Let’s explore these five teams, ranked by their likelihood of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in franchise history.
A Look at the Non-Contenders
Before diving into the rankings, let’s address the seven teams that won’t be breaking their Super Bowl droughts this year because they didn’t even make the playoffs:
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Arizona Cardinals
- Atlanta Falcons
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Carolina Panthers
- Tennessee Titans
While these teams may hold out hope for next season, the spotlight this year is on five playoff teams chasing their first taste of Super Bowl glory.
5. Houston Texans
Super Bowl appearances: 0
The Texans are the NFL’s youngest franchise, established in 2002. Their lack of playoff success isn’t shocking—they’ve never even reached the AFC Championship game. This year, their journey is no less daunting.
Houston’s first playoff hurdle is a wild-card matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. If they survive that, they’re likely to face the Kansas City Chiefs, a powerhouse team with championship pedigree. The Texans’ regular-season record against winning teams (1-5) doesn’t inspire confidence.
Despite a spirited roster led by a promising defense, the odds are stacked against Houston. Their postseason inexperience and tough competition make them the least likely team on this list to win the Super Bowl.
4. Los Angeles Chargers
Super Bowl appearances: 1
The Chargers’ lone Super Bowl appearance came in 1994, and it ended in a 49-26 blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Since then, they’ve reached the playoffs several times but have often crumbled under pressure.
One of the most infamous moments came in 2022, when the Chargers squandered a 27-0 lead to the Jacksonville Jaguars, losing 31-30. That kind of history has left fans wary of placing too much hope in their team.
This season, however, the Chargers have a new edge with head coach Jim Harbaugh. Known for his ability to rejuvenate teams, Harbaugh has the Chargers playing inspired football. Even so, their 0-3 record against the AFC’s top three seeds—Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins—casts doubt on their ability to make a deep playoff run.
3. Minnesota Vikings
Super Bowl appearances: 4
Few teams in NFL history have endured more postseason heartbreak than the Minnesota Vikings. Their four Super Bowl losses and numerous gut-wrenching playoff moments have become part of NFL lore. From Gary Anderson’s infamous missed field goal in the 1998 NFC Championship to Brett Favre’s costly interception in 2009, the Vikings’ postseason luck has been nothing short of tragic.
This year’s Vikings, however, are a force to be reckoned with. Finishing the regular season at 14-3, they boast one of the league’s most balanced rosters. But their path to the Super Bowl won’t be easy. The Vikings could face the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions—two of the toughest teams in the NFC—in their first two playoff games.
While their talent is undeniable, the Vikings’ challenging playoff road and history of postseason misfortune make them a risky bet to win their first Super Bowl this year.
2. Buffalo Bills
Super Bowl appearances: 4
The Buffalo Bills are a team haunted by Super Bowl demons. Between 1991 and 1994, they reached four consecutive Super Bowls but lost them all, a streak that included Scott Norwood’s infamous “wide right” missed field goal in Super Bowl XXV.
In recent years, the Bills have emerged as perennial contenders, led by superstar quarterback Josh Allen. Their postseason record since 2020 (5-4) reveals a glaring pattern: they’re 5-1 against teams not named the Kansas City Chiefs but 0-3 against the Chiefs.
While they did manage to beat Kansas City during the regular season, past playoff losses to the Chiefs in 2021 and 2023 loom large. If Buffalo can finally overcome their biggest postseason rival, they’ll have a legitimate shot at ending their Super Bowl drought. With Allen at the helm and a dynamic offense, this could be the year the Bills rewrite their history.
1. Detroit Lions
Super Bowl appearances: 0
The Detroit Lions have never appeared in a Super Bowl, a drought that spans nearly six decades. But this year feels different. For the first time in franchise history, the Lions secured the top seed in the NFC, earning a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Lions’ success this season stems from their explosive offense, relentless defense, and the unwavering leadership of their coaching staff. They’ve consistently dominated opponents and finished the regular season as the best team in the NFC.
With only two wins standing between them and the Super Bowl, Detroit is in prime position to make history. Lions fans, who have waited 58 years for this moment, are ready to flood New Orleans if their team reaches the big game.
Why This Year’s Playoffs Are Unique
The 2025 NFL postseason is historic for another reason. This marks only the second time in NFL history that three teams with zero Super Bowl titles (Lions, Bills, and Texans) have won at least 13 games in the regular season. The last time this happened was in 1999, and it culminated in a Super Bowl showdown between two title-less teams (Rams vs. Titans).
Could history repeat itself? With the Lions and Bills leading the charge, there’s a realistic chance we could witness another matchup of first-time contenders.
Final Takeaway
The 2025 NFL playoffs offer a unique narrative: five teams chasing their first Super Bowl victory. While the Texans and Chargers face steep challenges, the Vikings, Bills, and Lions all have legitimate paths to glory.
This postseason is shaping up to be one for the ages. Whether it’s the Lions finally breaking through or the Bills exorcising their Super Bowl demons, fans are in for an unforgettable ride. One thing is certain: by the end of this season, at least one fanbase could finally celebrate a long-awaited championship.
Stay tuned, because NFL history is about to be written.
FAQ: 2025 NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl Contenders
Q1: Which NFL teams have never won a Super Bowl?
A: As of the 2025 season, 12 NFL teams have never won a Super Bowl:
- Arizona Cardinals
- Atlanta Falcons
- Buffalo Bills
- Carolina Panthers
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Detroit Lions
- Houston Texans
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Tennessee Titans
Among these, five teams are in the 2025 playoffs and have a chance to end their drought: Texans, Chargers, Vikings, Bills, and Lions.
Q2: What makes the 2025 NFL playoffs unique?
A: The 2025 playoffs are historic because it’s only the second time in NFL history that three teams without a Super Bowl title (Lions, Bills, Texans) won at least 13 regular-season games. This creates a strong possibility of seeing two first-time contenders face off in the Super Bowl.
Q3: Why are the Detroit Lions ranked as the most likely to win their first Super Bowl?
A: The Detroit Lions are ranked first because they secured the NFC’s top seed, earning a first-round bye and home-field advantage. Their consistent performance throughout the season, including dominating both offense and defense, puts them in a prime position to reach and win the Super Bowl.
Q4: Why are the Houston Texans ranked last among the contenders?
A: The Texans are ranked last because of their lack of playoff experience and their poor record (1-5) against winning teams this season. Additionally, their potential path includes tough opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs, making their chances slim.
Q5: Can the Buffalo Bills overcome their history of playoff struggles?
A: The Bills have struggled in the playoffs, particularly against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have defeated them three times since 2020. However, with quarterback Josh Allen leading a strong roster, this could be the year they finally overcome their postseason hurdles and win their first Super Bowl.
Q6: How many times have the Minnesota Vikings reached the Super Bowl?
A: The Vikings have reached the Super Bowl four times but lost each one. Their last Super Bowl appearance was in 1977. Despite their history of heartbreak, they remain a strong contender in the 2025 playoffs.
Q7: What happened the last time three title-less teams were dominant in the regular season?
A: The last time three title-less teams won at least 13 games in a season was in 1999. That year, two of those teams—St. Louis Rams and Tennessee Titans—met in the Super Bowl, with the Rams claiming victory in a thrilling game.
Q8: What makes the Los Angeles Chargers a dark horse contender?
A: With new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers have shown promise this season. However, their 0-3 record against the AFC’s top seeds and history of playoff collapses make them a long shot to win their first Super Bowl.
Q9: How likely is it that two teams without Super Bowl wins will meet in the 2025 Super Bowl?
A: While it’s rare, there’s a realistic chance. If the Lions or Vikings dominate the NFC bracket and the Bills overcome their AFC competition, we could see a historic Super Bowl matchup between two first-time champions.
Q10: Who is the favorite to win the 2025 Super Bowl overall?
A: Among the five title-less teams, the Detroit Lions are the favorites due to their top NFC seed, strong regular-season performance, and advantageous playoff path. However, traditional powerhouses like the Chiefs and Eagles remain strong contenders overall.