Top 5 AFC teams as Super Bowl contenders in 2020
The NFC has the greater volume of talent, but in the Chiefs and Ravens, the AFC has the greater concentration of Super Bowl ready teams.
5. Indianapolis Colts
The AFC is certainly the weak sister of the two conferences, and the Colts kick off the list. Indianapolis has a couple things going for it, including a soft division and a quality quarterback with something to prove.
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After throwing 22 touchdowns against 21 interceptions in 2019, Philip Rivers has been written off. Can he find the proverbial fountain of youth behind a terrific offensive line? Time will tell, but the Colts are an intriguing team to watch in 2020.
4. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo has one of the league’s best rosters. The offense is loaded with receivers Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley and John Brown, tight end Dawson Knox and running back Devin Singletary. The defense is arguable as a top-three unit, led by cornerback Tre’Davious White and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.
The main question is Josh Allen. Is he good enough to lead a deep playoff run? Or simply too much of an anchor for Buffalo to overcome?
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Don’t look now, but the Steelers are the biggest wild card in the AFC. After going 8-8 last year despite dealing with Duck Hodges and Mason Rudolph under center, Pittsburgh returns an excellent defense and an offense now spearheaded by Ben Roethlisberger. If Big Ben can return from Tommy John surgery and get back to form, Pittsburgh should have a quality offense.
Considering how stacked the defense is, head coach Mike Tomlin would be feeling good about his chances at a deep January run.
2. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens had the league’s best record last year, going 14-2 before a flameout in the AFC Divisional against the Tennessee Titans. Baltimore should be damn good again in 2020, bringing back even significant player from last season, save for guard Marshal Yanda.
Read: These 5 NFC Teams Are The Top Title Contenders
The big question is whether Lamar Jackson can continue improving as a passer. Jackson is the defending MVP and a phenomenal talent, but to make the offense more well-rounded, this is a critical step for him.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are defending Super Bowl champs, and they return 20 of their 22 starters. Additionally, Patrick Mahomes is 24 years old and should only improve, a thought which sends s shiver down the spine of 31 other teams. Mahomes is surrounded by the league’s best weapons, from receivers Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and Mecole Hardman to tight end Travis Kelce and rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
With a solid defense led by the trio of Frank Clark, Chris Jones and Tyrann Mathieu, Kansas City remains the team to beat in 2020.
