Who is the Best Team in the NFL?

By Justin Albers
basketballss132002@yahoo.com
INDIANAPOLIS- After seeing 12 weeks of football, several teams have separated themselves from the rest of the pack. But that never ending question remains, who is really the best?
There are a couple of good teams from each conference, but lets face it the AFC is superior to the NFC. Baltimore, San Diego, Indianapolis, and New England can all make an argument for the best team, while only Chicago and Dallas can really make that argument in the NFC. Let me tell you what I think. Right now the best team in the NFL is the Indianapolis Colts. That does not mean that I think they will win the Super Bowl because I don't. Peyton Manning has never proven himself in postseason play, and until he does the Colts will not be a favorite for the title. My choice for the Super Bowl champion is the New England Patriots. Not many people feel the same way, but that is just my gut feeling right now. They were able to knock off a 9-1 Bears team yesterday despite their 5 turnovers. I'd give the Pats a 45% chance to win the Super Bowl, Baltimore 25%, San Diego 10%, Dallas 8%, Chicago 6%, and Indy 6%. Overall though the 4 teams that I mentioned from the AFC are all better than the two teams I mentioned from the NFC. It should be a solid run, but there are a couple of things that each of these teams must worry about.
Baltimore
The Ravens seem to have it all. They have always had a steller defense, but after bringing in Steve McNair in the offseason they now have a better than average offense. With Jamal Lewis in the backfield it appears that they could never lose. Their weakness is their wide receivers. What is going to happen when they play a team with physical corners that beat the tar out of their receivers? Also McNair is getting old, so one hit and he is done.
San Diego
The Chargers are a solid team and definatley a title contender. They have the most explosive running back in the league with LT, and a pretty good defense. The reason why I don't see them winning the Super Bowl is because of QB Phillip Rivers lack of experience. He has never played in a postseason game before, and it will be tough for him in his first year.
New England
The Patriots were not expected to have a great team this year. They lost 2 of their top receivers in the offseason, and their defense was banged up. Now they are 8-3 and have looked good of late. Brady is making due without the best receivers, but once again what if they play a team with a defense built to stop the run? When Brady HAS to throw, things seem to go down hill.

Indianapolis
The Colts have it all every season, but their downfall is their defense. Everybody always says defense wins championships and I am a strong believer in that. The Colts have to prove that they can win in the playoffs with a below average defense.

Dallas
The Cowboys have an excellent offense with Tony Romo, and their defense has overachieved all year long. The question is going to be how well can Romo perform in the playoffs? We are just going to have to wait and see.

Chicago
Rex Grossman has struggled in his last 6 games and I don't think the Bears can win a championship with him at QB. They are going to have to make a change.