The NFL has already seen three weeks come and go and like every year, some teams have emerged as better than most and have their eyes on not only making the playoffs, but going all the way and capturing the coveted Lombardi Trophy. Here are three teams that look like they could end up in Minneapolis, and come away as champions.

The first team that have, once again, made themselves look far and away the best team in the league, is the New England Patriots. The Pats are once again Super Bowl favorites, as they seem to be every season. They have built an even more impressive squad than last season’s, which won Super Bowl LI, defeating the Atlanta Falcons, 34-28, in overtime, after being down 28-3 at halftime.  Tom Brady cemented his legacy as one of the three best quarterbacks to ever play in the league with his fifth Super Bowl ring. The Patriots’ elite defense was also a factor in the Super Bowl win, holding the Falcons to zero points the entire second half and overtime.

The Patriots got even more stacked this offseason, adding offensive weapon such as Wide Receiver Brandin Cooks and Tight End Dwayne Allen. They added Defensive Back Stephon Gilmore, as well. The Patriots of course still have Brady to control the offense, as well as star Tight End Rob Gronkowski. In the backfield, Super Bowl LI hero James White will look to have a breakout season for the Pats. They re-signed Pro-Bowl Linebacker Dont’a Hightower and Malcolm Butler will be leading the Patriots’ secondary. He has made a name for himself as an elite cornerback after winning the Super Bowl with a game sealing interception three years ago in Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks. The Pats are being coached by Bill Belichick, considered to be one of the greatest coaches to ever hold the position. Belichick’s 17th season could be a special one, as he shoots for his sixth Super Bowl ring as well.

The Oakland Raiders are seeking to knock off the rest of the AFC and advance to their first Super Bowl since 2002.

The Oakland Raiders have been one of the worst franchises in the last 15 years, however, they have been at the top of the league the past year.  This past year, they have gained a lot of talent, with one of the top offensive lines in the league, high paid star QB Derek Carr, superstar veteran running back in Marshawn Lynch, top three linebacker Khalil Mack, and an all round amazing team. The Raiders are 2-1, and they have one of the best chances at winning the Superbowl because of their all-around talent on offense, defense, and special teams.

Derek Carr signed a huge $125 Million contract over the off-season, making him the second highest paid player in the NFL, ever. It was also a huge surprise when one of the most powerful running backs in the NFL came back from retirement to play with Oakland.

After many disappointing seasons, Raiders fans have not lost hope, and all of that patience is now paying off. We spoke briefly with a weekly NFL viewer and Wayne Hills Sophomore, Ban Erick Nepomuceno, about his thoughts on the Raiders. He said, “They are a team with a ton of talent, and are a top contender to win it all this season”. Many people around the NFL universe may agree with that statement with the noticeable improvement shown by the Raiders.

This would be the perfect year for the Raiders to win because this is their last year in Oakland, and it would be a storybook ending for this franchise to win a Super Bowl for the last time in the golden state.

The Atlanta Falcons are coming off a devastating loss in Super Bowl 51, and are looking to get revenge.

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons are determined to win the Super Bowl after their upsetting loss against the New England Patriots in the 2016-2017 season.  With the 2016-2017 season MVP Matt Ryan leading the team, Atlanta is projected to go 14-2 in the regular season.  With Matt Ryan having  an outstanding 4,944 yards last season, he will lead the Falcons to the Super Bowl again.  

And don’t forget about their star Running Back Devonta Freeman averaging 8.6 yards per carry, running through defenders. Freeman has a lot of potential to get better in his career with the Falcons as he is only 25 and being a 5’9 and 209 pounds of solid muscle.  Freeman is only going to give the Falcons positives as his career grows with Atlanta.

The monster wide receiver Julio Jones who stands at 6’3 and 220 pounds makes his presence felt with his huge size and his massive wingspan, gaining 1,409 yards last season.  Jones’ superior speed at 4.39 seconds in the 40 yard dash allows him to blow by defenders.  Jones is arguably the best Wide Receiver in the NFL with his hands that seem like they have glue  on them as well as his freak athleticism.

With these key three offensive stars on the Atlanta Falcons roster and the mindset of determination and revenge, the Falcons are bound to win the Super Bowl as every year, their young players seem to only get better.  Brett Wood, a sophomore, gave his thoughts on why he thinks the Falcons can win the Super Bowl. “Their roster is stacked. Julio Jones is a beast and so is Devonta Freeman. They have a great defense and I really think they can come back after such a bad loss in last year’s Super Bowl.”  The Falcons want to bring home their first Super Bowl win this year as fans are getting impatient.  They are at a great start so far as they are 3-0 (as of 9/29/17).

Those are the three teams that have seemed to make a case as Super Bowl favorites. We look forward to more excitement during the rest of the NFL season!