Now that teams have helped build themselves up with the NFL Draft, the picture is getting a bit clearer as to what each team will look like heading into the season. And as that picture gets clearer, the list of favorites to reach Super Bowl LIII does as well. These three teams, in particular, have the best shot to get to the season’s biggest game for a chance to lift the Lombardi Trophy.
1. New England Patriots
To say that the New England Patriots have had a dramatic offseason would be putting it lightly. Questions about the future of tight end Rob Gronkowski and quarterback Tom Brady have put the team in a state of limbo. And with rumors of disdain between Brady and head coach Bill Belichick, it is possible that it will be a turbulent season for New England.
However, the Patriots are still the most talented team in the AFC. This is thanks to their combination of a high-powered offense and a defense that always seems to get stops when they need them. With Brady healthy, the Patriots will be able to move the ball at will once again this year, which is a great way to overcome any issues within the locker room. If the Patriots can lock up home-field advantage in the AFC again, they should be the favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
2. Green Bay Packers
Perhaps surprisingly, the Packers are the pre-season second favorite to win Super Bowl LIII. According to Super Bowl LIII bet365 NFL odds, the Packers are among the favorites to win the Super Bowl. This is interesting, as they don’t seem to have improved themselves too much this offseason. They have, however, received the most important player in the entire league back from injury. That player, of course, is Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers has made a habit of carrying the Packers to great heights despite the team’s shortcomings. Last year, he broke his collarbone after being tackled by Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr. Back healthy for this year, Rodgers has a great chance to run through a weak NFC North and get to yet another Super Bowl.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Last year’s Super Bowl champions will have a difficult road to getting back to the big game, as they have to hope that Carson Wentz is able to get back on the field at full strength. They are loaded with talent all over the field, but have to make sure that their most valuable player is able to contribute once again. While backup quarterback Nick Foles was great during the playoffs, it would be difficult to rely on him for an entire season.
Philly will have a great running game to lean on in the event that Wentz is unable to play at a high level this season, as the acquisition of Jay Ajayi last year woke their offense up. That, combined with an elite defense, make the Eagles one of the most complete teams in the NFC with or without Wentz to help them out.
