Which Teams Are Likely to Finally Win a Super Bowl

There are currently 12 NFL franchises that have never won a Super Bowl, and that number has remained unchanged for the better part of a decade.

The Philadelphia Eagles were the last “new” Super Bowl champion, winning Super Bowl 52 to cap off the 2017 NFL season. The last team to make its first-ever Super Bowl appearance was the New Orleans Saints in the 2009 season. As a result, the list of franchises that have never reached a Super Bowl has remained at four for many years, including Cleveland.

One of these days, that might change — and it could happen as soon as next February. With that in mind, here is how I would rank the chances of each Lombardi-less team finally finishing on top, from most to least likely:

Which Teams Are Likely to Finally Win a Super Bowl?

Buffalo Bills

Many NFL fans know the Bills’ story: four straight Super Bowl appearances, but no victories. Yet that doesn’t tell the whole tale. Buffalo has played in multiple playoff games over the past five seasons, including two AFC Championship Game losses to the Chiefs. They’ve been painfully close to realizing their dreams — but still far from hoisting the trophy.

With Josh Allen, however, those dreams remain alive. The reigning league MVP is as talented as any recent Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Now in his prime at age 29, he’s backed by a top-tier offensive line, promising weapons, and a creative play-caller in Joe Brady.

Defensively, there are questions. The Bills addressed their most vulnerable areas — the defensive line and secondary — with reinforcements, but rookies will need to develop quickly. With Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi facing six-game suspensions (and Joey Bosa’s ongoing health issues), defensive depth could be tested early.

Fortunately, the regular-season schedule appears manageable. Buffalo still rules the AFC East until proven otherwise, and with a strong roster, the 2025 Bills have a real shot at achieving their long-awaited Super Bowl dream.

Detroit Lions

The Lions have come closer to a Super Bowl in the past two seasons than in the previous 30 years, reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2023 and securing the NFC’s top seed in 2024. But can they remain competitive for a third straight season after losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn?

Head coach Dan Campbell faces his toughest challenge yet. The NFC North is one of the NFL’s strongest divisions, and the Lions must face the Ravens, Bengals, Chiefs, Commanders, Eagles, and Rams — all on the road. Aidan Hutchinson is recovering from a significant leg injury, and the retirement of Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow leaves a hole in an already thin offensive line.

Still, Detroit boasts explosive offensive talent, deeper defensive reserves, and elite special teams. They scored 31+ points in 11 games last year and have become one of the NFL’s most aggressive teams.

There is a path to the Super Bowl, but it won’t be easy. The Lions are no longer underdogs — the league knows who they are now. Can their offensive firepower and improved defense handle the pressure? If so, it could be a historic season in Detroit.

Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota carried a nine-game winning streak into Week 18 last season, with a shot at the NFC’s top seed and a rare 15-win campaign. But a blowout loss to the Lions and a Wild Card collapse against the Rams ended those dreams abruptly.

A new quarterback could be the key — or a source of growing pains. The Vikings have arguably their best roster under Kevin O’Connell but face uncertainty with top-10 pick J.J. McCarthy, who missed his rookie season due to injury.

Helping McCarthy’s transition is a potent offense featuring Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, a solid offensive line, and a deeper backfield. O’Connell’s reputation as a QB developer is an encouraging sign.

The defense, boosted by free-agent additions Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, has a dominant front seven, but questions linger in the secondary. Special teams also ranked poorly last year, and Minnesota faces a tougher schedule than last season.

McCarthy’s development will determine whether this team makes a deep playoff run or takes a step back. The Vikings have a wide range of possible outcomes, but they should remain competitive.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are 0-3 in Super Bowls, most recently falling just short four seasons ago. However, they’ve failed to make the playoffs the past two years, finishing 9-8 each time.

Last season’s defensive collapse — not Joe Burrow’s health — was the main culprit, as Cincinnati suffered seven one-score losses. Still, they’ve committed to their core, signing Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals.

With Burrow healthy and supported by elite receivers, this offense could contend for 500 points. But defensively, it’s still a work in progress. New coordinator Al Golden has a lot to prove, and the contract stalemate with star DE Trey Hendrickson is concerning.

The Bengals are capable of a Super Bowl run — but only if the defense significantly improves. With the loaded AFC and a brutal division to navigate, they’ll need to strike while Burrow is in his prime.

Houston Texans

The Texans appeared to take a slight step back in the 2024 regular season but responded with strong playoff performances, putting them back on the rise.

This offseason, Houston upgraded at wide receiver, along the offensive line, and in the secondary. With C.J. Stroud entering year three and a competitive, though not daunting, schedule, the Texans should again be AFC South favorites.

However, consistency has eluded them against top-tier opponents. Their 2025 schedule includes the Ravens, Bills, Chiefs, and Chargers — most of them on the road.

Stroud’s continued growth is crucial, and red-zone defense (which ranked near the bottom last year) must improve. A leap to true contention may require a major step forward on both sides of the ball.

Los Angeles Chargers

Jim Harbaugh’s return to the NFL was a success. After a rough start, the Chargers finished 8-3 and made the playoffs, boasting the league’s eighth-best point differential — even better than that of the 14-3 Vikings.

However, a postseason loss to Houston exposed some cracks, and offseason losses left Harbaugh with a tougher road ahead. Still, Justin Herbert enjoyed one of his best seasons, and the run game, led by Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris, could be more dynamic in 2025.

The defense was the NFL’s best last year in points allowed, but replicating that success won’t be easy. The Chargers’ secondary and pass rush must come together quickly.

Harbaugh has a strong NFL track record and knows how to win, but the competition in the AFC West and the conference overall is fierce. The Chargers will need to fight hard just to return to the playoffs.

Arizona Cardinals

It’s been 17 years since the Cardinals’ lone Super Bowl appearance, and they’ve made the playoffs only four times since. Still, Jonathan Gannon has the team on an upward trajectory.

Kyler Murray, entering his age-28 season, has shown flashes of elite play. With Trey McBride emerging and Marvin Harrison Jr. joining the mix, Arizona may soon have one of the NFL’s most dangerous duos. James Conner leads a deep backfield, and the offensive line exceeded expectations last season.

Defensively, Arizona struggled in 2024, but help is on the way. Free-agent additions (Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson) and rookies like Walter Nolen and Will Johnson could bolster the unit. Darius Robinson and Baron Browning also return after injury-plagued seasons.

The Cardinals likely remain a year away, but they’re trending in the right direction — even in a tough NFC West.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are in transition, with rookie Michael Penix Jr. set to eventually replace Kirk Cousins. With Cousins still on the roster, there may be time for Penix to develop — but how quickly he’s thrown into the fire remains to be seen.

He’ll be supported by a talented offense: Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, and the enigmatic Kyle Pitts. The offensive line, built with former high picks, should offer protection.

Defensively, major changes are underway. Grady Jarrett’s departure leaves a hole, but rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. could energize the pass rush. The secondary is solid but needs depth.

The Falcons may challenge the Bucs in the NFC South, but a Super Bowl run this season seems far-fetched given all the changes and lingering kicking issues.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville made waves in the 2025 draft, trading up for two-way star Travis Hunter. If he delivers on both sides of the ball, it could be a stroke of genius — or a misstep from new GM James Gladstone.

Trevor Lawrence remains a major question. He hasn’t met expectations but still has time to grow. If new head coach Liam Coen can unlock his potential, Jacksonville’s turnaround could happen quickly.

On defense, building blocks like Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, and Tyson Campbell are in place, but development is needed. The division is winnable, and Hunter could be a game-changer.

Still, this team feels a few years away from serious Super Bowl contention.

Carolina Panthers

At midseason last year, things looked bleak in Carolina. But Bryce Young’s late-season surge — including three overtime wins — sparked hope.

Young still has much to prove, but with new WR Tetairoa McMillan and continued growth from Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, the offense has potential. A deeper backfield and improved offensive line also help.

The defense, however, remains a major concern. After allowing the most points in NFL history, big changes are underway. Derrick Brown returns, and rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen bring pass-rush potential.

Coordinator Ejiro Evero faces a steep challenge in turning things around. The Panthers aren’t Super Bowl contenders in 2025, but with Young’s development, they could inch back toward respectability.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans used the No. 1 overall pick on QB Cam Ward, who is expected to start immediately. But expecting Super Bowl contention in his rookie season is unrealistic.

New GM Mike Borgonzi is hitting the reset button, and the team is in the early stages of a rebuild. They were outscored by nearly nine points per game last season.

Ward could improve a weak passing game, and the offense may show flashes. However, the Titans are 2-10 in the AFC South over the past two years and 1-7 at home under head coach Brian Callahan.

It’ll take time to build a winner in Tennessee, but Ward gives them hope for the future.

Cleveland Browns

Cleveland’s quarterback saga took another strange turn this offseason, with the arrival of Kenny Pickett, the return of Joe Flacco, and the drafting of both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Hitting on even one of these QBs could change their fortunes — though that’s easier said than done.

Kevin Stefanski has won two Coach of the Year awards and led the Browns to two 11-win seasons, even without elite QB play. Myles Garrett is staying long term, and rookies Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger could boost the defense. Offensive additions like Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, and Harold Fannin Jr. offer potential.

The Browns also gained future assets in the Travis Hunter trade, but the lingering effects of the Deshaun Watson deal remain a drag. There’s reason for cautious optimism, but Cleveland’s road back to contention will take time — and require finding the right quarterback.

Among the 12 teams that have never won a Super Bowl, a few — like the Bills, Lions, and Bengals — are firmly in the hunt. Others are laying the groundwork for future contention. While not all will get there soon, it’s clear some are closing in on their first Lombardi Trophy. The question is: who will break through next?

As always, only time — and the wild ride of the NFL season — will tell.