The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the world.
With the most exciting part of the NFL season fast approaching, attention is quickly shifting to just how well each of the teams is performing in the league to narrow down the likeliest candidates to lift this year’s Lombardi Trophy.
Of course, according to NFL odds, some stand-out names are competing league — including the Buffalo Bills — yet there are a couple of dark horses with the full potential to come out on top.
If you’re wondering who they are, this article tells all.
- Los Angeles Chargers
It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Chargers have struggled and generally underperformed throughout this season. But not all is lost.
Sure, the Chargers have encountered a huge obstacle in the form of player injuries, especially in terms of their receivers. This includes Mike Williams’ ankle sprain and a left hamstring injury for Keenan Allen.
However, the team has remained afloat thanks to the combined skills of stellar quarterback Justin Herbert, currently playing his third season in the league, and talented running back Austin Ekeler.
Accompanied by an incredible offensive line, these players are unstoppable.
The defensive line tells the same story with big names like Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and Derwin James (who appears to be playing at the highest level of his career so far) ready to tackle anyone heading their way.
If the Chargers can continue to get healthier and find a way directly into the playoffs, they’ll maintain a reputation as a dangerous yet highly talented team that no one will want to play against during the postseason.
2. Miami Dolphins
From the controversial departure of previous head coach Brian Flores and huge-name acquisitions to draft picks being forfeited, it has been a busy off-season for the Dolphins.
Under the guidance of inexperienced head coach Mike McDaniel, the Miami Dolphins have performed pretty well. He was tasked with motivating renowned QB Tua Tagovailoa which, as of this writing, seems to have been a risk worth taking.
Tagovailoa appears to be back on top form with a consistent and powerful performance out on the field. Despite a tumultuous couple of years, he’s truly pushing Miami to new heights.
We must also acknowledge the dynamic receiving corps of Tyreek Hill (acquired from Kansas City in an off-season blockbuster trade) and Jaylen Waddle, who have played beautifully into McDaniel’s overall run scheme.
Miami has also tied down star cornerback Xavien Howard in a new five-year contract, and now boasts an experienced running back team.
Although a few moves won’t automatically grant the Dolphins the championship, it appears to be a very good addition to the campaign.
3. Dallas Cowboys
Although the Cowboys are one of the most popular and well-known teams in the NFL, they’ve earned the “dark horse” title for many reasons.
They currently rank second overall in their division behind the Philadelphia Eagles squad and, despite their impressive history with the championship, they have not reached the Super Bowl since 1996!
We’re happy to say that this could be the year when the Dallas Cowboys finally return to the big dance, largely because they currently house a weapon that has been missing for a considerable time — a quality defense.
With a legit defense and a well-paced offense that’s only gotten better since Dak Prescott returned from an injury absence to resume the lead, the Cowboys look set to make a good run for the remainder of the season.
Factor in an exciting receiving group consisting of Michael Gallup, Dalton Schultz, and CeeDee Lamb, supported by the running back duo of Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott, and success appears to be imminent for the Cowboys!
4. Cincinnati Bengals
The odds don’t appear to be in favor of Cincinnati this season. This is understandable, considering their inconsistency throughout the season so far.
The Bengals got off to an unimpressive and slow 0-2 start and were steamrolled by Baltimore and the Cleveland Browns within the first few weeks. This was a complete contrast to expert predictions for their 2022 season.
Performance-wise, star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has missed crucial games due to injury, and quarterback Joe Burrow has played inconsistently. Despite this, the defensive line starring Trey Hendrickson has risen during critical moments.
Difficult games lie ahead, and the team’s overall inconsistency could make it more difficult to save the campaign.
But that’s not to say they aren’t contenders, especially if they follow last year’s script that saw them make a playoff run straight to the Super Bowl (their first since 1988). If they can drastically flip the switch, they stand a real shot at the playoffs
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
When we say the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a dark horse for this year’s Super Bowl… we really mean it!
Saying that the Bucs didn’t have a strong start to the season is putting it lightly. They struggled through the first 10 games with a pretty weak offensive line.
Despite this, they still sit comfortably at the top of the NFC South with a .500 record and a relatively clear path to the playoffs (largely thanks to the division they’re playing in).
They have a solid defense this year that truly stands out in the league, yet the offense is something that needs some work if the Super Bowl is set to become a reality.
If Tom Brady can whip up a talented offense – including powerful players like Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirfs, and Mike Evans – and get it going for the next few games, there’s truly no saying where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will wind up at the end of the season.
Summary
These are the five dark horses who could win the upcoming Super Bowl. Granted, they aren’t in the top five contenders according to sportsbooks, but that does not make them any less qualified to reach that all-important milestone! If each of these teams can work on the offense, nothing is preventing them from lifting the Lombardi Trophy.
Be sure to check out our NFL Post Season pools to manage for your office or friends!
