Evaluating Super Bowl Chances for NFLs Long-Suffering Franchises

As it stands, twenty NFL franchises have secured at least one Super Bowl title, a tally that has remained static since the Philadelphia Eagles joined this elite group at the end of the 2017 season. However, based on current odds from reputable sources, three teams within the top 10 Super Bowl favorites have yet to claim the Vince Lombardi Trophy. This analysis will explore their potential, alongside nine other teams still in search of that elusive championship, as they eye a breakthrough in 2025.
Leading the pack in Super Bowl odds are the Buffalo Bills, who have dominated the AFC East with a minimum of 11 wins in five consecutive seasons. The Bills narrowly missed making the Super Bowl last year, raising questions about whether this is the year they finally achieve that milestone. The recent fallibility of the Kansas City Chiefs, coupled with the Baltimore Ravens' disappointments in past postseasons, suggests a more accessible pathway for Buffalo, especially with a projected fifth-easiest schedule according to Sharp Football Analysis. The likelihood of the Bills clinching their first Super Bowl title stands at 20%.
The Cincinnati Bengals, despite recording a 9-8 record in the last two seasons, possess a potent roster that exceeds their performance metrics. With an offense that ranked sixth in scoring, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, who showcased an MVP-caliber season had the team advanced to the playoffs in 2024, the Bengals are poised for resurgence in 2025. The memory of falling mere points short in the 2021 Super Bowl and a competitive battle against the Chiefs in the 2022 AFC Championship Game further underscores their capabilities. While challenges await from divisional rivals like the Ravens and strong contenders like the Bills and Chiefs, the Bengals' significant talent and past playoff experience position them as a contender with a 8% chance of winning it all this season.
Also among the most competitive teams are the Detroit Lions, who boasted the best NFC record at 15-2, along with the highest scoring margin and DVOA in 2024. The return of key players such as Aidan Hutchinson provides them with an edge heading into 2025. However, the Lions face an uphill battle with the third-most challenging schedule in the league, compounded by the fierce competition within their division. Following a disappointing end to the previous season, cautious optimism surrounds their Super Bowl aspirations, reflected in a 6% likelihood of success.
The Los Angeles Chargers harbor high potential for the upcoming season, where they may well challenge the Chiefs' dominance in the AFC West, particularly if coach Jim Harbaugh can fully capitalize on quarterback Justin Herbert's continued development. After achieving an 11-win season last year, underpinned by a strong defense, the Chargers seem well-positioned to build on that success in 2025. Despite a favorable schedule in 2024, the league may be better prepared for them, especially considering divisional rivals like the Denver Broncos. Though their chances are slim at 3%, the potential for an upset remains.
Meanwhile, the Houston Texans could emerge from relative obscurity if quarterback C.J. Stroud returns to the high-caliber form evident during his stellar rookie campaign in 2023. However, lingering concerns regarding the offensive line’s performance in 2024 complicate matters. Recent upgrades to the unit do not guarantee improved results. The Texans possess a level of talent capable of competing for a Super Bowl, yet a confluence of favorable circumstances would be necessary for such an outcome. Their chances of clinching the championship stand at just 2%.
The Jacksonville Jaguars also seek redemption after experiencing challenges in 2024. With previous winning seasons in 2022 and 2023 and the burgeoning talent of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, alongside the addition of high-profile draft picks like Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr., the Jaguars possess a foundation for potential success. Their relatively easy schedule in a less competitive division could deliver unforeseen opportunities, though recovery from a difficult 2024 season remains uncertain, leading to a modest chance of 2% for a Super Bowl appearance.
Key offensive duo Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. in Arizona provide a glimmer of hope for a franchise in the midst of reconstruction. With the NFC West appearing more winnable in recent times, the potential for Murray and Harrison Jr. to connect effectively could usher in progress. Nevertheless, consistent development remains pivotal to move past their current rebuilding phase. Their prospects align similarly with other franchises like Houston and Jacksonville, each carrying a 2% likelihood of championship contention.
As the Minnesota Vikings look to the future with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who missed the entirety of the 2024 season due to injury, expectations must be tempered. While McCarthy is not a rookie in the traditional sense, his absence from competitive play impacts the squad's dynamics heading into 2025. The Vikings' formidable roster holds promise for the future, but a Super Bowl win remains a reaching goal for 2025, leading to a 2% assessment for their championship hopes.
The Atlanta Falcons, similarly positioned with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and a promising collection of talent, present a scenario filled with potential but also a high degree of uncertainty. With an improved defense and a relatively undemanding schedule in a wide-open division, the Falcons could surprise observers. Nonetheless, significant questions linger about their ability to contend at the highest level in 2025, rendering their Super Bowl aspirations a low priority for the immediate future, with a 1% chance of beckoning.
As for the Carolina Panthers, currently in the rebuilding phase with quarterback Bryce Young, their challenges are considerable. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick's establishment as a reliable starter remains uncertain, particularly after the defense allowed an alarming 31.4 points per game last season. Recognizing the long road ahead, a Super Bowl appearance is likely farther away than 2026, with probabilities falling below 1%.
Lastly, the Tennessee Titans face a similar scenario, introducing rookie quarterback Cam Ward as a beacon of hope amid an extensive rebuild following a challenging season that yielded 14 losses. For now, establishing respectability will serve as the immediate objective, with future competitiveness envisioned for 2026 or 2027. Like Carolina, their chances of advancing to the Super Bowl are below 1%.
In contrast, the Cleveland Browns appear destined for a prolonged championship drought, potentially reaching 60 seasons without a title since the inception of the Super Bowl era. Following a dismal 3-14 record in 2024, coupled with an unresolved quarterback dilemma and fierce competition within their division, the likelihood of the Browns impacting the Super Bowl landscape remains exceedingly low, bordering on nonexistent at under 1%.








