With half of the 2016 National Football League season in the bag, it’s time to take a new look at the teams that can really contend for Super Bowl 51. While it’s clear that the New England Patriots appear ready to capture their fifth Lombardi Trophy, there are a few preseason contenders who will need some miracles to reach the postseason. Carolina and Arizona, the two teams that played for the NFC title a year ago, are a combined 6-9-1 thus far this season. Both teams are way off pace in their divisions and in the wild card race. Here’s a look at which teams have a legitimate shot at the postseason and my midseason Super Bowl 51 projections.
AFC & NFC Super Bowl 51 Projections
AFC
New England Patriots
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The Patriots survived Tom Brady’s suspension going 3-1 in the first four games of the season using backups Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. Since Brady’s return, New England has been virtually unbeatable. The offense is averaging nearly 35 points a game and the defense is one of the league’s best. The Patriots are second in the NFL in scoring defense through eight games giving up just 16.5 points per game. Brady is on top of his game even at 39 years of age and TE Rob Gronkowski is healthy. The Patriots have beaten each of their last four opponents by double-digit margins. The second half of the season brings dates with Seattle, Baltimore, and Denver. Should Brady and company navigate the rest of the season favorably, there is no question that they have what it takes to win Super Bowl 51.
The Patriots' dominance in the NFL isn't new. Since 2001, they secured multiple Super Bowl victories, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse. This feat stems from the effective partnership of head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. Their strategic prowess and consistency have been key in building a legacy of success that few teams have matched. This history of excellence adds weight to their position as a top contender for Super Bowl 51.
Oakland Raiders
The surprise of the AFC (and maybe the NFL) is that the Raiders are 7-2 and leading the AFC West. Oakland just beat long-time rival Denver 30-20 to take command of the division. The Raiders offense is hard to stop with QB Derek Carr, RB Latavius Murray, and WR Amari Cooper forming one of the most deadly trios in the league. Oakland is among the NFL’s leaders in scoring (27.2 points per game, fifth in the league), but where they become a question mark is on defense. The Raiders defense has had its share of issues in the first half of the season. Despite having one of the best young pass rushers in the game in Khalil Mack, the Raiders give up a ton of points. That might prevent them from becoming a Super Bowl champion.
Denver Broncos
The defending Super Bowl champs certainly are a different team than they were a year ago. New quarterback Trevor Siemian has performed well enough to lead the Broncos offense. Head coach
Gary Kubiak relies heavily on the run and RB C.J. Anderson was having a great season until a knee injury ended it. Rookie Devontae Booker will have to pick up the slack in the running game and Denver will continue to rely on one of the NFL’s best defenses to get them back to the AFC championship game. The Broncos are the NFL’s best against the pass and OLB Von Miller is second in sacks with 9.5 so far this season. While the defense can definitely get them into the postseason, it will be the offense that determines how far the Broncos can advance.
Impact of Injuries on AFC Teams
Injuries often reshape a season, impacting team performance significantly. For example, key players like the Chiefs' running back Jamaal Charles faced setbacks, which challenges their roster depth. Similarly, the Houston Texans had concerns regarding J.J. Watt's absence, affecting their defensive capabilities. These injuries force teams to adapt strategically, testing their resolve as they aim to secure playoff berths amidst a competitive AFC landscape.
NFC
Dallas Cowboys
The best team in the NFC right now is the Dallas Cowboys. Who would have thought after starting quarterback Tony Romo went down in Week 1? Rookie Dak Prescott has not lost a game yet as the starter and rookie RB Ezekiel Elliott is the league’s leading rusher. Prescott and Elliott lead the offense, which is fourth the NFL in scoring (27.9) and the defense is as good as a Cowboys defense has been in several years. Dallas gives up 17.5 points a game, tied for fourth-best in the league. Dallas still has several tests remaining on the schedule including dates with Pittsburgh, Baltimore, the Giants, and Minnesota.
Other rookies have also made their presence felt this season. Carson Wentz, quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, has shown promising skills in leading his team's offense. His ability to adapt to the NFL level quickly mirrors the success seen with Prescott and Elliott. These fresh faces bring a new level of excitement and unpredictability to the league's dynamics, showcasing the bright future of the NFC.
Minnesota Vikings
Speaking of the Vikings, head coach Mike Zimmer’s squad was a definite Super Bowl contender entering the season but after three consecutive losses Minnesota is at a crossroads. They are without RB Adrian Peterson and both starting offensive tackles. All were lost for the season due to injury. The defense is still outstanding, but Minnesota is going to need production on offense to help them advance in the postseason. They still have what it takes to win the NFC North, but can they beat anyone in the playoffs without any offense?
Seattle Seahawks
It’s not a postseason conversation without mention of the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Pete Carroll and company are 5-2-1 and leading the NFC West. With Arizona stumbling, Seattle should win the division. The question for the Seahawks is much the same as that of Minnesota. Seattle is strong defensively, but the offense is struggling.
Defensive Challenges Across the NFC
In the NFC, some teams are grappling with defensive issues that could hinder their playoff hopes. The Green Bay Packers, for instance, struggle with secondary depth, often giving up large passing plays. Similarly, the Detroit Lions face difficulties in maintaining defensive consistency, creating vulnerabilities that opponents frequently exploit. Addressing these challenges is important for teams aiming to make a successful postseason run.
Atlanta Falcons
The surprise of the NFC may be the Falcons who once again have started fast. Last year, Atlanta started 5-0 but failed to make the postseason. They are 6-3 so far this season and in control of the NFC South. The Falcons have the NFL’s best offense led by NFL passing leader QB Matt Ryan and WR Julio Jones. Much like Oakland in the AFC, the Falcons have some serious issues on defense. Through nine games, Atlanta is giving up almost 29 points per game (28
th out of 32 teams).
Atlanta's offense showcases impressive stats, consistently leading the league in total yards and points per game. Matt Ryan, with over 2,980 passing yards by midseason, supports their strong offensive strategy. Julio Jones further enhances their threat on the field, placing them among the most effective scoring units in the league. This high offensive output highlights their capability to challenge any team, as long as their defense can hold up.
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