Theres absolutely nothing quite like the optimism of a fresh NFL season. Thirty-two groups all beginning on an equal airplane, with one objective in sight..
Maybe more than any of the major American sports leagues, the NFL offers the a lot of parity, where a team nobody was relying on can increase to the top of their department and enter into the playoffs. Just take a look at the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2017 season, on their way to a title in Super Bowl LII.
Heres one factor why each of the leagues 32 groups will — and wont — win Super Bowl LV in Tampa on Feb. 7.
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AFC EAST.
Buffalo Bills.
The Bills could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Josh Allen takes a huge leap as a passer, continues his threat as the defense and a rusher stays dominant, and builds off of its second-best 16.2 points a video game permitted last season.
The Bills wont win the Super Bowl if Allen regresses, if additions (receiver Stefon Diggs, cornerback Josh Norman and protective linemen Mario Addison and Vernon Butler) dont produce, and if that defense does not shut down challengers.
Miami Dolphins.
The Dolphins might win the Super Bowl if Fitzmagic gives way to an all-time rookie performance by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, if receivers like Jakeem Grant and DeVante Parker become stars, and free-agent addition Byron Jones becomes a shutdown corner and raises an already-talented secondary.
The Dolphins wont make the Super Bowl if this lineup is still a few years from being legitimate contenders in the AFC, Tagovailoa needs time to absorb into the NFL, and the defense doesnt enhance from its league-worst 30.9 points enabled per game.
New England Patriots.
The Patriots could win the Super Bowl if Cam Newton goes back to his 2015 NFL MVP kind, the group does not miss opt-outs (linebacker Dont a Hightower, security Patrick Chung and right take on Marcus Cannon) excessive, and the defense builds on last years production.
The Patriots wont win the Super Bowl if offending organizer Josh McDaniels struggles to craft a system that fits Newtons distinct capability, absence of depth at wide receiver zaps the passing game, and the offense cant become a dominant rushing outfit.
New York Jets.
The Jets might win the Super Bowl if quarterback Sam Darnold rises to turn into one of the top young passers in the league, running back LeVeon Bells production mirrors what it remained in his finest seasons in Pittsburgh, and the offense sees a near-miracle turn-around in key metrics that ranked amongst the leagues worst last season.
The Jets wont win the Super Bowl if the roster cant conquer considerable holes at receiver and edge rusher, the offensive line continues to yield far too much pressure (New York ranked 30th, allowing sacks on practically one out of every 10 pass attempts), and a lack of star talent dooms the team.
AFC NORTH.
Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals might win the Super Bowl if novice quarterback Joe Burrow selects up where he ended in regards to the ultra-efficiency he had at LSU, they score double the points they did last season (17.4 a video game), and the defense stops providing up explosive plays.
The Bengals wont win the Super Bowl if Burrow has even an average season, and free-agency acquisitions like cornerback Trae Waynes (who is on IR with a torn pectoral, however might return for the second half of the season), security Vonn Bell and protective deal with D.J. Reader dont dramatically improve a defense that ranked worst in the league in yards per play enabled (6.09 ).
Cleveland Browns.
The Browns might win the Super Bowl if brand-new coach Kevin Stefanski is precisely what quarterback Baker Mayfield and receiver Odell Beckham Jr. need to blossom into among the top QB-WR duos in the league, and a fairly talented roster lives up to the buzz that it drew last offseason.
The Browns wont win the Super Bowl unless Mayfield is elite, the defense doesnt do a much better job of securing offenses at a loss zone, and they do not end up on the opposite end of the turnover margin (-8 in 2019, ranked 26th) scale.
Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Lamar Jackson doesnt drop off, newly acquired rush Calais Campbell strengthens a pass rush that ranked 21st in the NFL with 37 sacks, and the rushing offense stays as efficient as it was in 2015.
The Ravens wont win the Super Bowl if Jackson regresses or gets hurt, and the groups loss versus the Titans in the divisional round of last years playoffs shows to be a sign of issues in stopping the follow Derrick Henry controlled with 195 backyards.
Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recovers after missing out on last season with a throwing elbow injury, they profit from their journeys inside the 20 (Pittsburgh ranked last in red zone effectiveness at 35%), and linebacker T.J. Watt wins protective gamer of the year on a revitalized unit.
The Steelers will not win the Super Bowl if Roethlisberger does not play at previous levels, receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster doesnt have a beast bounce-back season, and the group doesnt repair its third-down battles (transforming simply 34.36% of efforts).
AFC SOUTH.
Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts could win the Super Bowl if the offending line stays dominant, marquee free-agency signing quarterback Philip Rivers finds the fountain of youth with coach Frank Reich, and the defense lastly finds some consistency, especially in the secondary.
The Colts wont win the Super Bowl if Rivers and Reich cant match the success they had while Reich was the offensive planner with the Chargers in 2014-15, the secondary continues to get gashed for big plays, and the offending line doesnt open up holes in the hurrying video game.
Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jaguars could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Gardner Minshew has an all-world efficiency, a sorely diminished roster just occurs to be a group of unknown and unskilled stars, and if wonders take place.
The Jaguars wont win the Super Bowl even if Minshew has a monster season, however a skill shortage is far too much to get rid of.
Houston Texans.
The Texans might win the Super Bowl if quarterback Deshaun Watson goes into the MVP race with a season loaded with career-highs, the offensive line really protects him, and coach Bill OBrien and the rest of the staff avoids important game management errors.
The Texans wont win the Super Bowl if Watson, who has actually been sacked 120 times over the last two years — 14 more than the next closest gamer — continues to stay under pressure, the departure of receiver DeAndre Hopkins is too huge to make up for, and the defense, under new defensive organizer Anthony Weaver, ranks last once again in red zone effectiveness (71.43%).
Tennessee Titans.
The Titans might win the Super Bowl if running back Derrick Henry plays like the offending gamer of the year, quarterback Ryan Tannehill proves last year wasnt a fluke and makes more plays when called to do so, and the defense does more than bend however not break.
The Titans will not win the Super Bowl if their impressive red zone effectiveness from last season (75.56%) and goal-to-go offense (88%) takes a severe step backwards, Tannehill cant win video games when defenses stifle Henry, and the pass rush remains typical.
AFC WEST.
Denver Broncos.
The Broncos might win the Super Bowl if quarterback Drew Lock leads the offense to unforeseen levels in his second season, the receiver combination of novice Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton ends up being one of the best in the league, and running back Melvin Gordon remains healthy and is a hazard on the ground and in the death video game.
The Broncos will not win the Super Bowl if Lock does not take drastic strides, the group can not get rid of the loss of edge rusher Von Miller, who suffered an evident season-ending ankle injury Tuesday, and they dont enhance on their sixth-ranked 17 free gifts from last season.
Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chargers might win the Super Bowl if Tyrod Taylor works as more than simply a bridge quarterback with rookie Justin Herbert waiting in the wings, running back Austin Ekeler makes fans forget about Melvin Gordon, and the defense goes from being reputable to being elite.
The Chargers wont win the Super Bowl if their defense can not offset the loss of 2018 first-team All-Pro security Derwin James (out for season with right knee injury), and the infamously efficient Taylor does not do more than just safeguard the ball.
Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs could duplicate as Super Bowl champions if Patrick Mahomes just perseveres and makes steady enhancements to his video game, novice running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire becomes a force, and the defense continues to make strides under organizer Steve Spagnuolo.
The Chiefs will not win the Super Bowl if they have a disappointment from last season, the secondary becomes a problem that a powerful offense cant mask, and a pass rush that was just somewhat above average does not post gains.
Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Derek Carr improves on his decision making and takes a huge leap, the teams young weapons, second-year running back Josh Jacobs and rookie receiver Henry Ruggs III become dominant, and the pass rush lastly breaks through.
The Raiders wont win the Super Bowl if Carrs play remains the same, the pass rush cant seem to rebound because the 2018 trade of Khalil Mack to the Bears, and the defense doesnt enhance off of its 24th-ranked scoring defense (26.2 ).
NFC EAST.
Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys might win the Super Bowl if new coach Mike McCarthys offense clicks immediately with quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott, receiver CeeDee Lamb takes off in a performance deserving of offensive novice of the year, and if the defense gets a 2nd reputable pass rush to compliment Demarcus Lawrence.
The Cowboys wont win the Super Bowl if the secondary blows protections and allows challengers to outscore Prescott and Co., depth at security continues to afflict the group, and McCarthys scheme either does not work or takes too long to start.
Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles might win the Super Bowl if quarterback Carson Wentz stays healthy and plays as he performed in 2017 before he tore his ACL, season-ending injuries to beginning offending linemen Brandon Brooks (Achilles) and Andre Dillard (biceps) are decreased, and the teams rebuilt secondary makes fans forget the numerous blown coverages of 2019.
The Eagles wont win the Super Bowl if Wentz misses out on time, appealing young running back Miles Sanders does not take the action to become a consistent dual weapon, and the getting corps does not produce more reliably.
Washington Football Team.
Washington might win the Super Bowl if quarterback Dwayne Haskins raises his play significantly, the gifted defensive front turns into one of the top pass hurrying groups in the NFL, and the group gets rid of reports of internal dysfunction and organizational failures on the front workplace side from the offseason.
Washington wont win the Super Bowl if Haskins does not enhance on his 58.62% conclusion rate and takes much better care of the ball, if the getting that does not have star talent struggles, and if the leagues 31st-ranked hurrying defense (146.2) from 2019 does not become a strength.
New York City Giants.
The Giants could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Daniel Jones owns the offense and does much more than just handle games, running back Saquon Barkley wins the league MVP after a workhorse season, and brand-new coach Joe Judge carries out a culture that gets an extraordinary quantity of production from a relatively talent-lacking defense.
The Giants wont win the Super Bowl if they do not enormously reverse their minus-17 turnover differential that tied them for worst in the NFL, Jones doesnt go into the top tier of passers, and if a leaky defense continues to allow an unsustainable quantity of yardage.
NFC NORTH.
Chicago Bears.
The Bears could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Mitchell Trubisky reanimates his career and ends up being a trustworthy and efficient passer, a pass rush that has Khalil Mack and new signing Robert Quinn generates more than a sack on simply 5.6% of pass attempts, and coach Matt Nagys offending schemes run without a hitch.
The Bears will not win the Super Bowl if Trubisky doesnt take control of the offense and delivers the job to Nick Foles, Quinn disappoints, and an offense that acquired a 31st-ranked 4.66 backyards a play sputters yet again.
Detroit Lions.
The Lions could win the Super Bowl if the offense doesnt considerably enhance on a woeful goal-to-go offense that scored touchdowns just 58.33% (29th) of the time, they do not get more out of a pass rush that ranked second-to-last in sack rate (4.58%) and quarterback Matthew Stafford plays like an MVP.
The Lions will not win the Super Bowl if rookie No. 3 overall pick, cornerback Jeff Okudah, doesnt end up being an instantaneous star, the pass rush remains inactive, and if former Patriots in linebacker Jamie Collins and Duron Harmon do not get this defense completely reversed..
Green Bay Packers.
The Packers could win the Super Bowl if Year 2 of coach Matt LaFleurs offense takes another stride, if quarterback Aaron Rodgers can get the most out of a getting cast that lacks a star after top hazard Davante Adams, and if coordinator Mike Pettines defense constructs on a group that tied for seventh with 25 required turnovers.
The Packers will not win the Super Bowl if LaFleurs offense falls back, his relationship with Rodgers tears, and the NFLs third-best interception rate of 3.11% drops.
Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings might win the Super Bowl if their defense stays one of the most aggressive attire in the whole NFL after it produced a fourth-best 31 turnovers, quarterback Kirk Cousins does not miss the loss of previous offensive organizer Kevin Stefanski (who ended up being the coach of the Browns) excessive, and running back Dalvin Cook constructs on a strong 2019.
The Vikings wont win the Super Bowl if Cousins doesnt jibe with new coordinator Gary Kubiak, a really excellent red zone defense that ranked second last season (43.75%) permits more touchdowns this season, and novice first-round receiver Justin Jefferson out of LSU doesnt end up being a constant compliment to Adam Thielen.
NFC SOUTH.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers could win the Super Bowl if all of their offseason additions — beginning with quarterback Tom Brady, running back Leonard Fournette and tight end Rob Gronkowski — instantly click, the team gets a constant edge rusher to take pressure off linebacker Shaquil Barrett, and the group can get a constant hurrying video game going.
The Buccaneers will not win the Super Bowl if Brady struggles to understand coach Bruce Arians offense, and Tampas turnover bug — despite the fact that former quarterback Jameis Winston was largely accountable — remains and doesnt enhance from in 2015s league-high mark of 41.
Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Matt Ryan plays like he did during his throughout his MVP season in 2016, the group prevents irregular play like it did when it started last season 1-7, however instead gets much steadier offensive production like it did when it finished 6-2.
The Falcons wont win the Super Bowl if running back Todd Gurley II cant discover his early profession success, receiver Julio Jones lastly begins to reveal indications of decline, and a defense that is built on speed plays like it did in the very first half of last year.
Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers might win the Super Bowl if quarterback Teddy Bridgewater shows Carolina was smart to invest in him and he plays like he did when he was last a teams undoubted starter, running back Christian McCaffrey both gets an adequate quantity of touches but stays healthy, and receiver DJ Moore blooms into among the leagues most dangerous threats.
The Panthers wont win the Super Bowl if rookie coach Matt Rhules system takes too long to carry out, the team doesnt repair a turnover problem that was second-worst last season (35 free gifts), and Bridgewater does not raise the play of everybody around him.
New Orleans Saints.
The Saints could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Drew Brees has one last outstanding run in him, the defense makes practical enhancements in red zone efficiency (59.57%), and the entire team delights in health to capitalize on what may be the in 2015 to win in a quickly closing window.
The Saints will not win the Super Bowl if they do not take care of the ball like they did last season with an NFL-best 8 free gifts, a third-down defense that ranked sixth (34.76%) regresses, and any significant factor gets injured on a lineup that is quite top-heavy and lacks quality depth.
NFC WEST.
San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers could win the Super Bowl if they get over the hangover of losing the last one against the Chiefs, if quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo handles more obligation and becomes more than a video game manager, and the defense remains as intense as it was last season under coordinator Robert Saleh.
The 49ers wont win the Super Bowl if they cant repair red zone performance rates on both offense and defense, if the departure of DeForest Buckner — who was traded to the Colts — hinders the defense, and if recently acquired offensive tackle Trent Williams isnt what he was when he last bet Washington.
Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals might win the Super Bowl if second-year quarterback Kyler Murray has a similar course to the ones Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had in their 2nd seasons, coach Kliff Kingsbury crafts an offense that shines with the addition of receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and a freaky athletic defense makes plays to enhanced last years 28th-ranked scoring defense (27.6 ).
The Cardinals will not win the Super Bowl if the Kingsbury-Murray union suffers any hitches, if the Cardinals cant get more of a pass rush out of players other than linebacker Chandler Jones, and depth problems in the secondary prove to be fatal.
Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams might win the Super Bowl if coach Sean McVays offense reverts to what it was in 2018 when L.A. last made the title video game, quarterback Jared Goff recovers after a letdown 4th season, and running backs Malcolm Brown and Cam Akers provide L.A. a much-needed boost to a rushing game that ranked 27th in yards per bring (3.74 ).
The Rams wont win the Super Bowl if Goff continues to be average, if the pass rush that ranked fifth in sack rate (8.9%) fails, and a solidly built receivers room cant produce substantial production..
Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Russell Wilson continues to be among the designs of performance at the position and plays like an MVP, a fairly young defense appears like the old “Legion of Boom” systems of the mid-2010s with the addition of hard-hitting security Jamal Adams, and the loss of edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney doesnt sting excessive.
The Seahawks wont win the Super Bowl if they cant improve on their 30th-ranked sack rate (4.68%) from last season, an offensive line that has three brand-new beginners doesnt click, and a strong hurrying game behind starter Chris Carson takes a step back and cant remove some pressure off of Wilson.
Follow USA TODAY Sports Lorenzo Reyes on Twitter @LorenzoGReyes.
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Why all 32 NFL teams could – and why they wont – win Super Bowl LV – USA TODAY
