Patrick Mahomes (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
The NFL regular season is coming to a close. As the season winds down, the league’s true contenders are separating themselves from the tier below. Within the NFL’s top class, each team has distinct strengths and weaknesses that will play a major role in determining which franchise ultimately hoists the Lombardi trophy in February. I’ve broken down the defining qualities of each Super Bowl contender (determined by current Super Bowl odds), along with a verdict on where they stand.
Detroit Lions
Strength: Tone-Setting Run Game
The Lions have combined the best offensive line in football with a dynamic pair of running backs to create one of the most dominant rushing attacks in the league. This allows them to dictate the flow of almost any matchup. Dominant running and efficient play from Jared Goff has led the Lions to put up more points than any other team this season.
Weakness: Injuries on Defense
There are almost too many injuries to count on the Lions’ defense. Most notably, Aidan Hutchinson is likely out for the remainder of the year. If injuries continue to pile up on this side of the ball, Detroit may not be able to contain playoff opponents.
Verdict: Super Bowl Favorites
Assuming injuries don’t completely derail the season, the Detroit Lions are clear-cut Super Bowl favorites. Very few teams have the offensive firepower to keep up with Detroit’s attack. Every other Super Bowl contender has a glaring functional weakness. The Lions, when healthy, do not.
Baltimore Ravens
Strength: The Best Backfield in Football
Put Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry together in the same backfield, and you’ve got a chance to beat anybody. The duo has been historically efficient together this season, despite playing behind a relatively inexperienced offensive line.
Weakness: Falling Flat in the Spotlight
Over the last few years, Baltimore has fallen flat in big games more often than not. Losses to the Chiefs, Steelers, and Eagles in 2024 have continued the trend. Come playoff time, every game is loaded with pressure. The Ravens have not shown the ability to consistently hold up in those situations.
Verdict: History Repeats Itself
I don’t see the Ravens making it over the hump this season. If Baltimore can’t overtake the Steelers for the AFC North title, they may have to play both the Chiefs and Bills in road playoff games. I’d pick the Ravens’ opponent in both matchups.
Philadelphia Eagles
Strength: Explosive Runs
Saquon Barkley has a realistic chance to become the first running back to win the MVP award since Adrian Peterson did it in 2012. It’s because of the home runs that he seems to rip off every single week. No matter how stale the Eagles’ offense becomes, there’s always a chance that Saquon could take a run 70 yards and flip the game on its head.
Weakness: Hurts Under Pressure
Jalen Hurts has played relatively well in structure this season. When he’s forced to improvise, disaster can strike. This season, his pressure-to-sack rate of 22.3% ranks in the top ten in the NFL, according to PFF. In the playoffs, opponents will bring pressure consistently. If Hurts can’t adjust, the Eagles’ season could come to an end early.
Verdict: Talent Wins the Day
Philadelphia may have the most talented roster in football. With the steady improvement of this defensive unit, there are very few weaknesses to pick on. If they can lean on their stars and avoid mistakes in the postseason, the Eagles could make their way back to the Super Bowl.
Buffalo Bills
Strength: Superman Playing Quarterback
Josh Allen is the front-runner for the MVP after Week 14. He’s consistently created explosive plays while limiting turnovers despite the limited talent surrounding him on offense. If Allen’s current form continues, no defense can stop him.
Weakness: Thin on Defense
The Bills’ defensive depth chart was thin going into the season. Then, they lost key players like Matt Milano and Taylor Rapp to injury. This defense has allowed 27 points or more four times this season. The Bills have a history of losing in shootouts, and I fear their fate may be the same this season.
Verdict: Allen Can Only Do So Much
Josh Allen is playing as well as anyone in the sport, but it takes more than one player to win playoff games. This roster was thin at the start of the season and continues to become thinner due to injuries. It’s hard to put much faith in a team with this many weaknesses on defense.
Kansas City Chiefs
Strength: Luck?
The Chiefs’ doink field goal to beat the Chargers epitomizes their season so far. Kansas City has consistently scraped by to win close games. If they pull off another title, they will have more one-score wins in the regular season than any Super Bowl winner in history.
Weakness: Offensive Line
The Chiefs have employed a rotating cast of offensive tackles this season. Players like Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suimataia have failed to protect Patrick Mahomes on a consistent basis. When the pressure is dialed up in the playoffs, this could be a major issue.
Verdict: Can’t Count Them Out
At the end of the day, Patrick Mahomes is simply too good to write off. He’s one of the greatest players in history, and he has plenty of experience in big moments. With him under center, I see no reason why Kansas City can’t continue their run of tight wins all the way to their third consecutive title.
Read more from Michael Haney at The Football Ranker
