Super contender: Baltimore Ravens
Key to victory: Ray Lewis (MLB)

Dee-fense! Dee-fense! Heading toward the final week of the regular season, the AFC North champs allowed the fewest points of any NFL squad. Just as the 2001 edition of the Ravens won Super Bowl XXV, this year’s outfit relies on a stingy defensive core to pressure opposing quarterbacks and force turnovers. Led by respected coach Bill Billick and offensively energized by the acquisition of passer Steve McNair, the Ravens’ emotional heart remains middle linebacker Ray Lewis, an 11-year vet, Super Bowl ring bearer, and the tone-setter for the league’s best defensive unit.