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Top 10 Super Bowl Contenders Heading Into Week 11

Top 10 Super Bowl Contenders Heading Into Week 11

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
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Winning a Super Bowl is the ultimate goal for every pro football franchise each season, but only one team can hold up the Vince Lombardi trophy at year's end. There are some usual suspects in contention with a smattering of dark horses too. Here are the top 10 Super Bowl contenders through Week 11.

10. Detroit Lions

Miami Dolphins v Detroit Lions
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10. Detroit Lions

Miami Dolphins v Detroit Lions
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The Detroit Lions could not be ignored anymore, and the sky's the limit for them with Calvin Johnson back in good health.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers

Indianapolis Colts v Pittsburgh Steelers
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9. Pittsburgh Steelers

Indianapolis Colts v Pittsburgh Steelers
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The Pittsburgh Steelers might not even win their division, but Ben Roethlisberger has shown flashes of MVP-level play and should be a force come playoff time.

8. Baltimore Ravens

Joe Flacco Baltimore Ravens Tennessee Titans
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8. Baltimore Ravens

Joe Flacco Baltimore Ravens Tennessee Titans
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The Baltimore Ravens' record (6-4) may not be that impressive, but they get the nod over Pittsburgh for a more consistent defensive effort. Also, Joe Flacco can air it out.

7. Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo Dallas Cowboys
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7. Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo Dallas Cowboys
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Tony Romo would become legendary in Texas should he lead the Dallas Cowboys to a Super Bowl win with his back literally broken. Let's just get that fact out of the way -- I think Romo will get hurt again, but they will keep climbing these rankings if he stays healthy and productive.

6. Kansas City Chiefs

Cincinnati Bengals v Kansas City Chiefs
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6. Kansas City Chiefs

Cincinnati Bengals v Kansas City Chiefs
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Head coach Andy Reid has his Kansas City Chiefs feeling good about themselves, but I question whether Alex Smith is a Super Bowl quarterback. You can't game manage your way to a championship in today's NFL.

5. Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts v Pittsburgh Steelers
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5. Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts v Pittsburgh Steelers
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Andrew Luck makes anything possible for the Indianapolis Colts, and it would not shock anyone to see him put up MVP numbers to finish off the season.

4. Green Bay Packers

Carolina Panthers v Green Bay Packers
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4. Green Bay Packers

Carolina Panthers v Green Bay Packers
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Aaron Rodgers made mincemeat of the Chicago Bears on Sunday night, and he is certainly peaking at the right time. The Green Bay Packers are still trailing Detroit to win the NFC North, but Rodgers gives the cheeseheads hope.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Bruce Arians Arizona Cardinals copy
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Arizona Cardinals

Bruce Arians Arizona Cardinals copy
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

You might laugh and say the Arizona Cardinals are rated too highly, especially after Carson Palmer's knee injury, but Bruce Arians is pushing all of the right buttons for this team.

2. New England Patriots

Tom Brady Peyton Manning
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2. New England Patriots

Tom Brady Peyton Manning
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Tom Brady looks like he visited the fountain of youth. He has the New England Patriots in firm control of their division, and all the fans are rooting for Brady to have a rematch with Peyton Manning and company. I bet you know who is on the next slide.

1. Denver Broncos

San Diego Chargers v Denver Broncos
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1. Denver Broncos

San Diego Chargers v Denver Broncos
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The Denver Broncos have the best quarterback in NFL history at their helm, and a Super Bowl win would be a storybook ending to Manning's remarkable comeback from neck surgery.

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