Given the high-pressure nature of the National Football League, is it any wonder that so many teams crumble under the pressure of their own expectations? Upon kicking off a campaign with a few losses the fan base of a franchise can instantly go into meltdown, choosing to focus on getting a solid placement in the draft as opposed to pushing for the playoffs.
It’s a negative mentality, and thankfully there are a few sides who we believe will be surging on in 2017 and trying to reach the promised land of the Super Bowl. A few of these entrants are here because of their quality and others because, well, we just kind of want to see what happens.
There’s an argument to be made that this is the most competitive the league has been in years, and with the Patriots ruling the roost there’s an extra element of motivation as everyone attempts to dethrone the world champions.
1) Oakland Raiders
When you combine one of the most promising quarterbacks in the game with Beast Mode and a determination to give the Oakland fans something to shout out before leaving for Vegas, you’ve got an extremely dangerous team. Lady luck dealt the Raiders a poor hand last year, but if they can put everything together and build some momentum then they can make some real noise in the AFC.
2) Atlanta Falcons
How will the @AtlantaFalcons offense look in 2017? (via @BuckyBrooks)
Try and put Super Bowl 51 out of your mind for just one second, because it’s worth noting that the Falcons’offensive line is one of the best we’ve ever seen in the NFL. Period. This team will be hungrier than ever to make up for the mistakes of last year, and they’ve got the structure in place to once again go all the way.
3) Detroit Lions
One of four teams never to reach the dance, the Detroit Lions have been the laughing stock of the NFC for quite some time now. Thankfully a decent enough draft has boosted the morale of the Michigan faithful, and they’ve got enough experience within the squad to warrant some confidence in 2017.
4) Houston Texans
Houston had arguably one of the best drafts of anyone this year, and their unforgiving defence means that nobody will want to roll into Texas and play them this year. Sure they may have gone down to the Pats in the play-offs, but they know that they’ve got something special going on and they aren’t afraid to show it.
5) Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game and that’s just a fact. Unfortunately, his one and only SB ring was many years ago now, and fans are starting to wonder whether or not he has what it takes to drag Green Bay back to the big time. Will this season confirm their status as the biggest chokers in the North? Time will tell.
