Football season is over. Who will win Superbowl LIX?
Marc Tavernese
He/Him
Staff Writer
2/20/24
The NFL season has come to a close. Millions have been dreading Kansas City’s third Super Bowl win in five years, making them newest dynasty since the Patriots. The Chief’s run was an impressive one and a wild card pick for seeing how strong other teams were during the season. While we mourn that game, as we approach the NFL Draft, it’s time for some way-too-early predictions for who will be next year’s Super Bowl contenders and possible champion.
The AFC – THE BALTIMORE RAVENS:
While they collapsed in the playoffs once again with Lamar at the helm, I think this Raven’s team will still be stronger than ever heading into the next season of football. Lamar showed all regular season his ability to run and avoid pressure, as well as utilize his arm strength when needed, and won his second MVP. If they can fix the offensive line’s woes in the Offensive tackle department, Lamar should have more time in the pocket if need be. Not only that but rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers from Boston College showed his worth in the 2023 NFL draft, becoming a primary target for Lamar. Other supporting cast members such as Odell Beckam Jr. still putting up respectable numbers in the latter half of his career and Nelson Agholor trying to regain his ability to catch a football after a miserable time in New England. Not only that, but the running back duo of Gus Edwards and Justice Hill combined for 2,661 rushing yards this season, 300 more than the second-best rushing offense during 2023. The defense is still loaded with Roquan Smith, Marcus Peters, and Marlon Humphrey. I see a bright future for this team.
The NFC – THE DETROIT LIONS:
Alright, this one is a far, far reach but I enjoy the chaos when it comes to these way-too early picks. It’s enjoyable. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta, all of these guys are key offensive pieces that helped the Lions complete one of their best seasons in over 20 years. While Goff struggled towards the end of the regular season, his stat line was something to be looked at, maybe not MVP status, but respectable enough for a guaranteed starting role for the future given the Lions continue with him moving forward. Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs looked scary at first, not gaining as many touches as veteran running back David Montgomery did, but once Campbell began to even out the touches between them, Gibbs exploded onto the scene with his agility allowing him to make quick sudden jukes and avoiding middle linebackers with ease, and his speed the cherry on top. His red zone strength was key for the Lion’s strategy in scoring situations.
My only concern with this team, which is making this a very dangerous pick, is their defense. While stars like Aidan Hutchinson, the defensive tackle monster out of Michigan had a career year, the secondary is a major concern, as well as Dan Campbell’s aggressive coaching style. According to Pro-Football-Reference.com, the Lions had the 27th best-passing defense in the league during the 23-24 season allowing a horrific 4,205 yards over the entire season against opponents, something that hopefully comes this offseason and the upcoming draft, they can fix that situation at the safety position. strength was key for the Lion’s strategy in scoring situations.
Who Will Win It All?
I have to say, while I may be blatantly going off of what could’ve been an amazing Super Bowl this season if not for certain conference championship games, I believe the Ravens are going to get a ring at some point with Lamar, and next season could be their opportunity. That’s asking a lot knowing Harbaugh and Lamar’s recent struggles with amazing seasons and the playoffs, but the luck will go in their favor at some point, they aren’t losing many pieces this offseason.