Happy Fourth of July, guess what, football writing season is back! Let’s begin by looking at the cream of the crop the top five best rosters in the NFL. These teams are the best in the NFL, the true Super Bowl contenders, but there can only be five. So let’s get to it, the top five NFL rosters.
1. Philadelphia Eagles (ceiling 15 wins floor 10 wins)
The Eagles are easily a top five NFL roster and to me the best roster in the NFL. They have the second-best passer in the league in Jalen Hurts, the best receiving core in the league and the deepest defense. The offensive line remains a powerhouse as well, I’m hard-pressed to point out a weakness on this roster.
I don’t love the running backs Deandre Swift is a walking IR spot and Rashaad Penny is coming off a serious injury. You can argue that running back doesn’t matter though because Jalen Hurts is currently the best running QB in the NFL.
Defensively the only weak point is maybe safety. It looks like the no doubt best pass rush in the NFL yet again. The Eagles are simply loaded with talent. The depth may have taken a bit of a hit in free agency but they still basically roll two deep everywhere on the roster.
2. Cincinnati Bengals (ceiling 14 wins floor 9 wins)
A cold hard fact. One Chiefs fans do not want to hear; if the Bengals don’t lose their three best offensive linemen in three consecutive weeks, they’re likely back in the Super Bowl.
In terms of AFC QB hierarchy, the clear number two behind Patrick Mahomes is Joe Burrow. Josh Allen is flashy, and fun and a beast of a football player, but facts are facts, only Patrick Mahomes wins at a higher rate than Joe Burrow. The Bengals like the Eagles, compete for the best weapons in the league and after these two teams, there is a gap.
The offensive line got yet another makeover to improve, what from October-mid December worked last year and made the Bengals look like the class of the AFC.
Defensively there are some questions in the secondary namely a safety tandem including Dax Hill and Nick Scott. There are massive upgrades at corner though that include a move away from Eli Apple, which is always a win. The defense is always well-coached, that can make up for a bit of turnover. This is a top five NFL roster.
I think it is absolutely fair to say that even as the Vegas win totals favorite people, namely Chiefs apologists are sleeping on the Bengals as a massive threat in the AFC.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (ceiling 13 wins floor 10 wins)
Duh, the Chiefs are a top five NFL roster. Why are they not top two?
Simply put, outside of Travis Kelce, I do not believe in the weapons.
MVS, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore; you’re telling me I am somehow out of my mind and disrespecting the Chiefs for not believing in those three players? Are you out of your mind?
MVS: Solid receiver, but not much more than a possession reciever, gave the Chiefs a big AFC championship game sure but he doesn’t do that every week. He can be counted on for maybe 2-4 catches and on his best days 85 yards, that does not a number one wide receiver make.
Skyy Moore: Largely a joke until the Super Bowl. Just because the guy plays well in the Super Bowl all the sudden we’re calling him a reliable NFL weapon? Not me, I like consistency and proof before I call a wide receiver a game-changer. He couldn’t understand the offense last year, sure he might be a little smarter but if you can’t succeed in the best offense in the NFL right off the bat, how good are you?
Kadarius Toney: I’m a fan. Tyreek-level potential. Talk to me when he plays more than 6 games in a season.
The Chiefs will likely be back in the Super Bowl, but facts are facts better rosters exist in the NFL.
4. Miami Dolphins (ceiling 13 wins floor 7 wins)
The most controversial take. Big if here, IF Tua stays healthy. The offense is loaded with weapons, Jaylen Waddle can and will get even better this year alongside Tyreek Hill (who could admittedly be facing suspension for yet another stint of bad behavior) this is forty Niners east so no need to worry about running backs, plug and play.
What really gets me going here though is the defense Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb make up the most underrated pass rush duo in the NFL. Oh, and they’re about to be unleashed by Vic Fangio. Oh, also they added a stud corner in Jalen Ramsey and Jevon Holland remains a heavily underrated safety.
If healthy, forget it, this is the best roster in the AFC East. They can compete for a Super Bowl if everything breaks right. Let’s just pray we get a fully healthy Tua season. If he’s healthy this team can mow through the AFC. Don’t forget they were one fourth qaurter meltdown from sweeping the Bills.
5. San Fransisco 49ers (Ceiling 12 wins floor 7 wins)
If we know Trey Lance is good, if Brock Purdy stays healthy in the championship game and doesn’t obliterate his elbow, I am no doubt putting this team at number three.
It truly is a QB away from winning the Super Bowl. Trey Lance has no excuses, the offensive line is dominant, the weapons are still in the late stages of their collective primes and the defense is loaded with star talent.
Even if Lance stinks this roster is easily the third or fourth best in the NFC and should absolutely be able to trip their way into nine wins and a wild card spot.
Honorable Mentions
Jets: Aaron Rodgers makes them a contender, the offensive line is a big question though, also does the defense stay as good as it was last year? It’s the Jets I couldn’t bring myself to putting them in the top five.
Bills: Offense: added a rookie tight end, I love Dalton Kincaid but the track record for those guys is not good. Defense: stayed the same and got older, not a fan. Offensive line: knocked them out of the playoffs, made no notable moves.
Ravens: The best supporting cast Lamar Jackson has ever had. Can he stay healthy? Is the defense still the Raven’s defense? It has been a few years.
Chargers: Had to put them here. Look at the roster. Can’t pick them to do anything but July and August are the best months to be a Chargers fan.
Seahawks: Was a real debate for five between them and the Niners. I have some very small Geno doubts but this is a team I will probably have in my final four when it comes time to pick that sort of thing.