Frederick Jace
The 2023 NFL season has already provided football fans with a multitude of action packed encounters featuring some of the top names in the sport today as well as several speculative news stories that have kept fans well engaged with all the latest ongoings within their favorite team.
There remains a palpable amount of excitement surrounding every NFL encounter that fans all around the world are already pondering as to which teams could likely make an appearance in the prestigious Superbowl game later this season.
While fans are already expecting several top heavy teams such as the Chiefs, Eagles, 49ers and Bengals to be ranked as a lively contender, here are some sleeper candidates that fans should not count out on making a surprise appearance at Superbowl LVIII.
- Jacksonville Jaguars:
The Jags surprised many fans last year with a 9-8 record and a remarkable comeback victory over the Chargers in the NFL Wildcard round, before ultimately losing to the eventual champions Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round.
Heading into this year, there is a resounding amount of hype and lofty expectations for this young Jaguars roster that features a lively MVP candidate in former number one overall pick Trevor Lawrence who announced himself as one of the top QBs in the league last year.
With the addition of Calvin Ridley to bolster an offense that features the likes of Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, Evan Engram and Travis Etienne as well as a talented defensive group, the Jags could surprise many fans and earn their first ever trip to the Superbowl later this season.
There remains genuine excitement in DUVAL county that Doug Peterson’s team could emerge victorious and announce themselves as the team to beat in the AFC.
- Las Vegas Raiders:
While the AFC West is stacked for talent this year, the Raiders could shock everyone with both a spot in the playoffs and potentially a first Superbowl appearance since 2002.
In some of the latest Las Vegas Raiders news, there remains a resounding amount of optimism surrounding some of their lethal offensive weapons with the talented Wide Receiver core of Davante Adams and newcomer Jakobi Meyers as well as superstar running back Josh Jacobs.
The arrival of Jimmy Garoppolo at QB to replace long-time starter Derek Carr, will bring more stability to the position as well as playoff experience, which could help the Raiders get over the hump and finally end their long wait for some postseason success.
- Detroit Lions:
Alongside the Jaguars, the Lions were also the talk of the NFL last year despite narrowly missing out on a playoff spot, with Dan Campbell’s loveable roster earning an above .500 record and a climactic final game week showing against their bitter rivals Green Bay, which would ultimately be Aaron Rodgers’ last game as a Packer.
Ever since the departure of former QB Matthew Stafford to LA, Detroit has quickly assembled a tremendous young roster which is seemingly dominant on both sides of the field.
The addition of some stellar QB play by Jared Goff and his numerous offensive weapons has now left many to label the Lions as the best team in the NFC North and as an underdog candidate to make the Superbowl for the first time in franchise history.
- New Orleans Saints:
Following his departure from Vegas, Derek Carr has now stumbled into a very intriguing situation in New Orleans, with the Saints being one of the best teams in the NFC who may not currently be earning the credibility that they deserve.
With one of the most feared defenses in the entire NFL as well as an offense that has several imposing threats, the addition of Carr may help the Saints get back to Superbowl contention in the years following Drew Brees’ retirement.
The Saints are almost bound to make the playoffs this year given how weak the NFC South is and they could potentially stage a shocking trip to the Superbowl later this season through their monstrous defense and an improvement in play at the game’s most important position.
- Cleveland Browns:
While the AFC North is likely the toughest division in the entire NFL heading into the new season, there should be no counting out the Browns who still occupy one of the best rosters in the league.
Anchored by a devasting defense and a tremendous core of talent on offense, the Browns are pretty much a contender all across the field, but will need a consistent improvement of play at the one position that they have always struggled to acquire genuine talent.
Following the monumental trade for QB DeShaun Watson back in 2022, there has remained an inconsistent level of play by the former Pro Bowler who has yet to rekindle his prior form that was present in Houston.
If Watson can get back to that previous level, the Browns will instantly re-emerge as a lively contender in the AFC and could finally make that elusive trip to the Superbowl game, and potential bring the proud city of Cleveland its first real taste of football royalty.
