NFL

With one week to go before the start of the new season, it is time to look at the teams most likely to contend this year.

New England 11/2
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Last years Super Bowl victors look like the team to beat again this year. The team look loaded with talent, and with the acquisition of RB Corry Dillon the Pats have a 3 time Pro Bowl choice to shore up the only deficit they had, a rushing attack


Philadelphia 7/1
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Donavon McNabb finally has the target at WR he has so desperately needed, with the acquisition of Terrell Oweens to the team. He plus 'the freak' Jevon Kearse on 'D' will be hoping to finally get the Eagles to the 'big dance'. However the new look defense will have to gell quickly, and stop the Eagles usual slow start to the season. They also have problems at RB, with the loss for the season of starter C.Buckhalter, they will have to look to lightweight Brian Westbrook to help keep the chains moving.


Indianapolis 10/1
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The Colts led by Peyton Manning will post 30ppg easily, as this team is still stacked offensively. However this could be the last chance for this group to finally prove itself, as both RB Edgerrin James and WR Marvin Harrison become Free Agents at season end. The biggest problem which still faces this team is the defense, which is undersized and can easily be out muscled.


Seattle 12/1
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Mike Holmgren finally has a team which could contend for the Super Bowl this year. Offensively the team is the same one which ranked 6th last year, and should prove a handful for most teams. The defense which was disappointing last year has been upgraded and should be improved. The team will need to look at winning more games away from home, where they were undefeated last year, to be considered real Super Bowl contenders.


Baltimore 16/1
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Have the ultimate combination that equals postseason success. Namely, strong defense and a solid rushing game. The one negative could be 2nd season QB Kyle Boiler and a weak WR corps. With 'Prime Time' Deion Sanders coaxed out of retirement to help shore up a 3rd ranked 'D' (as if this stellar unit needed any more help), a Conference Final beckons. Perhaps only legal troubles facing Jamal Lewis and Corey Fuller could derail them.


Others
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Other teams which could make it to the postseason, include the NY Jets. This team suffers a major injury every year, but if it can remain healthy, they could be turning a few heads come January. Kansas return the offence which were rated no2 last year. The defense remains their Achilles heel however, and a big effort will be needed to reach the Conference Final. Minnesota have a solid all round team, but it needs to stay healthy. The Vikings will score at will, but must have the mental toughness to stop last minute blow ups as seen in Arizona last year. Green Bay will young at heart Brett Favre will continue to win enough games to see them to the
postseason. And finally Washington with the return of Joe Gibbs have the talent to go well this year.