5 Teams Most Likely to Be the Next NFL Dynasty After the Patriots' Run Ends
By Jason McIntyre
The Patriots dynasty is on its last legs. Tom Brady is 41, a road loss in the AFC title game will prompt an entire offseason with the media pondering his retirement. At 67, does Bill Belichick want to entertain a rebuild, or can he quickly get his hands on a franchise QB? Here’s our look at the potential NFL teams that could step into the Patriots’ role as the next NFL dynasty. Among the keys are a coach/QB combo, the trenches, and youth.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Two years after I doubted Pat Mahomes chances to be a star in the NFL, he’s posted a 50-TD season, is the likely MVP candidate, and he’s on the cusp of getting to the Super Bowl in his first year as a starter. This is unforeseen. He’s got a coach with a successful history – and yes, playoff failures – two of the best in the NFL at their position (Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce). The entire offensive line is under the age of 30. The defense has a few big-time players, and also massive holes. But as Mahomes has proven that his offense can overcome the defensive deficiencies, and winning his showdown against Bill Belichick will certainly stamp the Chiefs as a team to be reckoned with over the next 5-10 years. Note: A challenges offseason looms in free agency, especially in the trenches.
2. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have by far the most cap space in the NFL, made the 2nd round of the playoffs, are in one of the weaker divisions in the NFL, have an elite franchise QB, and new GM Chris Ballard hit a grand slam in the 2018 draft. Everyone who says you’ve got to have a QB on a rookie contract is half right – if not your rookie QB, then your draft picks must contribute. The Saints in 2017, and the Colts in 2018. First round pick Quenton Nelson was an all-pro; Darius Leonard was, too. Expect at least two big splashes in free agency. More good news: After the trade with the Jets, the Colts have even more picks in the 2019 draft.
3. LA Rams
Their top QB is on a rookie contract. There are some defensive questions that will have to be addressed, such as starters Ndamukong Suh, Dante Fowler, Cory Littleton, and LaMarcus Joyner all of whom are free agents. The biggest question mark about the Rams dynasty potential just might be LT Andrew Whitworth, who is 37 and has had a sterling career. Keeping Jared Goff’s blindside protected is crucial. The oft-criticized Goff has improved statistically in each of his three years, and he was without his most reliable receiver, Cooper Kupp, for eight games.
4. Cleveland Browns
Yes, it’s much easier to go from 0 wins to 7 than it is from 7 to 11 – especially in a division with the Steelers and Ravens – but all signs are pointing up for the Browns. All the teams on this list have coaches and QBs with playoff wins … Cleveland has neither. What they do have is young, talented skill players under the age of 28 – Baker Mayfield (23), Nick Chubb (23), Antonio Callaway (22), Jarvis Landry (26) and David Njoku (22). Every defensive starter is under the age of 30. There’s a need for veteran leadership (hello salary cap room!), but the Browns biggest question for the next five years will be new head coach, Freddie Kitchens. We know he has a great relationship with Baker Mayfield. He was playing with house money as the interim offensive coordinator last year. Pressure’s on now, and we know the history of internal promotions in the NFL hasn’t gone well.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
The unlikely Super Bowl victory, followed by sneaking into the playoffs with Nick Foles and taking down the Bears in Chicago appear to just be the beginning of an extended great run. Let’s see how they navigate this Carson Wentz – Foles conundrum, which will be the franchise’s largest decision. Other significant issues loom this offseason, chiefly, 36-year old left tackle Jason Peters. Followed closely by the situations with 35-year old Darren Sproles and a slew of other starters who are free agents: Jay Ajayi, Ronald Darby, Chris Long, Golden Tate and Brandon Graham. The NFC East has a lot of uncertainty – Washington is rebuilding, the Giants don’t have a QB of the future, and the Cowboys have a lot of questions in the coming two off-seasons.