The start of the NFL season wouldn’t be complete without putting one’s head on the chopping block, knowing that this is a possible sacrifice on the altar of failed Super Bowl predictions. Future. The defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, are the heavy favorites among oddsmakers to repeat that feat, but their quest for a rare double is no walk in the park.
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Nineteen years ago, in 2004, the Patriots began the season that would lead them to their second straight championship. Since then, no team has achieved this improbable feat. Zero, nada, not, nothing! However, there was no shortage of serious candidates.
The Colts with Peyton Manning were still in the game.
It’s a mystery why the Packers haven’t reached the Super Bowl more than once with Aaron Rodgers and very large rosters.
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The Seahawks, who had a formidable defensive machine, played back-to-back games a decade ago, but an interception at goal on their second attempt sabotaged their mission.
The Chiefs themselves left Tampa empty-handed after their triumph at the end of the 2019 season the following year.
All of this means that winning the Super Bowl twice in a row is a difficult task at a time when change due to the free agent market and salary cap is ever-present.
The opportunities are there
Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes form an impressive offensive tandem. Photo AFP
Despite everything, the Chiefs are favorites because they have two strong arguments for themselves: Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. The two form a couple.
The coach’s limitless offensive creativity beautifully develops the talent and bull front of the quarterback. It’s a spectacular symbiosis unmatched by any other tandem in the NFL, regardless of everyone’s affiliation.
In the past, it was easy to argue that the Chiefs didn’t have the tools on defense to compete in January. Nothing could be further from the truth at the moment as with Chris Jones, Nick Bolton, L’Jarius Sneed and other up and coming young talents they are banking on good elements across all areas of the brigade.
For the Chiefs, the chances of signing a double are very real, despite some questions about the very young group of receivers and the changes on offense.
The biggest threats
Josh Allen and the Bills are among the teams that can aspire to the throne. Getty Images via AFP
Despite all this, it would be a big mistake to bet your house or even your shed on the Chiefs with your eyes closed. The American Conference they participate in is full of real contenders.
Many believe that the Bills’ window of opportunity is closing and that tensions with star receiver Stefon Diggs will eventually impact the team’s chemistry, but I don’t share that mindset. The Bills will win again, especially if Von Miller returns to the game.
I’m among those who see a big season for the Dolphins, equipped with an explosive offense and a defense led by top coordinator Vic Fangio.
The Bengals, Ravens and Chargers also show clubs in the maturity phase, although in the Chargers’ case Brandon Staley doesn’t seem to be the coach who will lead them to the promised land.
In the National Conference it is more vague. The 49ers are still monumental, but it’s hard to predict how young quarterback Brock Purdy, who remains green despite his inspiring debut, will develop.
The Eagles have a lot of strength, even if there have been significant changes in the squad, especially in defense. I consider the Cowboys to be a legitimate top three in this conference.
And the champions will be?
So, drumroll, because we need to speak up…
The Bengals will finally win the first Super Bowl in their history against the 49ers after 55 seasons of work.
Of course, there’s Joe Burrow’s legendary composure in the big moments, but there’s more to justify this choice. The receiving group is probably the best in the county. Last season’s weak link on the left side of the offensive line is no longer one since the arrival of blocker Orlando Brown Jr. This line, which took some time to live up to expectations at the start of last season, has since developed its chemistry.
Both coordinators are back, which provides great continuity. Especially on defense, where Lou Anarumo has proven multiple times that he can hatch schemes to keep the biggest opposing forces like the Bills and Chiefs at bay.
The Bengals, Super Bowl champions? For a long time such a sentence would have sounded like a strange heresy or a vulgar provocation.
Come February 11th in Las Vegas, this summer prophecy will seem normal.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals represented Conference USA in the Super Bowl two years ago. Now it’s time to take the last missing step. AFP
TEAMS THAT HAVE NEVER WON THE SUPER BOWL
Cincinnati Bengals
- 3 appearances (2021, 1988, 1981)
- 56th season
Buffalo Bills
- 4 appearances (1993, 1992, 1991, 1990)
- 64th season
*The Bills won the AFL championship twice before the Super Bowl era
Cleveland Browns
*The Browns won eight NFL championships before the Super Bowl era
Minnesota Vikings
- 4 appearances (1976, 1974, 1973, 1969)
- 63rd season
Detroit Lions
*The Lions won four NFL championships before the Super Bowl era
Arizona Cardinals
- 1 Presence (2008)
- 104th Squadron
*The Cardinals won two NFL championships before the Super Bowl era
Atlanta Falcons
- 2 appearances (2016, 1998)
- 58th season
Los Angeles Chargers
- 1 Presence (1994)
- 64th season
*The Chargers won an AFL championship before the Super Bowl era
Tennessee Titans
- 1 Presence (2001)
- 64th season
*The Titans (then Houston Oilers) won the AFL championship twice before the Super Bowl era
Jacksonville Jaguars
Houston Texans