:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61741589/usa_today_10589295.0.jpg)
It’s the bye week, which not only means it’s a good time to reflect on the Detroit Lions, but the entire NFL. It’s been a pretty wacky season thus far, and outside of the Rams and Chiefs, every team has looked pretty bad at, at least, one point in the season.
Expectations for each team seem to change week-to-week, and some teams heading into the season as playoff contenders have shown some serious flaws and could be out of the race soon. Take, for example, the Atlanta Falcons. Coming off back-to-back playoff seasons, Atlanta was expected to be a serious contender in the competitive NFC South. However, their defense has been a disaster and they’re just 1-4 through five games.
On the other end of the spectrum, teams like the Bengals, Browns and... gulp... Bears have exceeded early expectations. Maybe the key this year is to simply be an NFL team starting with the letter B... unless you’re the Bills... or Broncos.
Anyways, making preseason Super Bowl predictions are fun, but a complete crapshoot. Now we know at least a little more about these teams, so let’s give ourselves another shot. Today’s Question of the Day is:
Who will play in Super Bowl 53 this year?
My answer: I’d love to say the Chiefs right now, but that defense is going to catch up with them at some point. A more balanced team will come out of that conference, and since I’m a very boring person that likes to make logical picks rather than bold ones, I’m going to go with the Patriots. With Julian Edelman back, their offense has already started to get back on track, and their defense will be adequate.
In the NFC, I don’t know how you could pick anyone that isn’t the Rams right now. Their defensive roster is a little beat up, but still stacked. Their offense will continue being great with Sean McVay as head coach and Todd Gurley punishing defenses. It’s rare that a team so hyped in the offseason lives up to it, but the Rams are rolling right now and there’s no end in sight.
So give me Rams over Patriots.
Your turn.