NFL Power Rankings: 5 Teams That Have the Best Chance to Win the AFC

We are two weeks into the preseason, and as each day goes by, we get more excited for the start of the NFL season. 

In the last eight seasons, only three AFC teams have made it to the Super Bowl: the Indianapolis Colts, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots. Not surprisingly, these three teams will be out there again competing for the Super Bowl.

Aside from these three powerhouses, other teams will be vying for the AFC title and the shot to play in the Super Bowl.

Here are the top five AFC teams that have the best chance to make the Super Bowl. 

5. Houston Texans

Let's put it out there now so everyone doesn't keep looking: The New York Jets are not in this list. Although their defense is potent and stout, there are other defenses in the AFC that are stronger than the Jets defense. Also, if a team wants to win a Super Bowl, they can't do it with a quarterback that has a 55 percent completion rate. Although Mark Sanchez has plenty of upside, he still has a lot of learning and developing to do.

Sanchez has played well in the postseason, securing a 4-2 record in games that have been primarily on the road. He may find some postseason success again this year, but the AFC is stacked, and it'll be very difficult this year for the Jets to make the Super Bowl.

The Houston Texans, on the other hand, are a strong, up-and-coming team. Quarterback Matt Schaub is highly underrated and has a cannon for an arm. He was banged up last season, and the Texans also lost star tight end Owen Daniels. This year, they are all back and healthy and ready to do some damage.

It was well documented last season that the Texans passing defense was atrocious. They addressed these concerns by adding Danieal Manning and Johnathan Joseph to their secondary. In the trenches, the Texans are physically superior to most teams with guys like Brian Cushing and Mario Williams. 

Finally, the Texans have the playmakers to get it done. Andre Johnson is one of the best receivers in the game. Jacoby Jones is a dynamic player ,and Arian Foster is a great running back that can score from anywhere on the field. 

The Texans lack experience, and this could hurt them in the playoffs when they play powerhouses like the Steelers and Patriots, but this may very well be the year the Texans make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. 

4. Baltimore Ravens

Everybody in Baltimore likes to think that Joe Flacco will be able to lead the Ravens to the promised land. He most definitely can. He has the potential to get the job done. Plus, the Ravens defense has historically been dominant.

However, this team needs to find a way to get past archrival Pittsburgh. It seems like whenever they play them in a big game, the Ravens curl up into the fetus position and don't bring their "A" game. 

Despite the fact that they can never beat the Steelers, the Ravens will still be a force to be reckoned with. Their defense will be one of the best in the league again with guys like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs. They also have a potent offensive line and a great running game with Ray Rice. They will pound the ball and win games that way—the same way the Steelers do.

But when it comes time to face their arch nemesis, will they be able to rise to the occasion?

3. Indianapolis Colts

Everybody needs to calm down about the whole Peyton Manning injury situation. 

He's not gone for the season. Even if he misses the first few games of the regular season, he will adjust to the game eventually and be able to dominate like he used to. 

A huge fallacy regarding Peyton Manning is that his numbers are declining. 

Really?

Last season, Manning threw for 4700 yards. This total was 200 yards more than the 4500 yards he threw in 2009. Let's not forget, Manning did this with a wide receiver corps that was mostly banged up and hurt. 

Peyton Manning is never going to slow down. He consistently throws over 4000 yards and 30 touchdowns. They also have great pass protection with guys like Jeff Saturday anchoring the offensive line, so expect these numbers to hold up.

The Colts, on the defensive side, still have one of the best pass rushers in the game in Dwight Freeney. Robert Mathis, Gary Brackett and Antonie Bethea round out some of the other star players on the Colts defense.

Are they old? Absolutely.

But that doesn't mean they can't compete for the AFC crown. With a quarterback like Manning and numerous players back from injury, the sky is the limit for the Colts.  

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

They went to the Super Bowl last season. Why not this year?

The Steelers defense is going to be unbelievable again this year. They easily have one of the best linebacker crew in the league. With LaMarr Woodley, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons and James Harrison, the Steelers are just scary. 

Let's not forget Troy Polamalu, possibly the best defensive player in the game.

Offensively, the Steelers get Maurkice Pouncey back at center, whom they missed during the Super Bowl. Many believe that he was the sole reason why the Steelers couldn't win that game against the Packers. He's back and healthy now and should be able to provide great protection for Ben Roethlisberger.

1. New England Patriots

Last year, the Patriots went 14-2 with rookie tight ends, inexperienced wide receivers and a running back named Woodhead.

Why? 

Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. 

Brady carries his unbelievable consecutive passes thrown without an interception streak to 2011 with better receivers in Chad Ochocinco and tight ends that have a year of experience under their belt. Their offensive line features Logan Mankins, Dan Coppen and Matt Light. These are guys that Brady can count on for protection.

On the defensive side, the Patriots look fierce in the trenches. They added Albert Haynesworth to their defensive line. Along with Vince Wilfork and Shaun Ellis, the Patriots look unstoppable and will bring a lot of pressure to opposing quarterbacks.