5 teams that are Patriots’ biggest threat this season

5. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles should be one of the league’s best, provided Carson Wentz can finally stay on the field for a full season. Philadelphia doesn’t have many holes on the depth chart, featuring a terrific passing attack and one of the game’s best offensive line. Defensively, the front seven remains fantastic with Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox headlining that group. Provided the secondary can simply be adequate, there’s little reason for the Eagles not to play deep into January.

4. Los Angeles Rams

Much of the Rams’ success last season relied upon the legs of Todd Gurley. If the All-Pro running back ends up being hampered by arthritis, Los Angeles is in serious trouble. However, if Gurley does play close to the level we’ve seen from him, coupled with the return of slot receiver Cooper Kupp, the Rams should be a threat to go back to the Super Bowl. Considering Jared Goff and Sean McVay are running the show, Los Angeles should be in the championship conversation on an annual basis.

3. Los Angeles Chargers

There might not be a better roster in the NFL. The Chargers are loaded, with Philip Rivers, Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry, Melvin Gordon and Mike Williams on offense, and Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Denzel Perryman, Desmond King, Casey Hayward and Derwin James on defense. There are lingering questions about whether the Chargers can finally get over the proverbial hump, but the roster has to be respected.

2. New Orleans Saints

The Saints project to be the best team in the NFC. New Orleans has a first-ballot Hall of Famer at quarterback in Drew Brees, and arguably the game’s best receiver in Michael Thomas. Factor in Alvin Kamara, a terrific head coach (Sean Payton) and a dominating offensive line, and the Saints are built perfectly to win in 2019. If there’s any question, it’s how does the defense play? Marshon Lattimore and Cam Jordan are studs, but there are uncertainties around them.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Sweet and simple. The Chiefs were a DeeFord penalty away in the AFC Championship Game from beating the New England Patriots last year. Patrick Mahomes is the game’s best quarterback, coming off an MVP season with 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns. The entire offense is returning and the defense swapped out Ford, Steven Nelson and Justin Houston for Frank Clark, Tyrann Mathieu, Alex Okafor, Emmanuel Ogbah, Darron Lee, Bashaud Breeland and Juan Thornhill. Huge upgrade. There’s reason to believe the Super Bowl winner finally comes from Kansas City after 50 years of waiting.