Ranking the best teams in the NFL this season

 

As the 2024 NFL regular season begins to reach its thrilling conclusion, the league’s 32 teams are starting to discover their postseason fate.

Sides like the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Jacksonville Jaguars will have their seasons wrapped up on gameweek 18, left at home to watch the road to Super Bowl LIX in envy.

For others, reaching the championship game at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9 is a realistic goal.

With the playoffs in sight, the American football betting markets are starting to highlight clear favourites for the Super Bowl.

That said, let’s rank some of the best teams in the NFL this season and examine who could take home the Vince Lombardi Trophy in the New Year.

1. Detroit Lions (12-2)

The Detroit Lions are one of the 12 sides that have never won the Super Bowl. However, that could be about to change this season, as the Michigan franchise are the favourites to lift the trophy.

The Lions top the National Football Conference with a convincing record of 12-2. Their second loss came against the Buffalo Bills recently, after they suffered defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3.

Detroit have impressed both offensively and defensively, and quarterback Jared Goff has shown Super Bowl-winning potential with over 3,700 passing yards and 30 touchdowns.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)

Now perennial contenders for the Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs have built a dynasty around Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid—seeking their fourth Lombardi Trophy in six years.

The Chiefs haven’t always been their usual swashbuckling side this year, with a string of narrow victories. However, their knack for grinding out results cannot be overlooked in the tense playoffs.

Kansas were tipped to become the first team to complete an unbeaten season in the new 18-game format, but the Bills ended their hopes in Week 10.

3. Buffalo Bills (11-3)

Another side to never win the Super Bowl, the Buffalo Bills, appear to have the potential to end their drought each season—but they often flatter to deceive under pressure.

The famous Bills Mafia are dreaming once again this year, as their side secured a playoff berth back in Week 13 with a 35-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Buffalo QB Josh Allen is considered one of the best in the NFL, and he certainly has the ability to guide the Bills all the way to glory in New Orleans.

4. Minnesota Vikings (11-2)

One of the surprise outfits of the season, the Minnesota Vikings—another side to never win a Super Bowl—have caught fans and pundits alike off guard with their impressive performances.

When Kirk Cousins left for the Atlanta Falcons and 10^th overall draft pick JJ McCarthy was ruled out for the season, the consensus was that the Vikings would struggle again this campaign.

However, Sam Darnold has stepped up to the mark for Minnesota and boasts one of the best records in the league, with around 3,300 passing yards and 28 touchdowns.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (12-2)

The NFC is incredibly strong this year, and the Philadelphia Eagles could be contenders for the Lombardi Trophy once again.

Since 2017, the Eagles have reached the playoffs in all but one season, but their results have been mixed, including two Super Bowl appearances, one championship, and three Wild Card defeats.

With Jalen Hurts under center and Saquon Barkley at running back, the Eagles have a diverse offense and strong defence.