The NFL season starts tonight and Marcas Brennan gives us an insight into where our money should be going in the chase for Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Green Bay Packers to win the Super Bowl @8/1
It's amazing how one player can be the difference between your team being top class and extremely ordinary. No sport in the world illustrates this better than the NFL. The quarterback is the capital letter, full stop and everything else in between for all teams. When Barry White nonchalantly described "My first, my last, my everything", NFL fans can be forgiven for thinking this was a declaration to elite quarterbacks around the league.
Step forward the best of them all-Aaron Rodgers. Yes, Tom Brady has the rings and is one of the all time greats but right now there is no one better in the world at throwing a spiral than the Green Bay Packers quarterback. Coupled with that, when a play breaks down, Rodgers also has the ability to make plays with his feet and scramble for first downs.
Green Bay were within an onside kick from the Super Bowl last year and they have the tools to go one better this year. Rodgers aside, they hold a strong running game with powerful back Eddie Lacy a real handful coming out of the backfield. The defence can be a slight worry but Clay Matthews should return to his outside linebacker spot to help on that side of the ball and if they secure home field advantage in the playoffs they will be very hard to beat. Especially when you consider Rodgers' ability to play in the extreme conditions of Lambeau field in the winter.
Yes they have lost their best receiver in Jordy Nelson to injury and question marks hang exist on special teams and defence. However, they have enough playmakers on D to make an impact and ensure Rodgers isn't involved in shootouts every week.
The best quarterback, supported by an excellent coach and some quality playmakers on both side of the ball should see the Lombardi trophy going back to Green Bay this year.
Baltimore Ravens to win the Super Bowl @ 20/1
20/1 on such a solid franchise like the Ravens is just too big to let go. The bookmakers are giving you double digit odds on a team who are very likely to make the playoffs, are coached by one of the best head coaches and were one game away from the Super Bowl last year.
Joe Flacco is a quaterback who splits opinions and while I admit I'm not his biggest fan, he already has a Super Bowl ring and that experience of being at the big show is invaluable come playoff time.
It is a worry that they have lost offensive co-ordinator Gary Kubiak but with Terrell Suggs leading a fearsome defence, it is somewhat baffling to see such a big price. One final stat, John Harbaugh has the second best win record in the league since becoming head coach of the Ravens, second to a certain Bill Belichick. Not a bad stat to hold when trying to find who the best coaches are in the league and well worth a punt at 20/1.
Pittsburgh Steelers to win Super Bowl @ 25/1
Those of you who read my piece on why Ben Reothlisberger will lead the league on passing will already know how highly I rate the Steelers offense. They are the best in the league in my eyes and are a match for anyone on their day with the three headed monster of Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le'veon Bell set to create havoc for opposing defences.
Mike Tomlin is a shrewd head coach but the question mark in Pittsburgh is their defence and it's transition in recent times. A changing of the guard is under way in the steel city with plenty of new faces on that side of the ball.
This pick maybe a year too early as Keith Butler may need some bedding in time as the new defensive co ordinator. But there is recent first round picks in the front seven that can give plenty of hope they might have enough to cause trouble on defence. They will need the likes of Ryan Shazier and Bud Depree to quickly realise their potential but that is not beyond the realms of possibility.
The offense is that good that any sort of improvement from the Steelers defence could see them being a real force to be reckoned with. Yes it's a gamble but these are the defending AFC North champions and it would be no surprise to see them repeat that feat and move into the playoffs with every chance.
Miami Dolphins to win AFC East @ 10/3
The final selection may come as a surprise to some considering the Dolphins are in the same divisions the Patriots and the newly energised Buffalo Bills with Rex Ryan at the helm. But a number of factors could see the Dolphins go close this year. Ryan Tannehill is a competent quarterback that looks ready to make the jump to the next level. He will not be asked to go out and win games but not to lose it by turning the ball over.
With this in hand a good running game and an excellent defence is needed. Lamar Miller is a good running back and will cause plenty of problems while the Dolphins defence has the potential to be the meanest in the league. This defence will ensure games are tight and it would not surprise me to see them getting off to a great start such is their schedule.
The offensive line is a mystery and that's putting it mildly while head coach Joe Philbin could be a weak link, but a talented defence backed by a progressive quarterback gives them every chance of making an impact in their division.
