Right now mini-camps are showing us a thing or two about team dynamics, and pretty soon we’ll see all of the guys who are on the cusp of making the roster duke it out in preseason play. Plus, we get to see a bit of the star players warming up for the season and what kind of shape they are in.
We have an idea as to who the top contenders will be in 2018, but let’s look beyond the franchise names and compare them a little deeper.
Breaking Down the AFC’s Top Contenders: New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers
It shouldn’t come as a shock that these two teams stand at the top of the boards of the best online sportsbooks just like 5Dimes. The Patriots are riding around 2 to 1 or +200 in Vegas and at most online shops to win the AFC, and the Steelers are averaging around 4 to 1 or +400 to take the conference.
New England
Regardless of the holes that may have sprung on the Patriots offensive line due to the loss of Nate Solder, Patrick Fleming and others, the pundits and the public still expect the Patriots to duke it out for the title of best offense in the NFL with the likes of the Eagles and Saints.
#2 Offense
According to NFL.com, the Patriots will enter the 2018 season with the second best offense in the league. And with Saints running back Mark Ingram being out for the first four games, the Pats arguably have the best offense (at least for four weeks).
Tom Brady is a winner. And he has a dependable backup in Brian Hoyer. I wouldn’t say that Hoyer is a lead-the-team-through-the-playoffs type of backup, but he can safely give Tom some rest if needed. In the backfield, Dion Lewis’ presence will be missed, but Sony Michel will undoubtedly step up in the role. James White is also a capable blocking back and Rex Burkhead is a backup that can do pretty much anything you ask of him. Plus the Pats picked up veteran rock-pounder Jeremy Hill, and have Mike Gillislee and James Develin waiting in the midsts as well.
Pats Receiving
The hero of the day, Danny Amendola, is gone and the speedy Brandin Cooks left as well. But Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, and Rob Gronkowski remain as the receiving corps that will still give defensive secondaries nightmares. In addition to other talent, the Pats have Jordan Matthews to add some physicality to the slot and Cordarrelle Patterson, who can be used effectively in certain situations.
Pats O-Line
The question regarding the gap that Nate Solder has left in his wake remains. Isaiah Wynn is a promising first-rounder but will he be ready to protect Tom’s blindside or will Marcus Cannon have to do a flip-flop and come over from the opposite side? Don’t get me wrong, the line is still very good, but I have concerns that it might not be as “B+” as people think it is.
Pittsburgh
Big Ben is back for another season, and the Steelers sit just behind the Patriots, as they are predicted to have the third-best offense in the league. You have to wonder what the dynamic will be like with Le’Veon Bell and if that will create any locker room division.
#3 Offense
Ben sputtered for a moment there in October but then came back with a vengeance through December. But what happens if Big Ben goes down for a few games? Landry Jones and Mason Rudolph should have a healthy competition for the second seat. If the third-round pick can outwork Jones and prove himself to the organization, the Steelers might be able to better weather an injury to Roethlisberger.
I have to think that Bell will do everything in his power to keep his stock high as his career with the Steelers is coming to an end. We very well could see another 2016-like season out of him. I won’t be surprised if he is one of the most dominating backs this season. Plus, the Steelers have a corps of fantastic running backs to help carry the rock all season.
Steelers Receiving
Martavis Bryant is gone; in with James Washington! Not to mention there will be Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster (who is coming into his own), Justin Hunter, and Darrius Heyward-Bey roaming around downrange. Vance McDonald could also emerge as a new threat in the tight-end department.
Steelers O-Line
This might be the best offensive line in the league. At the very least, they are the most consistent. These guys have three straight seasons of playing together under their belts, and they seem to mind-meld with Le’Veon Bell.
Conclusion
When I look at these two teams, I must say that I believe the Steelers have fewer question marks than the Pats this season and should be ranked as the No. 1 offense in the AFC. But the Pats are the Pats, and they always seem to find a way to make it to the Super Bowl.
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