Heading into the 2024-25 NFL season, there are teams who have established themselves as clear frontrunners for the title. For example, the 49ers and the Chiefs, who both just battled it out in the Super Bowl. To go along with them, however, there are several organizations that, recently, have been in constant contention. Here are the top 5 teams I think have the best chance at bringing home the title next season.
#5) Philadelphia Eagles
Before their late season collapse, the Philadelphia Eagles were far and away the best team in the league. They were winning close games constantly, and looked nearly unbeatable. Shortly thereafter, though, everything fell apart. They dropped 3 straight games, won 1 against the Giants, and then dropped 2 more to round out the season (against the Giants and Cardinals). The organization and fans went into the postseason with little to no hope, and rightfully so. They lost in the wild card round to the Buccaneers, who held a 9-8 record. The main reason I believe they can bounce back next season is because they have already been in the Super Bowl with this team, just 1 year ago. If Head Coach Nick Sirianni can get his team playing that same way, Philly could get its second Lombardi Trophy next season.
#4) Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens once again fell short in the playoffs after a strong regular season, eerily similar to their 2020 campaign. Still, they had an MVP season from Lamar Jackson, and if he can come back just as strong, I believe this team could go all the way. The one thing they were lacking, though, was a true WR1 and WR2. They had Zay Flowers, who I guess could count as a low end WR1, but he is now facing assault charges, and Odell Beckham Jr., who was nowhere near good enough to warrant his contract, is now set to become an unrestricted free agent. The defense is still likely to come back as good as ever, though, and that will be a large factor if this team hopes to go far.
#3) Buffalo Bills
This past year, the Bills mounted a huge late season win streak, hoisting themselves into the playoffs, and dominating the Steelers in the first round. Wow. All of this to lose to the Chiefs. All of this to lose to the Chiefs, *again*. After their postseason loss, and throughout the season, there was doubt about whether or not Stefon Diggs wanted to be there. Despite all of this drama, however, Josh Allen showed us that he can play at a superstar level consistently in big moments, and the emergence of James Cook throughout the season is certainly a good sign for the future of the team. The biggest thing that the organization needs to make sure of, in my opinion, is getting consistent defensive play to compliment the fireworks on offense.
#2) Kansas City Chiefs
Yes, believe it or not, the 2 time reigning Super Bowl champions are not the immediate favorites next season. Although they ended up winning the Super Bowl, their were multiple times throughout the year when hope was bleak. Travis Kelce started his decline, as he was not nearly as effective as in years past. Chris Jones was ready to not play because of a contract dispute, and never looked fully committed to the team when he came back. Obviously, they still have Patrick Mahomes, and young stars Isaiah Pacheco and Rashee Rice provided consistency at the running back and wide receiver positions, respectively. If they are able to keep a steady, predictable level of play throughout the entire year, this team could be well on their way to a 3-peat.
#1) San Francisco 49ers
Despite their loss in the Super Bowl, I still have the 49ers as the top team entering the 2024-25 season. They have the most complete team, with star talent at just about every position on both sides of the ball. Although Dre Greenlaw suffer a terribly unfortunate torn achilles, he could find himself back by the end of the next season, just in time for the playoffs. Brock Purdy has secured himself the QB spot for the foreseeable future, and RB Christian McCaffrey is undoubtedly the best at his position. Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle are up there as the best receiving trio, and they even have the best FB with Kyle Juszczyk. I am positive that this team will come back ready to go all the way, especially after their recent heartbreaking Super Bowl loss.
-Eli Knight
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