Ranking Super Bowl contenders – Seahawks shake up the odds as Eagles face decision time

The Kansas City Chiefs are done and the New England Patriots are back.

With Sam Darnold‘s Seattle Seahawks edging Matthew Stafford‘s Los Angeles Rams 38-37 in overtime on Thursday Night Football, the NFL‘s 32 teams have been whittled down to a top 15.

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Only one franchise can win Super Bowl LX, and a world champion will be crowned on February 8, 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Some fanbases have a legitimate chance at winning Super Bowl LX as Week 16 unfolds.

Other supporters are downright delusional and they’re better off preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft.

15. Baltimore Ravens (7-7 record)

If Lamar Jackson wants to make the playoffs, it starts on Sunday Night Football.

The Ravens can steal the AFC North from the Steelers.

But Baltimore will fall to 7-8 if Jackson’s crew can’t win at home vs Drake Maye and the Patriots. 

14. Detroit Lions (8-6)

Maybe this just isn’t the year for the Lions.

Dan Campbell’s aggressive coaching style has backfired several times, while Detroit is losing the games it won the previous two years.

The Lions could still make a run but Ben Johnson is clearly missed in Detroit. 

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13. Green Bay Packers (9-4-1)

The Packers would be much higher on this list if Micah Parsons hadn’t torn his ACL.

Patrick Mahomes season-ending knee injuries overshadowed a huge blow for the Pack, who must play near-perfect ball with their best defender out for the year.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6)

Aaron Rodgers has produced back-to-back impressive showings, which is encouraging for a Steelers team that appeared to be flatlining.

The big question is whether Mike Tomlin is the head coach in Pittsburgh next season.

The Steelers also need to get T.J. Watt back on the playing field. 

11. Houston Texans (9-5)

The Texans were 0-3 and 3-5.

Now they’re one of the hottest teams in the NFL and on the verge of taking over the AFC South. 

The Raiders on Sunday is a creampuff for the Texans, who should have seven consecutive wins on Monday morning. 

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10. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) 

Trevor Lawrence is coming off a huge six-touchdown game.

But let’s see where the Jags stand after back-to-back road games vs the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts.

Jacksonville must close out the AFC South to prove it’s for real this year. 

9. San Francisco 49ers (10-4) 

Thanks to the Rams and Seahawks, the 49ers are a ‘quiet’ 10-4.

They also just beat the Tennessee Titans, so there’s no need to sail over the moon about Brock Purdy almost throwing for 300 yards.

But the 49ers continue to be interesting in 2025 and they’re still Super Bowl contenders in a crowded NFC. 

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8. Chicago Bears (10-4)

Caleb Williams faces the Packers, 49ers and Lions to finish out the regular season.

If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat the good teams, and Williams has a perfect chance to prove himself as January arrives. 

7. Los Angeles Chargers (10-4)

Jim Harbaugh left Michigan at the right time.

He’s approaching back-to-back playoff appearances with the Chargers, who have eclipsed the Chiefs in the AFC West.

The key for Justin Herbert is peaking at the right time in the playoffs. 

6. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5)

It still feels like the Eagles could finish on top of the mountain.

Or all fall apart before the NFC Conference Championship game.

It’s going to be a fascinating next two months for Philly fans – for better or worse. 

5. New England Patriots (11-3)

There’s a good chance the Pats finish 13-4 and produce their best season since 2017.

Mike Vrabel will receive Coach of the Year votes, while Drake Maye is battling for NFL MVP.

A tough 35-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills was a reminder of New England’s massive overall improvement this year. 

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4. Los Angeles Rams (11-4)

Matthew Stafford has been one heck of a story in 2025, while Los Angeles posts a top-five defense.

The Rams almost reached the NFC Championship a year ago.

Now, Sean McVay is searching for a way to get Los Angeles back on top of the NFC West.

3. Buffalo Bills (10-4)

Here come the Bills, just as winter arrives and real football kicks in.

Josh Allen has returned to the MVP debate, while Buffalo’s comeback victory over New England was playoff-esque. 

With the Browns and Jets still waiting, the Bills can prime for the postseason and dream of another Super Bowl breakthrough.  

2. Seattle Seahawks (12-3) 

If only Thursday Night Football could be this dramatic every week.

The Seahawks shook up the Super Bowl odds by taking down the Rams in OT — and getting a lucky bounce.

Sam Darnold has been a brilliant signing for Seattle.

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1. Denver Broncos (12-2)

Bo Nix is getting better and the Broncos haven’t lost since September 21.

Denver has an elite head coach, a top defense and enough youth to stay fresh in January.

The Broncos also got blasted in the AFC Wild Card round last year, which means 2025 has been devoted to taking the next big step. 

With the cheapest ticket for Sunday’s matchup vs the Jaguars approaching $200, Denver fans are ready for a Super Bowl return. 

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