Super Bowl Dreams: Ranking the NFL Playoff Teams Most Likely to Win Their First Title in 2026
The roar of the crowd, the confetti falling, the taste of victory – every NFL team dreams of hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy. For some franchises, that dream has become a reality multiple times over. But for others, the quest for their first Super Bowl title continues. As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL season and Super Bowl LX in 2026, let’s examine which playoff teams are best positioned to finally break through and capture that elusive first championship.
The Contenders
These teams have consistently been in the playoff mix and possess the talent and coaching to make a serious Super Bowl run. They’re knocking on the door, and 2026 could be the year they finally kick it down.
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Detroit Lions: The Lions, who had a strong 15-2 regular season in 2024, are still well-positioned to compete in the NFC. Despite losing both their offensive and defensive coordinators to head coaching jobs, Detroit has drafted and developed well, maintaining a young roster and healthy salary cap situation. The Lions’ strong performance last season proves they have the foundation to contend.
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Buffalo Bills: The Bills, a perennial playoff team, have been agonizingly close to the Super Bowl in recent years. Quarterback Josh Allen continues to be a dominant force, and if the Bills can shore up their defense, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.
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Los Angeles Chargers: With Jim Harbaugh now at the helm, the Chargers are an intriguing team to watch. Harbaugh has a proven track record of turning programs around, and with a talented quarterback in Justin Herbert, the Chargers could surprise many in 2025.
The Sleepers
These teams may not be the favorites, but they have the potential to make a deep playoff run and potentially shock the world. They possess key pieces and could be a few smart moves away from contending for a Super Bowl.
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Washington Commanders: The Commanders are betting on Jayden Daniels, and the team has made significant moves to bolster their roster. The Commanders also re-signed veteran contributors like Zach Ertz and Bobby Wagner and offset their own free agent losses with smart signings, including defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and safety Will Harris.
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Houston Texans: After a strong season, the Texans have the potential to build on their success. While some question their offseason moves, the Texans’ defense remains a strength, especially with the addition of C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
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Cincinnati Bengals: With one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Joe Burrow, the Bengals always have a chance to make a deep playoff run. If they can stay healthy and address some key needs, they could be a dangerous team in 2025.
The Longshots
These teams face a steeper climb to reach the Super Bowl, but in the unpredictable world of the NFL, anything is possible. They need a combination of player development, strategic acquisitions, and a bit of luck to make their Super Bowl dreams a reality.
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Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars have shown flashes of potential but need to find more consistency. With a young quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars need to improve their offensive line and add more playmakers on defense to compete in the AFC South.
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Minnesota Vikings: Quarterback is a big question mark again, but I trust this franchise to figure it out. Even though the 2024 season ended in a fart, Minnesota can look back on last season and see it had one of the most efficient passing games and defenses in the league.
The Teams Still Searching
It’s worth acknowledging the teams that have never even reached the Super Bowl. For franchises like the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars, just getting to the big game would be a monumental achievement.
Super Bowl Droughts
Several teams have endured long Super Bowl droughts, adding to the urgency of their quest for a title:
- Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals are the oldest NFL franchise, founded in 1920, to have never won a Super Bowl.
- Detroit Lions: The Lions, founded in 1930, haven’t won a championship since 1957.
- Cleveland Browns: The Browns, founded in 1950, haven’t won a championship since 1964.
- Buffalo Bills: The Bills are tied with the Vikings for the most Super Bowl appearances without a win (4).
The Eagles Soar
While this article focuses on teams seeking their first Super Bowl win, it’s important to acknowledge the reigning Super Bowl LIX champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 and are currently favored to win Super Bowl 60 in 2026.
The Road Ahead
The NFL is a league of constant change, and the landscape can shift dramatically in a single offseason. As teams navigate free agency, the draft, and player development, their Super Bowl dreams will either gain momentum or fade away. The 2025 season promises to be another exciting chapter in the NFL’s ongoing story, and the quest for a first Super Bowl title will be a driving force for many teams.