2. New England Patriots (AFC)
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2. New England Patriots (AFC)
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The Patriots made it to the AFC Championship game last season despite a litany of injuries to key players and QB Tom Brady not having a true No. 1 receiver. The Patriots are healthy now, and they are better on defense. The Patriots could easily hoist the Lombardi Trophy in AZ, which could help get some of the bitter taste of the Giants, David Tyree and Super Bowl XLII out of their mouths.
1. Seattle Seahawks (NFC)
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1. Seattle Seahawks (NFC)
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It’s extremely difficult to repeat, but the Seahawks' talent makes them the team that has the best shot at winning it all this season. They still have a talented and versatile QB who is getting paid way below market value, and their defense can be suffocating. Simply put, they are the all-around best team in the NFL.