SB Nation’s 2013
NFL PREVIEW
NFC Champs Atlanta
AFC Champs Denver
Super Bowl Champs Denver
Denver has a tough start to its season with Von Miller suspended. Not to worry. Outside of the season opener against Baltimore, the Broncos are not scheduled to face another playoff team from last season until Week 7. Even without Miller, the defense deserves more credit, and has plenty of talent to stop the rest of the AFC. Combine that with the ridiculous offensive firepower at Peyton Manning's disposal, and this team is an easy pick to go all the way.
There is nothing easy about picking a winner in the NFC. The conference has four legitimate Super Bowl contenders and a second tier of teams capable of making a run at it. A total of 29 quarterbacks threw more deep passes than Matt Ryan did last year, according to Football Outsiders. If Mike Smith unleashes the fury of his quarterback's arm, the Falcons could overpower opponents. Turnovers can be a great equalizer in the NFL.
Atlanta has an edge over the rest of the NFC thanks to its corners. Put it all together, and the Falcons will make the franchise's second Super Bowl appearance.
A Broncos-Falcons Super Bowl -- haven't we done this before? Yes, Super Bowl XXXIII. John Elway and the Broncos rolled over the Dirty Birds in that one. This time, another future Hall of Fame quarterback brings a third Lombardi Trophy to Denver.
-- Ryan Van Bibber