Six months ago, the Seahawks ran roughshod over the most prolific offense in NFL history. But as dominant as Seattle was that night, they have to do it all over again if they want to be called champions again. Each of the other 31 teams will get their shot at winning a Super Bowl, and their collective quest starts this week.
Beginning Thursday night, we’ll get to see what this year’s Seahawks team look like. Then on Sunday, we’ll see what Dallas is made of as they take on San Francisco, as physical of a football team as there is in the league.
Will Marc Trestman’s and Chip Kelly’s offenses be able to duplicate their superb seasons from a year ago? Can Alex Smith validate the Chiefs support of him by winning in the playoffs? Speaking of winning in the playoffs, will Andy Dalton finally record his first postseason win? Is Eli Manning’s career coming to an end? Who will be the next best young quarterback? How does Buffalo respond after their owner, Ralph Wilson, passed away in late March?
All of these questions start being answered this week.
Until then, here are the teams that I think are the five best in the NFL.
1. Seattle Seahawks
Next game: vs. Green Bay
Seattle grabs the top spot because no team has played a game that counted since they drubbed the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. How can they not be No. 1? They re-upped Richard Sherman and have a premier leader at quarterback in Russell Wilson.
Over the past five seasons, the Seahawks have won all of their home openers. The Packers will be a very tough test for them, though. We’ll find out a lot about the Seahawks by seeing how they match-up with another NFL heavyweight on Thursday night.
2. Green Bay Packers
Next game: at Seattle
The Packers are led by who I believe is the best player in football, Aaron Rodgers. They added Julius Peppers to wreak havoc while simultaneously alleviating double teams in the direction of Clay Matthews. They boast what could be the best cornerback duo in the league (Tramon Williams, Sam Shields), and oh by the way, that monster that goes by the name of Eddie Lacy has an entire year of NFL experience under his belt.
Watch out.
3. Denver Broncos
Next game: vs. Indianapolis
It sounds strange to say, but without Wes Welker, I don’t think the Broncos offense will skip a beat. In fact, losing Knowshon Moreno could turn out to be more of a loss. But in reality, as long as Peyton Manning is still under center for the Broncos, they are an elite offense.
On defense, Denver has not only added DeMarcus Ware and Aqib Talib, but Von Miller is back. His right ACL (torn on December 22) seems to be all good now, so he should be more than a handful for Colts right tackle Gosder Cherilus. Miller has racked up 35 sacks in 40 career games.
4. New Orleans Saints
Next game: at Atlanta
Last year against the Falcons, Drew Brees completed 49 of his 68 pass attempts (72.1 percent) for 635 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. The Saints signed Jimmy Graham to a four-year, $40 million contract in addition to signing Jairus Byrd, the prized safety of this year’s free agent class. Rookie wide receiver Brandin Cooks is a scary talent that could do major damage in Pete Carmichael’s offense.
In 2013, thanks in large part to Rob Ryan, New Orleans’ defense ranked fourth overall (it had finished 32nd in 2012). Now with another year of continuity with their defensive coordinator, young stars like Junior Galette, Cameron Jordan and Kenny Vaccaro will continue to thrive and should earn Pro Bowl consideration.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
Next game: vs. Jacksonville
When you have, in my opinion, the best overall running back in the league (LeSean McCoy) and your quarterback (Nick Foles) threw two interceptions in 317 pass attempts last year, your team is looking pretty good. Especially with a home game against Jacksonville to start the season, it’s hard to not put Philadelphia near the top of the list here.
Besides, the NFC East isn’t what it used to be. The Giants, a team that won the Super Bowl three years ago, is probably the worst team in the division right now.
Game of the week: Green Bay at Seattle
Thursday, September 4 at 8:30 P.M. on NBC.
- Current Vegas line: Seahawks -6.
- Over/under: 46 1/2.
- Game-time forecast: 57 degrees, 0% chance of rain, winds N at 8 mph.
