Super Bowl LVIII capped an incredible season, and Chiefs Kingdom’s reign in the NFL world continues after their thrilling win in Las Vegas. However, as soon as Mecole Hardman celebrated his touchdown grab in the endzone, Executives and Front Offices around the league have been plotting how they will dethrone the champs next season. Some teams are poised for a rebuild, while others are already in a position to challenge with some shrewd signings and drafting. Many of the teams in the latter group should be highly motivated to make it all the way after stinging losses in the playoffs. In this article, we predict the five way-too-early contenders to win Super Bowl LIX.
5. Buffalo Bills- the Bills had a rollercoaster season because, after an embarrassing home loss to the Denver Broncos, the team was 5-5 and decided to fire their Offensive Coordinator, Ken Dorsey. The team promoted Joe Brady to the position, and the offense improved in running the football and utilizing Josh Allen in designed runs. The Bills then went on to win five of their last six games, including a must-win decider for the AFC East crown in Miami. After handling the Steelers at home in the wild-card round, the Bills had the perfect scenario of facing the Kansas City Chiefs at home for the first time in the playoffs. However, Patrick Mahomes put in virtuoso to outduel Josh Allen, and the Bills were eliminated from the playoffs. The Bills are contenders next season because Joe Brady got Josh Allen to play his best down the stretch of the regular season. However, they will need to address why they fell short which is the defense’s ability to pressure the quarterback. It would also help if Allen got another elite playmaker given how Stefon Diggs has been disgruntled throughout the season. If they improve in these areas, then the Bills could take one step further next season.
4. Detroit Lions-the Lions came into the season seeking to prove they were a Super Bowl contender. After an opening night victory against the Chiefs, the team never looked back by winning the NFC North for the first time and winning their first division title in thirty years. In the playoffs, they won back-to-back home games against the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in front of a raucous home crowd at Ford Field. In the NFC Championship game, they led by 24-7 at halftime on the road against San Francisco. However, the Lions made costly errors in the second half and allowed the 49ers to mount the comeback and end the Cinderella season. Despite the disappointment, the future looks bright in Detroit because Dan Campbell’s team has improved every year. Offensively, the team was ranked third best in the league, and continuity will mean they will get better. However, the 49ers’ comeback was a reminder that their 19th-ranked defense needs to improve if they are to play for the Lombardi in New Orleans next season.
3. Baltimore Ravens- Of all the contenders, I think the Ravens will look back on this season with the biggest regret. The Ravens played a nearly flawless regular season by finishing with a 13-4 record and the number one seed in the AFC. Lamar Jackson earned his second MVP after showing their dominance in lopsided wins over the Lions, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and the Miami Dolphins. After beating the Houston Texans in the divisional round, the Ravens relished the opportunity to face the Chiefs at home for the Conference Championship game. However, the Ravens played an awful game at the worst time because Mahomes put the Chiefs into the lead early and just managed proceedings for the rest of it. Lamar failed to connect with his Wide Receivers and should have looked to run the ball more in a one-score game. Also, the team lacked discipline with costly penalties, and it felt the weight of expectations was too much. The Ravens were the better team on paper, and there is not much to change in terms of personnel to improve which will be frustrating. Therefore, they must look at their mentality and use this loss to fuel their off-season to topple the defending champions next season.
2. San Francisco 49ers-the 49ers will feel the pain of losing Super Bowl LXVIII for a very long time. The Bay Area franchise was the best NFC team in the regular season after beating the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, but their loss against the Ravens led many to questions. Brock Purdy impressively found a way to mount comebacks in back-to-back home games to lead them to the Super Bowl. However, after building a 10-0 lead in the Super Bowl, Mike Shanahan failed to run the football through Christian McAffery to preserve the lead. Shanahan also made questionable decisions at the end of regulation and overtime. In a surprise move, he decided to fire his Defensive Coordinator, Steve Wilks in the aftermath of the loss. Yes, the 49ers can improve defensively, but I think Shanahan needs to look at himself and the decisions he makes. For instance, how could the Chiefs get 9 catches for 93 yards from Travis Kelce, and yet George Kittle could only get 2 catches for 4 yards? The 49ers have the talent and will be the favorites in the NFC, but they will still have PTSD about the team at number 1 whom they have lost twice against in the Super Bowls in the past five years.
1. Kansas City Chiefs- I have to put the Chiefs as number one because they have earned and proved they are the best until someone beats them. The Chiefs followed their opening loss and struggled for much of the season with their wide receivers leading the league in drops. However, their backbone of a strong defense and the trio of Mahomes, Andy Reid, and Travis Kelce silenced all the doubters by winning their third Super Bowl in 5 years. The Chiefs are contenders because they will likely find the weapons that Mahomes wants either in the draft or free agency. If they can supplement the team, then the league should be scared about the prospects of a three-peat.