Gridiron Great Top 11 (Training Camp)
Training Camp kicks off next week and every team in the NFL has aspirations of a Super Bowl berth. Only two advance that far, however, and only a small percentage have a realistic chance. Here are the Top 11 Gridiron Greats heading into Training Camp.
Gridiron Great Top 11 (Training Camp)
#11. New York Jets (+1100/+2000) - Let’s try this Aaron Rodgers thing all over again, shall we? The Jets were all set to make the leap last year before Rodgers tore his Achilles in week 1. The pain has subsided and the Jets hope that a top-notch defense and an improved offensive line will be enough to get the job done. Last Year’s Record: 7-10
#10. Green Bay Packers (+800/+1900) - Rumors of the Packers’ demise without Aaron Rodgers were halted by the play of his understudy, Jordan Love. He quickly developed a bond with a slew of young receivers and led the Pack to a blowout win over Dallas in the opening round of the playoffs. The Packers added RB Josh Jacobs to spruce up the backfield. Last Year’s Record: 9-8
#9. Houston Texans (+850/+1600) - A rookie quarterback and a rookie head coach, no problem! The Texans rode the arm of CJ Stroud and the mind of Demeco Ryans all the way to a division title and a playoff spot last year. This offseason they added superstar WR Steffon Diggs to an already stout receiving group. What will they do for an encore? Last Year’s Record: 10-7
#8. Dallas Cowboys (+700/+1900) - It is truly now or never for the Dallas Cowboys. After appearing primed for a playoff run last year, the Cowboys were blown out at home by Green Bay in round one. Mike McCarthy is on the last year of his deal and so is quarterback Dak Prescott. Something big has to happen in Big D or this team may have a whole new look in 2025. Last Year’s Record: 12-5
#7. Buffalo Bills (+800/+1500) - The Bills were thwarted yet again by the Chiefs in the playoffs last year. They parted ways with their top two receivers and have made several defensive changes. They still have quarterback Josh Allen, however, and that is good for ten wins alone. The pressure of not being the favorites could play well for this team. Last Year’s Record: 11-6
#6. Philadelphia Eagles (+700/+1500) - The Eagles looked tired and worn down when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers put them out of their misery in round one of the playoffs. The Eagles brass didn’t stand pat this offseason with the major acquisition being Saquon Barkely to add to the backfield. Barkley should thrive running behind what is still a formidable offensive line and playing alongside a playmaking quarterback in Jalen Hurts. Last Year’s Record: 11-6
#5. Baltimore Ravens (+550/+1000) - Another strong regular season gave way to yet another disappointing playoffs for the Ravens and reigning MVP Lamar Jackson. Most of the key pieces are back and they’ll be solid in the regular season. Talk to me in the playoffs. Last Year’s Record: 13-4
#4. Detroit Lions (+550/+1200) - The Lions’ season started off with a bang with an upset road win over defending SB Champion Chiefs in week 1. They road that momentum all the way to the NFC Title game. The Lions have taken what was the traditional playoff trajectory in the past: a surprise playoff appearance in year 1, a run to the conference championship in year 2, and now? Could it be a Super Bowl year in Detroit? Last Year’s Record: 12-5
#3. Cincinnati Bengals (+700/+1300) - Quarterback Joe Burrow is back and that instantly bumps up the credibility of this squad. They are just two years removed from a SB appearance and still have solid pieces on both sides of the ball. If Burrow makes a triumphant return, the Bengals could soar. Last Year’s Record: 9-8
#2. San Francisco 49ers (+250/+600) - The Super Bowl loser’s hangover is real, as proved by the Eagles last season. SF got all the way to the mountaintop before being knocked off by the Chiefs. They enjoyed good health in key spots, notably quarterback Brock Purdy and RB Christian McCaffrey. That could be tough to duplicate after two straight season of deep playoff runs that ended in disappointment. Last Year’s Record: 12-5
#1. Kansas City Chiefs (+300/+500) - The Chiefs may be the most equipped team to take a shot at a three-peat since the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s. They added some pieces to the offense, particularly rookie speedster Xavier Worthy. Worthy could allow quarterback Mahomes to get the ball down the field again. The defense is young and hungry and the team was able to keep DL Chris Jones. The AFC West is rather light so the Chiefs could cruise to a division title this season. Last Year’s Record: 11-6
*All odds courtesy of Draftkings.com
By Mark Ruelle
