Sleeper teams are defined as teams that exceed expectations in a season.
The Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans are examples of sleeper teams from the AFC last season. Lamar Jackson led the Ravens to the best record in the league (14-2) and Derrick Henry—the winner of the rushing title—helped the Titans to the conference championship.
Let’s take a look at the two teams in the AFC who have the best chance at exceeding expectations and winning Super Bowl LV.
New England Patriots
Football fans, the wait is over. The Patriots aren’t a favorite to win the Super Bowl for the first time in almost two decades. Tom Brady left town and the defense has suffered several blows. Regardless, Bill Belichick is still the head coach, which makes them sleeper contenders.
Patriots new quarterback Cam Newton is entering this season with a lot to prove after 29 teams passed up on him. The Patriots’ defense still has reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Stephon Gilmore, and several other star players. It may be a long shot, but if New England wins the Super Bowl this season, Bill Belichick will prove he’s the best coach in the history of the game.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos had a roller coaster season in 2019. When Joe Flacco went down with a season-ending injury mid-season, the Broncos’ hope of playoff berth was already over. However, rookie quarterback Drew Lock took over the team and went on to win four of the remaining five games.
This offseason, the Broncos improved their offense by adding star running back Melvin Gordon and rookie wideout Jerry Jeudy. Defensively, they signed cornerback A.J. Bouye to team up with second-year stud Justin Simmons in the secondary.
Although the Broncos have the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, in their division, they have potential to make the playoffs as a Wild Card.
If Drew Lock can follow the trend set by Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson for second-year breakouts, Denver can surprise the NFL this season and win Super Bowl LV.
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