NFL 2025 Season Preview- Which Teams Are Super Bowl Contenders?

From the first game to the 18th, it will be hard fought battles on the fields across the country as the best footballing action unravels every weekend. The first week had a lot to offer, and we saw some amazing action right off the bat. Is it enough for us to get the idea about the biggest favorites for the Super Bowl? Preseason is the basic indicator, but it is nowhere near as accurate as the first competitive game. So, what has changed, who are the favorites, and what will the 2025 season look like? We have all the information, predictions, and odds right here, so stay tuned. Once you are ready to make your early predictions with an outright bet, Stake is there with the latest on all things NFL, from the championship winners to MVPs. 

Updated Super Bowl Odds 

Following the first week of NFL action, the latest odds are out, and there have been slight changes. As of right now, the Super Bowl LX (60) winner favorite is the Buffalo Bills with 6.50. Their opening week 41-40 win against the Baltimore Ravens put them in front. Speaking of the Ravens, they are second in the race with 7.50 odds to win the title. Had they won the opener, perhaps the situation would be reversed. The Philadelphia Eagles won their opening game against the Dallas Cowboys 24-20, and are currently the third favorite with 8.00 odds. Behind them are the Green Bay Packers with 9.50, who beat the Detroit Lions 27-13. Rounding up the top 5 favorites is the Kansas City Chiefs with 12.00 odds for the Super Bowl. They were not as successful in starting the season, falling to the Los Angeles Chargers 27-21. 

As for the regular season Most Valuable Player, the leading betting favorite is still Josh Allen with 3.85 odds. Behind him is Lamar Jackson with 4.75, and then Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, and Patrick Mahomes, all with equal 11.00 odds to win the most prestigious individual honor in the league. As for the Offensive Player of the Year, Derrick Henry is the frontrunner if you ask the sportsbooks, with 6.00 odds. Saquon Barkley has 9.50 odds in second place, and then Ja'Marr Chase, Bijan Robinson, and Christian McCaffrey all have 12.00 odds. The coach of the year odds race is led by Ben Johnson and Liam Coen with 8.00 odds for each. American football betting is fun and exciting throughout the year. Each team plays plenty of games, but it is usually the outright, season long bets that fans enjoy the most. 

Analyzing the True Contenders 

While it is often a good indicator as to who can make it the furthest and challenge for the title, sportsbooks’ odds and predictions are never a sure thing. Sure, they are backed up by extensive research and a ton of experience from experts and analysts, but it is ultimately never a guarantee. Fans often go with their gut feeling instead, especially early on when the teams are still picking up the pace. So, early in the season, after only a single game, which teams are the true contenders for the title in the big February 2026 game? Most agree that there are 8 true favorites for the title, so let us see what they have to offer. So far, according to sportsbooks and casinos, the Ravens, Bills, Eagles, Chiefs, and Lions who most punters are picking with their bets. Bengals are also being played. 

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2025 NFL season as co favorites to win the Super Bowl thanks to their unmatched roster depth, playoff experience, and elite play on both sides of the ball. Led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, who continues to evolve as both a passer and dual threat weapon, the Eagles boast one of the league's most dynamic offenses backed by a dominant offensive line and a potent receiving corps. Defensively, they have invested heavily in their secondary and pass rush, which were the two weaknesses that cost them in previous postseasons. With a veteran coaching staff and a front office that consistently reloads rather than rebuilds, the Eagles are a balanced, battle tested team primed for another deep playoff run. Their ability to control games in the trenches and win in multiple ways gives them a significant edge over most NFC rivals.

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are also firmly in the Super Bowl conversation this season, powered by an elite defense and the electric, MVP caliber play of Lamar Jackson. Jackson enters the year healthy and with one of the best supporting casts of his career, including an improved offensive line and a versatile receiving group that stretches the field and complements his unique skill set. On top of it all, he is better than ever, both as a player and a leader. Defensively, the Ravens remain one of the stingiest units in the league, especially against the run. Their aggressive, turnover hungry secondary can flip games in a heartbeat. Under head coach John Harbaugh, Baltimore has built a culture of resilience and adaptability that has consistently given them regular season dominance and deep playoff contention. If Jackson continues his current trajectory and stays healthy, the Ravens are arguably the most dangerous team in the AFC, and perhaps the most complete team in the NFL.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are once again near the top of Super Bowl projections thanks to the elite play of Josh Allen, one of the league’s most physically gifted quarterbacks. Leading the MVP odds right now, Allen’s ability to extend plays, launch deep passes, and run through defenders makes him a nightmare to scheme against. Despite losing some key veterans in recent years, the Bills have retooled their roster with younger and faster playmakers on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they feature a revamped receiving corps that adds explosiveness, while their defense,  anchored by Matt Milano and Ed Oliver, remains a disciplined and aggressive unit. Head coach Sean McDermott has led the Bills to multiple playoff appearances, and the franchise is more battle tested than ever. With a strong supporting cast and special teams roster, their sense of urgency after several near misses means Buffalo is built to finally break through and capture the franchise’s first Super Bowl title.

Kansas City Chiefs

Even after their dynastic run, the Kansas City Chiefs continue to be serious Super Bowl contenders. As long as they have Patrick Mahomes under center, that will not change anytime soon. Mahomes, paired with mastermind Andy Reid, remains the most lethal quarterback coach combination in the league. While the receivers have been a revolving door of young and unproven names, Mahomes’ playmaking and improvisation keep the offense among the NFL’s best. On the other side of the ball, the Chiefs possess one of their best defenses in years, highlighted by Chris Jones anchoring the defensive line and a fast, physical secondary. The Chiefs have proven they can win shootouts and defensive slugfests alike, and their championship pedigree, which includes three Super Bowl appearances in five years, gives them an invaluable edge in high stakes moments. Simply put, Kansas City remains a threat to win it all for as long as Mahomes is healthy. 

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are perhaps the most compelling Super Bowl favorite this season. They are representing a franchise on the rise with a big chip on its shoulder. After decades of irrelevance, the team has built a legitimate powerhouse behind head coach Dan Campbell’s no nonsense, aggressive culture. Jared Goff has been rejuvenated in Detroit, managing the game efficiently while leaning on one of the best offensive lines in football. With weapons like Amon Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and a two headed rushing attack, Detroit can wear down defenses and control the clock. Defensively, the addition of playmakers like Aidan Hutchinson and improvements in the secondary have turned what was once a liability into a formidable unit. The Lions finally have a great mix of physicality, identity, and fearlessness that can and surely will make them a dangerous dark horse. Finally, they have both the talent and belief to go toe to toe with the league’s elite.

NFL Super Bowl Records, Stats, and Facts 

• Most Super Bowl Wins by a Player

Tom Brady holds the record with 7 Super Bowl victories, 6 with the New England Patriots and 1 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

• Most Super Bowl Appearances (Team)

The New England Patriots have appeared in the Super Bowl 11 times, the most by any team in NFL history.

• Biggest Comeback in Super Bowl History

In Super Bowl LI (2017), the Patriots came back from a 28-3 deficit to beat the Atlanta Falcons in overtime. It is the largest comeback in Super Bowl history.

• Most Points Scored by a Team in a Super Bowl

The San Francisco 49ers scored 55 points in Super Bowl XXIV (1990), defeating the Denver Broncos 55-10. It is still the most points ever scored in a Super Bowl.

• Only Player to Win Super Bowl MVP for a Losing Team

Chuck Howley (Dallas Cowboys) won Super Bowl V MVP despite the Cowboys losing to the Colts. 

• Most Super Bowl MVP Awards

Tom Brady again tops the list, with 5 Super Bowl MVPs to his name.

• Lowest Scoring Super Bowl

Super Bowl LIII (2019) saw the Patriots beat the Rams 13-3, with just 16 total points, the lowest combined score in Super Bowl history.

• The Halftime Show Gets More Viewers Than the Game

In some years, the halftime show has attracted more viewers than the game itself, especially with performances by artists like Beyoncé, Shakira & J.Lo, and Rihanna.

• Super Bowl Ads Cost Millions Per 30 Seconds

As of recent years, a 30 second Super Bowl commercial costs around $7 million, making it the most expensive ad slot in world television.

• Never Been Teams

As of now, four NFL teams have never played in a Super Bowl: the Detroit Lions, the Cleveland Browns, the Houston Texans, and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

NFL Super Bowl FAQs 

1. What does "NFL" stand for?

NFL stands for the National Football League, which is the professional American football league in the United States. It consists of 32 teams split between two conferences: the AFC and NFC.

2. When is the Super Bowl played?

The Super Bowl is typically played on the first Sunday in February, marking the end of the NFL season.

3. How is the Super Bowl location chosen?

The host city is chosen years in advance by the NFL through a bidding process. The league looks for warm weather cities or stadiums with a dome/roof, and strong infrastructure for tourism and media.

4. What is a "wild card" team in the NFL?

A wild card team qualifies for the playoffs without winning its division. Each conference sends three wild card teams to the playoffs, based on overall records.

5. What trophy is awarded to the Super Bowl winner?

The Vince Lombardi Trophy is awarded to the Super Bowl champion. It is named after the legendary Green Bay Packers coach who won the first two Super Bowls.

6. Who sings the national anthem at the Super Bowl?

Each year, the NFL invites a high profile artist to sing the national anthem before kickoff. Past performers include Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, and Chris Stapleton.

7. Do NFL players get paid for playing in the Super Bowl?

Yes. Players on the winning team receive a bonus (over $150,000 in recent years), and players on the losing team get a smaller bonus (over $80,000). These amounts are set by the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement.

8. What is the difference between the AFC and NFC?

The AFC (American Football Conference) and NFC (National Football Conference) are the two conferences within the NFL. Each has 16 teams, and the conference champions face off in the Super Bowl.

9. How long is an NFL game?

An NFL game consists of four 15 minute quarters, totaling 60 minutes of game time. The full broadcast usually lasts between 3 and 3.5 hours on average due to stoppages, commercials, and halftime.

10. Has a Super Bowl ever gone to overtime?

Yes, but only once. Super Bowl LI (2017) between the Patriots and Falcons was the first (and so far only) Super Bowl to go into overtime, ending in a Patriots win.