The Los Angeles Rams captured the Lombardi trophy at home in a glitzy and memorable Superbowl game. No, it was not the greatest Superbowl game ever or even a candidate for the top 5. However, it did culminate what I think is the greatest NFL playoffs ever. Most of the games were tight, had you on the edge of your seat like a suspense movie leaving you to wonder what will happen next. It felt like a microcosm of the season where there was no clear-cut number one team stacked above the rest of the league. The number 1 seeds, the Packers and Titans did not even survive the first games despite having home-field advantage. Despite the NFL off-the-field controversies, the league is in a good place because of the parity that brings excitement and intrigue. In this article, we look ahead to next season and preview the teams that already look prime to Glendale. Before I begin, apologies to the Titans, 49ers Packers, and Buccaneers for not making this list because they all have quarterback controversies and vacancies preventing them from being in the equation.
Number 5- Cincinnati Bengals: Who Dey Nation will feel wounded and battered after the team failed to bring a championship back to Ohio. However, they can be proud of what this team achieved. At the start of the season, no one predicted that this team would win the AFC North or even make it into the Superbowl. Yet, this team led by the coolest guy on the planet in Joe Burrow made it to 2 minutes away to the Lombardi. Heading into next season, the team will bring back its core young players and will benefit from the experience of coming so close. However, they must protect their prized asset in their quarterback by using the draft and free agency to get him protection on the offensive line. Burrow was sacked 70 times this season which is the 3rd most in NFL history. If they can protect him, then this team has what it takes to avenge this loss.
Number 4-Dallas Cowboys: the fans of America’s team are starving to end a 26-year Superbowl drought. They always claim “this year will be our year” until they make some error in playoffs to wash the dream away. However, next season will be pivotal for Mike McCarthy, who is on the hot seat to deliver the goods. The team under-performed on offense despite having so much talent on that side of the ball. However, Dak Prescott will enjoy a healthy off-season that will allow him to work with his weapons to achieve more consistency. The defense was opportunistic and elite for most of the year led by rookies Micah Parson and Trevon Diggs leading the way. These top rookie defensive players should be even better in their sophomore season, and so should this unit.
Number 3-Buffalo Bills: the last thirteen seconds of regulation against the Chiefs will haunt the Bills organization and fan base as they head into this painful offseason. Josh Allen will return next season with redemption on his mind but will have to do so without his Offensive Coordinator, Brian Daboll who is now the head coach of the New York Giants. It is hard to imagine that the Bills had the number one defense and got ripped apart when it mattered most. However, they are poised to trend in the elite category in the upcoming season. The doubt this team will face all season is whether they can close the deal when it matters most in the playoffs. Only time will tell!
Number 2- Los Angeles Rams: the Rams will be celebrating their Superbowl championship with a parade in Tinsel town later this week. However, the team is built to win next year because of the talent it possesses on offense and defense. The biggest question facing the team is whether Aaron Donald will retire? My hunch is that he will continue his football career because he is still dominant in the trenches. The Rams also lost Odell Beckham to possibly a torn ACL injury, which may comprise his resigning with the team, but they should look to bring him back. However, Robert Woods should recover from his injury which might mitigate the potential loss. The Rams are favorites to win back to back because the NFC looks a far easier road than the daunting battle royal in the AFC.
Number 1-Kansas City Chiefs” after coming back from the dead against the Bills to win an overtime thriller, it was devastating for the Chief fan base to see their team allow the big comeback against the Bengals. The team started the season slowly with the juggernaut offense struggling to move the ball down the field. Then there was the eight-game winning streak, where the defense played elite, and the offensive steadily found their groove. Patrick Mahomes will want to enter next season on a mission based on playing an inconsistent season. The team has big weapons in Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill that remain under contract. However, management may need to consider adding more weapons. However, the big question is which version of the defense will they get next season to complement this high-octane offense? The Chiefs may be Superbowl bound if they get things right on their ship.