Bill Williamson

The parade route is just being set in New York, and free agency and the draft are still long down the road, but it’s never too early to look ahead to next season.

Who has a chance to win Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Fla., in the 2008 season?

Let’s take a whirl.

The following is a team-by-team look at each team and its chance at being Super.

AFC
New England: How can you pick anyone else to have a better chance? This team is a machine and really has another chance to go 16-0 next season. The Patriots could lose Asante Samuel and Randy Moss through free agency, but New England will make the right moves. Any Super Bowl talk starts here. Odds: Even money.

Indianapolis: If the Patriots weren’t so dominant, the Colts would be the premier franchise. The Colts win 12 games a season without blinking. Peyton Manning is in his prime and both the offense and defense are strong. The reason why coach Tony Dungy postponed retirement is because he knows his team is close to another Super Bowl title. Now, it has to find a way to leapfrog the Patriots again. Odds: 3-1.

San Diego: The Chargers have been among the top five teams for the past few years. They have to find a way to take the next step. This is an immensely talented roster. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Chargers finally break through in 2008. Odds: 4-1.

Pittsburgh: There is a gap between the top three teams and the Steelers, but this team can be the best of the rest. Coach Mike Tomlin has to work on his game management and the team could use a couple of more playmakers, but if Ben Roethlisberger improves and they stay healthy, the Steelers will be strong again. Odds: 7-1.

Jacksonville: The Jaguars are also a fine team. They have great defense and quarterback David Garrard is a steady if not spectacular quarterback. Yet, the Jaguars would have to get lucky to jump past all of the other strong teams in the AFC to find a way to the Super Bowl. This will be a playoff team that can make some noise. Odds: 8-1.

Tennessee: This will be an interesting team to watch. It wouldn’t be a shock if Tennessee put it all together and wins 12 or 13 games. The Titans need to stay healthy, keep defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth from leaving in free agency, and, perhaps, find a playmaking receiver. If Vince Young wins, he will get better. Coach Jeff Fisher is one of the best in the league. This is a team on the rise. Odds: 15-1.

Cleveland: This is another team to keep an eye on. The Browns made great strides in 2007, barely missing the playoffs. Romeo Crennel has a good thing going. If quarterback Derek Anderson can prove he wasn’t a one-year wonder and the Cleveland defense can tighten up, this team should continue to rise and make a stink in the AFC. Odds: 16-1.

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Houston: Don’t be surprised if the Texans make a big move into the playoffs. They have some fine young talent offensively and defensively. Coach Gary Kubiak has a nice program going. The Texans are a team to watch. Odds: 25-1.

Buffalo: The Bills could potentially get better. They have to figure out their quarterback situation, but this team will win some games. Odds: 30-1.

Denver: The Broncos are still a team in transition. Quarterback Jay Cutler and receiver Brandon Marshall are bright spots, but the defense has to be reconstructed. Odds: 35-1.

Cincinnati: The Bengals are highly talented on offense, but this team is a mess on defense. Plus, receiver Chad Johnson is barking that he wants to be traded. Coach Marvin Lewis needs to worry more about his job security than going to the Super Bowl. Odds: 40-1.

New York: The Jets have to figure out who they are. Eric Mangini had a successful rookie season as a coach in 2006 and was a bust the next season. Odds: 40-1.

Baltimore: The Ravens just need to get better. New coach John Harbaugh has to prove the skeptics wrong and show the team is on the right track without former coach Brian Billick. Odds: 60-1.

Oakland: The Raiders need to find a way to get to .500 for the first time in six seasons. That’s their only goal. That, and keeping a coach for more than one season. Odds: 75-1.

Miami: Bill Parcells has Super Bowl experience, but that’s where the Super Bowl talk ends.     Odds: 80-1.

Kansas City: The Chiefs are dropping fast. They have no chance. Odds: 90-1.

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