It’s time to welcome back the glitz and glamour of the NFL, as the eagerly awaited new season begins on 11th September. The first game of the season will see the New England Patriots at the Pittsburgh Steelers, before the rest of the field kick off on the 13th. But what can we expect from the new season? Who will lead their team to glory, and which teams will flop?
Last season’s Super Bowl was arguably one of the most exciting of all time, with the New England Patriots mounting a spectacular comeback to see off the Seattle Seahawks – and both teams will be near the top of everyone’s predictions for this season. The Seahawks will once again rely on their “Legion of Boom” to stop the opposition, with Richard Sherman sure to make some bone-crunching tackles throughout the season. And with Russell Wilson in the quarterback berth, they have perhaps the most exciting quarterback in the NFL. But the New England Patriots have Tom Brady and the Gronk – nothing more needs to be said.
There are other teams in with a shout too, and one of these is undoubtedly the Green Bay Packers. Led by Aaron Rodgers – who has ably filled the huge shoes left by Brett Favre – they’ll be strong favourites to take the NFC North, much to the anger of rivals the Chicago Bears. The Denver Broncos can’t be counted out either, thanks to the experience and leadership of Peyton Manning. And then there’s the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles, the latter of which are many peoples’ dark horses.
At the other end of the scale, the same names from years before are all there. Unfortunately for fans in the UK, Wembley-bound Jacksonville Jaguars possibly have the weakest squad in the league, but they aren’t alone: fans of the Titans, Redskins, Buccaneers and Raiders will also not be looking forward to the season massively. But who knows in NFL? The less fancied teams often make a run, so could one these teams surprise their fans?
One thing is for sure though: the upcoming season will be full of thrills, spills and surprises. Will there be more spectacular catches from Odell Beckham Jr? How many players will JJ Watt cause to cry? And will Tom Brady be able to keep the football inflated correctly for a whole match? We’ll find out all these answers, plus many more, by the time Super Bowl 50 rolls around next February…
