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Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls an audible at the line of scrimmage against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in Denver. Manning passed Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino for the second most completions all-time during the game. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) |
Super Bowl favorites? All guesses are under review
By BARRY WILNER
AP Pro Football Writer /
December 4, 2012
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With the road to the Super Bowl almost certainly heading through Atlanta, which is 6-0 at home, the Falcons might look like a good bet. Remember, however, that they went 13-3 and were the conference’s top seed two years ago, yet went out meekly against Green Bay in their first playoff game.
Until QB Matt Ryan, coach Mike Smith and a previously questionable defense come through in the postseason, there will be serious doubts about the Falcons.
The Packers and Bears need to get healthy to have any shot, but instead they keep seeing more players head to the infirmary. Green Bay has enough passing offense, Chicago has enough rugged defense. As for their other units, who knows? Particularly with so many injuries.
That leaves the juicy prospect that if Peyton Manning can get there, younger brother Eli and the Giants will be waiting. The Giants sprang to life even later in 2011 — in the final two weeks of the season — and have the key elements every contender desires: a winner at quarterback, strong pass rushers, a variety of playmakers and experience.
Then again, with no clear favorites in what has been an unusual NFL season, leave open the unprecedented possibility of two wild-card teams making their way to the Superdome in February.
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Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL
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