Breaking Down the Contenders and Pretenders for This Year’s Super Bowl Run

The 2025 NFL season kicks off with a clean slate and sky-high expectations across the board. Every team starts undefeated, every fanbase holds hope, and every front office believes this could be their year.

As the opening weekend approaches, sharp bettors and seasoned analysts are already separating the real contenders from the teams that may struggle to stay in the playoff race.

This breakdown looks at where things stand based on the latest NFL news, including divisional matchups and early-season momentum. From the current front-runners to those just hoping to stay competitive, here’s how the Super Bowl picture is shaping up.

Co-Favorites: Eagles and Ravens Enter the Spotlight

Philadelphia and Baltimore enter the 2025 season as the two most highly regarded teams in the league, thanks to strong rosters and offseason consistency. Both squads return the majority of their core players and are widely projected to contend for the top of their conferences and divisions.

The Eagles enter the season with a championship pedigree and continuity on both sides of the ball. They ended Kansas City’s repeat hopes and brought back key starters for another title push. Meanwhile, the Ravens are banking on another MVP-caliber season from Lamar Jackson and a defense that can dominate late in the year.

For bettors tracking NFL betting insights, it’s worth noting both teams are listed at +700 to win the Super Bowl, implying that oddsmakers see them as more than just favourites, but heavy favourites.

Watch the Middle Tier: Bills, Chiefs, and Lions

Buffalo continues to be viewed as one of the league’s top challengers. Despite a postseason history filled with near misses, the Bills return with Josh Allen leading an offense that remains one of the most explosive in football. Facing a loaded AFC East, Buffalo’s ability to finally break through will be a central storyline of the season.

Kansas City, fresh off back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, is once again in the spotlight. With Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce anchoring the offense and Andy Reid at the helm, the Chiefs still possess the core of a championship-caliber team. The challenge will be navigating an increasingly competitive AFC while maintaining their trademark consistency.

The Detroit Lions round out the group of early favorites. After a breakout season and their first NFC North title in decades, Detroit enters 2025 with confidence and offensive firepower. With Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and a strong backfield, the Lions are positioned to prove they belong among the NFL’s elite.

For those scanning updated FanDuel Super Bowl odds, this is where much of the early betting interest is focusing. These teams offer strong upside with paths to the championship that are both realistic and measurable.

Promising Dark Horses: Bengals, 49ers, and Chargers

Cincinnati and San Francisco remain teams to watch, even if questions linger about their consistency. The Bengals’ success hinges heavily on the health of  Joe Burrow and whether the offensive line can keep him upright. For San Francisco, quarterback stability and defensive depth will determine whether they can sustain another deep postseason run.

The 49ers also carry the added storyline of hosting this year’s Super Bowl, which brings even more attention to their season. With stars like Christian McCaffrey and Nick Bosa leading the way, they have the talent to be a force if they stay healthy.

The Chargers, meanwhile, enter 2025 with intrigue under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Justin Herbert remains the franchise cornerstone, and an improved defense could help them compete in the tough AFC West. Their challenge will be turning close games into wins and proving they can rise in one of football’s most competitive divisions.

Pretenders? Sorting Through the Longshots

As the season begins, teams like the Jets, Giants, and Titans face significant questions about their ability to contend.

The Giants are entering a pivotal year for Daniel Jones, with concerns about offensive line play and overall consistency. Tennessee is in the midst of a transition, leaning on a younger roster while trying to establish a new identity under center. Other notable teams facing uphill climbs include the Bears, Falcons, and Patriots.

While a few of these teams have standout players and intriguing coaching situations, they face strong divisional competition and limited margin for error. One of these clubs can emerge as a playoff spoiler, but based on current NFL predictions, they remain more likely to play spoiler than contender.

How Opening Games May Set the Tone

The first week of the season offers a handful of matchups that could shift narratives early. The Eagles host the Cowboys in a divisional showdown, while the Chiefs travel to Brazil to face the Chargers in a neutral-site Friday night matchup.

Other early clashes, like Bills vs. Dolphins and Ravens vs. Bengals, offer instant clarity on where the top contenders sit. If the Lions or 49ers stumble out of the gate, market corrections are likely to follow. Early-season results don’t define a season, but they can shift playoff paths and create value for bettors watching closely.

These opening games also provide some of the best NFL insights of the year. Public money moves quickly after Week 1, so identifying teams that underperform expectations, but still show underlying strength, can set bettors up for smarter long-term plays.

The Super Bowl Picture Is Clear, For Now

As training camp buzz gives way to real matchups, the early Super Bowl picture has begun to take shape. The Eagles and Ravens lead the way, while the Bills, Chiefs, and Lions all sit just behind.

Every year brings surprises, but for now, the separation between contenders and pretenders is visible in the odds, the win totals, and the projections.

Content reflects information available as of 08/28/25; subject to change.

Cover Credits: Wallpaper.com