Pick Your Fantasy NFL Team To Find Out If You Could Win The Super Bowl

Hockey fans might argue that the Stanley Cup is the hardest trophy to win in all of sports and while they have a valid argument, it's hard to deny the idea that winning the Super Bowl is the toughest task in sports - unless, of course, you're name is Tom Brady or Bill Belichick. Not only do you have to grind through 16 physical regular season games, but you have to get through three or four playoff games, depending on your regular season standing. By the end of the season, it's a wonder most players bodies are still holding up.

Building a championship-caliber team requires adept knowledge of the game and they type of players required for success. Injuries are common so you need durable, but talented players. Even with New England, one amazingly talented quarterback does not make a team; instead, you need depth throughout your roster, especially on defense, as the old adage is often true - defense wins championships. You might be an incredible fantasy football player, but those leagues consist of 10-14 teams. Do you have what it takes to make the smart choices when presented with players that would normally round out a NFL roster as opposed to the simple task of choosing which star player you would take? Can you build a realistic Super Bowl contender?

Question 1

Who would be your starting quarterback?

While a dominant quarterback alone doesn't make a team a legitimate Super Bowl contender, it's almost impossible to win a Super Bowl without one. When glossing over the players who have played under center in the past 50-plus Super Bowls, most are Hall of Famers or well-known players with decorated careers. The quarterback is undoubtedly the most important position on the field, so choose wisely.

Question 2

Who would be your backup quarterback?

The quarterback position is so important that it's essential you have a quality backup who isn't going to whine about a lack of playing time, but is capable of replacing your starter in the event of an injury without your offense missing much of a beat. For instance, Aaron Rodgers recently broke his collarbone and, with Brett Hundley under center, the team's Super Bowl chances have all been written off.

Question 3

Who would be your starting running back?

While the NFL has transformed into a pass-first league in recent years, there's no denying the importance of the run game, and that will never change. A strong, powerful back with the ability to break through tackles for long runs can keep the defense guessing and open up for the possibility of long-yardage plays via the pass. You can win without a star running back, but having one will definitely help your cause.

Question 4

Who would be your second-string running back?

Unlike the quarterback position, your backups at running back will actually see the field quite a bit, especially if the coach and offensive coordinator like to mix things up on offense. During a lengthy drive up the field, your second- and even third-string running back could play multiple snaps on offense in an effort to keep the defense honest. It's often best to have at least one pass-catching back as well.

Question 5

Who would be your third-string running back?

Again, it's vital to have depth at the running back position, not only to keep the opposition guessing, but in the event of an injury, which is likely for a position where players run into 300-plus pound linebackers and defensive linemen with regularity. Your third-string back should be someone who possesses incredible speed out of the backfield with the ability to catch the ball and run.

Question 6

Who would be your WR1?

A good quarterback can make sub-par wide receivers look good, but the converse of that is also true. If you've got one of the league's best wide receivers on your team, you could have a scrub at quarterback and he could look like an All-Pro, although when that receiver is covered your quarterback would be in trouble. That's why depth at the position is also crucial.

Question 7

Who would be your WR2?

Your second wide receiver would likely line up on either the left or right side of the field and possess the same deep threat as your first wide receiver. Most teams employ three - and sometimes four - wide receivers on the field at any one time, and the teams that are the most successful are the ones with depth well beyond their top three.

Question 8

Who would be your WR3?

For the most part, your third-best wide receiver lines up in the slot and catches short passes. He's typically a possession receiver, but has the ability to rack up yards after the catch with a combination of elusiveness and speed. It's hard to find a team in the NFL with multiple Pro Bowl players at the wide receiver position, but if you can find a reliable WR3, you're in good company.

Question 9

Who would be your WR4?

The fourth wide receiver on a team likely isn't going to start many games unless there's an injury, but he'll often be utilized throughout the course of a game, whether it's in certain offensive packages or to give the other three wide receivers a break during a lengthy drive. He should also be good enough to step in a starting role in the event one of the starters suffers an injury.

Question 10

Who would be your WR5?

For a fifth wide receiver, most teams opt to have a budding younger player, typically a rookie, who can learn the offense and gain experience in a limited role. However, he should be able to play well in the event of an injury, as few teams go the entire season without at least one or two injuries to their wide receivers.

Question 11

Who would be your TE1?

The tight end position has become increasingly important in recent years. Retired former Atlanta Falcon tight end Tony Gonzalez, for instance, is fifth all-time in receiving yards among all players, while players like Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce are often among the league-leaders in touchdowns. In fact, Gronkowski's 22 touchdowns in 2011 ranks fifth all-time for a single season. Jimmy Graham is also in the top 20.

Question 12

Who would be your TE2?

As with wide receivers, depth at the tight end position is crucial and not only for injury purposes. The New England Patriots famously had an unstoppable two-headed monster attack in Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez and later swapped out Hernandez for Martellus Bennett. Even if using a primary starter, the backup tight end is still going to play roughly 20 percent of the total snaps on offense.

Question 13

Who would be your kicker?

This is the part where you laugh at the notion of a kicker having an impact on a team's Super Bowl chances, but ask any former NFL player and they'll attest to the importance of a strong and accurate kicker. Beyond that, you need someone with the undefined "clutch" factor who can come in and kick a lengthy game-winning field goal under pressure. Just think of how many games have been decided in the final seconds by a kicker.

Question 14

Which defensive lineman would you pick?

Depending on your defensive scheme, you could go with three or four defensive linemen, but for the purpose of this quiz we're going with four, while ignoring specific positions like defensive tackle and defensive end. Just focus on picking the meanest, toughest, and strongest players with an ability at getting to the quarterback. A strong defense goes a long way in winning a championship and putting constant pressure on the quarterback is where it starts.

Question 15

Which defensive lineman would you pick?

Of your four defensive linemen, consider selecting someone with a proven track record of getting to the opposing quarterback. While the ability to stop running backs at the line is a valuable skill, the elite defensive linemen are the ones who can get through the opposing blockers and take down the quarterback before he has an opportunity to release the ball.

Question 16

Which defensive lineman would you pick?

OK, you may have noticed we included only outside linemen in this grouping, and while all players are highly talented, there's a fairly obvious consensus best player and that's the former first-round pick who has racked up 26 sacks in the past two seasons. While there isn't technically a wrong choice of the bunch, there's one player you need to take if you're going to guarantee a Super Bowl.

Question 17

Which defensive lineman would you pick?

These linemen can handle nearly every position on the line, but the decision should be a tough one as none are exactly regarded as being among the best in the game. However, they all have varying skills and tackling abilities, so ensure you select the player best suited to the line you have already put together. If you've drafted two players who are best known as defensive tackles, consider selecting an edge defender.

Question 18

Which linebacker would you pick?

The linebackers are the second line of defense beyond the defensive line. If a running back gets through the line, the linebackers are expected to keep him from breaking off a big run. But they're also expected to read the quarterback and keep an eye on his potential passing targets. It's arguably one of the hardest and most demanding positions to play in all of football, so be sure to select the best player available.

Question 19

Which linebacker would you pick?

Having a dominant one-two punch at the linebacker position is essential to stopping the opposition's attack. You need a linebacker with size, speed, and strength, not to mention smarts. A player could be the most physically imposing linebacker in all of football, but if he doesn't know how to read the play then he is going to be left in the dust more often than not.

Question 20

Which linebacker would you pick?

Many teams go with four linebackers, but for our purpose we're going with three. In that case, if you've already selected one or two inside linebackers, be sure to draft a pass-rushing outside linebacker who could not only wrap up would-be rushers, but get to the opposition quarterback at least a few times per season. It's not unreasonable to expect 4-5 sacks from a good linebacker.

Question 21

Which defensive back would you pick?

Depending on schemes and formations, teams often employ as many as four defensive backs, including two cornerbacks and at least one or two free safeties. For the purpose of this quiz, we're going with two cornerbacks and one free safety, so choose each player wisely. The ideal cornerback should be so good that he doesn't even rack up many interceptions because quarterbacks are afraid to throw their way.

Question 22

Which defensive back would you pick?

If you've got two shutdown cornerbacks, chances are your team is going to at least make the playoffs, if not go all the way to the Super Bowl. Opposing quarterbacks might be hesitant to throw toward either cornerback, leaving only the middle of the field open. And if he does try and throw toward them, chances are the pass is getting picked off.

Question 23

Which defensive back would you pick?

The safety is a defensive back who lines up in the center of the field often between 10-15 yards from the line of scrimmage. Their objective is to patrol the middle of the field and rush to the sidelines to help out cornerbacks in the event a receiver catches the ball and runs up the field. They are ultimately the last line of defense, so choose someone you can trust to keep opposing receivers out of the end zone.

Question 24

Which team's offensive line would you pick?

Let's be honest, the casual fan doesn't know the names of the numerous offensive linemen on their own favorite team let alone those around the league, so we'll make it easy. The offensive line is a cohesive unit that is tasked with protecting the quarterback and creating holes for the running back. While they don't get the bulk of the glory, it's often the team with the best offensive line that leads the league in total yards.

Question 25

Who would be your team's head coach?

Coaches have more of an impact in football than any other sport. For starters, there are way more coaches - offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, offensive line coach, etc. - and the head coach is the mastermind that brings all those coaches and players together in one cohesive unit. Ideally, he's a strategic mastermind with an impressive playbook as well as strong leadership skills.

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