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New England Patriots
There is a reason that the Patriots are first on my list. Seeing as though they are the defending champs, they are fired up to get back into the swing of things. With the addition of wide receiver Brandon Cooks, Brady should have no excuses when it comes to his passing game. On top of that, the Patriots offense will have Gronkowski back in the lineup after an injury sidelined him last season. Don’t sleep on this team! They are loaded on both sides of the ball, and can definitely repeat what they did last year.
Seattle Seahawks
Injuries didn't allow fans to see the true potential of this Seattle team last year. With Russell Wilson back healthy, this team has the potential to win 12 or more games. The defense had some issues last year in terms of consistency, but they have the talent to be great. Watch out for this Seattle team to take down the defending champs in the big game this year.
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers, without a doubt, one of the best quarterbacks of his generation. With the addition of Martellus Bennett, the Packers offense will be locked-and-loaded to take down any competitor. The only thing that separates this team from Seattle is their defense. We’ll have to wait and see if using four of their draft picks on the defense was a good move. If the defense can do their job, this team has the potential to go deep into the playoffs.
Pittsburgh Steelers
If this Steelers can prevent injuries, they’ve got the best shot to take down the defending champs in the AFC. This defense has some serious talent, especially on the line. Drafting T.J Watt should give this Pittsburgh team a good boost on the pass rush. He may be the answer to slowing down an elite quarterback, like Brady. If the trio of Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell, and Antonio Brown can stay healthy going into the playoffs, I like this team’s chances against anybody.
Atlanta Falcons
Putting last year’s Super Bowl in the past, Atlanta has the potential to make it to Minnesota in February. It wasn’t a fluke that they made it to where they did last year. This team has some serious talent on both sides of the ball. With almost every player returning from last season, they should no problem with getting off to a good start.
Luke Cahill
Staff Reporter