NFL Teams Predicted to Make Super Bowl 2026

Written by Knavic

April 15, 2025

share

As the 2025 NFL season looms, every die-hard football fan is already buzzing about one question: Which teams will battle it out in Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026? With free agency reshaping rosters, young stars emerging, and perennial powerhouses reloading, the race to the Lombardi Trophy is wide open. As a seasoned NFL enthusiast who’s watched countless games, dissected playbooks, and followed the offseason moves, I’m diving deep into the teams most likely to represent the AFC and NFC in the big game. Let’s break down the top contenders, their strengths, and why they’re poised for a Super Bowl run, all while keeping an eye on the latest trends and expert predictions.

The AFC Contenders: A Stacked Conference

The AFC remains a gauntlet, with elite quarterbacks, innovative coaches, and deep rosters vying for supremacy. Based on current odds, roster continuity, and offseason moves, three teams stand out as the most likely to punch their ticket to Super Bowl 60.

Real Photo of Football
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen’s Time to Shine

The Buffalo Bills (+750 odds, FanDuel) are my top pick to represent the AFC. Josh Allen, fresh off his first MVP award in 2024, is playing at an elite level, combining pinpoint passing with his trademark bulldozing runs. The Bills’ 13-4 record last season and their heartbreaking playoff losses to Kansas City in recent years have only fueled their hunger. With one of the league’s best offensive lines locked in and minimal free-agent losses (only 14 players hitting the market), Buffalo boasts rare continuity. Their addition of Amari Cooper midseason in 2024 proved they can bolster the receiving corps, and with up to 10 draft picks in 2025, GM Brandon Beane has the ammo to address needs at cornerback and wide receiver.

Why they’ll make it: The Bills have gone over their win total (11.5 projected for 2025) in all eight seasons under Sean McDermott, and their 0-4 postseason record against the Chiefs feels like a curse ready to break. If they can exorcise those demons in the divisional round or AFC Championship, Allen’s clutch play and a top-10 defense could carry them to Santa Clara. Experts like Jeremy Fowler and Aaron Schatz agree, predicting a Bills-Lions or Bills-Rams Super Bowl matchup.

Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson’s Redemption Arc

The Ravens (+700 odds, FanDuel) are another AFC powerhouse with a chip on their shoulder. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry form a devastating backfield, and despite injuries to key receivers like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman in the 2024 playoffs, Baltimore’s offense is loaded. Their 12-5 record last season and third-best Super Bowl odds reflect their balance and depth. However, the offseason brings challenges: left tackle Ronnie Stanley’s potential departure and needs at edge rusher and in the secondary. John Harbaugh’s track record and Baltimore’s league-leading nine Pro Bowlers in 2024 suggest they’ll address these gaps effectively.

Why they’ll make it: The Ravens’ explosive offense, which became the first in NFL history to record 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in a season, is a nightmare to defend. If they shore up their offensive line and secondary, Jackson’s dual-threat brilliance could finally break through in the postseason. Experts like Mike Tannenbaum and Lindsey Thiry see the Ravens facing the Eagles or Lions in the Super Bowl.

Kansas City Chiefs: Never Count Out Mahomes

The Chiefs (+750 odds, FanDuel) are the perennial AFC favorites, even after their Super Bowl 59 loss to Philadelphia. Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, and a retooled offensive line keep them in the conversation, but the potential loss of right guard Trey Smith and key defensive tackles in free agency raises questions. Their 15-2 record in 2024 showed resilience, but Mahomes’ slightly down year (missing 4,000 passing yards) and a dip in public perception have lengthened their odds from +600 pre-Super Bowl.

Why they might make it: Mahomes’ seven game-winning drives in 2024 (tied for second-most all-time) prove he’s still the clutchest QB in the game. If GM Brett Veach works his cap magic and bolsters the defensive line, the Chiefs could return to their dynasty form. Dan Graziano’s prediction of a Chiefs-Commanders Super Bowl keeps them firmly in the mix.

The NFC Contenders: A New Guard Rises

The NFC is less top-heavy than the AFC but features a mix of established juggernauts and ascending teams. The defending champions lead the pack, but a couple of dark horses could steal the show.

Philadelphia Eagles: The Favorites to Repeat

The Philadelphia Eagles (+650 odds, FanDuel) are the early favorites to defend their Super Bowl 59 title, and for good reason. Jalen Hurts’ efficient 2024 season (career highs in completion percentage and passer rating) and Saquon Barkley’s historic 2,000-yard rushing campaign make their offense unstoppable. The NFL’s top-ranked defense, led by Vic Fangio and stars like Jalen Carter and Zack Baun, returns most of its core, though the loss of cornerback Darius Slay in free agency is a concern. With only 18 free agents and seven draft picks, GM Howie Roseman’s roster-building prowess keeps Philly as the team to beat.

Why they’ll make it: The Eagles’ dominant 55-23 NFC Championship win over Washington showed their ceiling, and their +650 odds imply a 13.33% chance of repeating—a rare feat. Their offensive line, with Pro Bowlers Cam Jurgens, Landon Dickerson, and Lane Johnson, is the best in the league, giving Hurts and Barkley ample room to work. Experts like Kalyn Kahler and Lindsey Thiry predict an Eagles-Ravens or Eagles-Bills Super Bowl.

Detroit Lions: Ready for the Leap

The Detroit Lions (+850 odds, FanDuel) are my dark-horse pick to represent the NFC. Despite losing coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, Dan Campbell’s culture and a 15-2 record in 2024 prove their staying power. Jared Goff’s reliability, paired with a high-powered offense featuring A.J. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs, makes them a scoring machine. The return of Aidan Hutchinson, who’s projected to rack up 18 sacks in 2025, bolsters a defense that ranked seventh in points allowed despite injuries. Their +950 odds in February were a steal, and experts like Matt Bowen and Mike Tannenbaum see them facing the Ravens or Bills.

Why they’ll make it: The Lions’ ability to score 31 points despite five turnovers in their playoff loss to Washington shows their offensive resilience. With遵4web:11⁊ With a favorable draft and GM Brad Holmes’ savvy, Detroit’s championship window remains wide open. A healthy roster and a chip on their shoulder from last season’s collapse could propel them to the Super Bowl.

Washington Commanders: The Wild Card

The Washington Commanders (+1800 odds, BetMGM) are a trendy pick after their NFC Championship appearance in 2024. Jayden Daniels, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, is a rising star, and trades for Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil signal an aggressive offseason. With $78.1 million in cap space and a young core including Terry McLaurin and Jonathan Allen, Dan Quinn’s squad has a high ceiling. However, needs at cornerback and edge rusher, plus the risk of a Daniels sophomore slump, temper expectations.

Why they might make it: Daniels’ historic rookie season and Quinn’s Super Bowl experience (despite his 28-3 collapse with Atlanta) give Washington a shot. Their +1800 odds reflect their potential, and Graziano’s Chiefs-Commanders prediction keeps them in the conversation.

My Super Bowl 60 Prediction: Bills vs. Eagles

After crunching the numbers, analyzing rosters, and factoring in expert insights, I predict the Buffalo Bills will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 60. The Bills’ continuity, Josh Allen’s MVP-caliber play, and a favorable offseason make them the AFC’s best bet to dethrone Kansas City. In the NFC, the Eagles’ star-studded roster, elite coaching, and minimal turnover give them the edge over a talented but transitioning Lions team. Expect a high-scoring thriller, with Allen’s heroics falling just short of Philly’s balanced attack, led by Hurts and Barkley.

Final Score Prediction: Eagles 34, Bills 30

Why This Matters for Fans

Super Bowl 60 isn’t just about crowning a champion—it’s about the narratives. Will the Eagles repeat for the first time since the 2003-04 Patriots? Can Josh Allen finally deliver Buffalo’s first Lombardi Trophy? Or will an underdog like the Lions or Commanders shock the world? As free agency unfolds and the draft approaches, keep an eye on key moves that could shift these odds. For now, the Bills and Eagles are the teams to watch, but in the NFL, anything can happen.

Stay tuned for more NFL updates, and share your Super Bowl picks in the comments below! Who’s your team to beat in 2026?


0 Comments

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Other Articles

Stay Up to Date With The Latest News & Updates

Access Premium Content

Become a member of Inhelm Gold!

Join Our Newsletter

Sign up to recieve a weekly newletter on the latest and greatest Inhelm.

Follow Us

Follow Inhelm on Social Media!