Predictions to Win the 2017 Super Bowl
The @Patriots are the early favorites to win Super Bowl 51. https://t.co/JvksCIJwCU #Patriots #PatriotsTalk
— CSNNE.com (@CSNNE) February 8, 2016
The Favorites
New England Patriots 10/1 Carolina Panthers 10/1 Seattle Seahawks 10/1 Pittsburgh Steelers 10/1 Green Bay Packers 12/1 Arizona Cardinals 15/1 Analysis: The New England Patriots nearly reached Super Bowl 50 despite being decimated by injuries and will contend every season until the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick ear is over. Despite their stunning collapse in Super Bowl 50, the Carolina Panthers are now a perennial title contender because of Cam Newton and Carolina’s stout defense. The Seattle Seahawks should also be right back in the Super Bowl mix next season with gifted quarterback Russell Wilson leading their offense and the core of their ‘Legion of Boom’ defense still intact – and extra motivated after falling short this past season. The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the game’s most explosive offenses, led by their future Hall of Fame quarterback and trio of supremely gifted wide receivers. A return to health from Le’Veon Bell and a bit of improved defense could put the Steelers in position to win it all next season. The Green Bay Packers will also contend as long as Aaron Rodgers is under center. Return to health by wide receiver Jordy Nelson – and some improved play on defense and at running back could put the Pack back in the big dance in 2017. Last but not least, the Arizona Cardinals still have everything in place to really contend next season. The Cards have a veteran quarterback in Carson Palmer, and elite defense and one of the game’s best head coaches in Bruce Arians.The Legitimate Contenders
Cincinnati Bengals 18/1 Denver Broncos 20/1 Indianapolis Colts 20/1 Kansas City Chiefs 25/1 Minnesota Vikings 25/1 Baltimore Ravens 30/1 N.Y. Jets 40/1 Analysis: Out of this grouping, I expect the Cincinnati Bengals to be legitimate contenders because of their stout defense if nothing else. As far as Denver is concerned, I believe the Broncos will definitely contend because of their stupendous defense, whether Peyton Manning returns or whether the future is Brock Osweiler’s. The Indianapolis Cols managed to stay in contention despite losing all-world quarterback Andrew Luck for the majority of the season and I believe they’ll be back to their winning ways next season as long as Luck stays upright and healthy. I also like the Chiefs and Vikings to really contend next season after reaching the playoffs this past season. The Chiefs will have dual-threat running back Jamaal Charles back on the field next season and the Vikings have been heading in the right direction since drafting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and hiring no-nonsense head coach Mike Zimmer.