The second after the Kansas City Chiefs won another Super Bowl, the countdown began to LIX in New Orleans.
The NFL is the league that never stops, and there are serious contenders throughout the AFC and NFC hoping to prevent Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Andy Reid and the Chiefs from becoming the first franchise in history to pull off a Super Bowl trophy three-peat.
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are perfect midway through the season
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are perfect midway through the seasonCredit: Getty
The Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens are all trying to take down Kansas City, while rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is turning the Washington Commanders into contenders.
Here is talkSPORT’s look at the top 10 Super Bowl contenders on the long road to the Superdome on February 9, 2025 in New Orleans.
We’ll be back every week …
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2, last week: 7th)
Let Russell Wilson keep cooking.
Mike Tomlin’s big change has initially paid off for the Steelers, who have won three consecutive games and are 2-0 with Wilson at QB.
A key road game at Washington awaits.
Beat Jayden Daniels and the Commanders on the road, and doubters will disappear for Pittsburgh.
Russell Wilson is finding a groove with the Steelers
Russell Wilson is finding a groove with the SteelersCredit: Getty
9. Atlanta Falcons (6-3, last week: 9th)
It’s hard to argue with 6-3, and that’s exactly where Kirk Cousins has Atlanta.
A strong win over Dallas ended with Dak Prescott injured and the Falcons still on top of the NFC South.
Perfect might not be enough for ‘ultra motivated’ Kansas City Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes determined to be better than Tom Brady
Midway through the season, Cousins is making his big contract pay off and Atlanta looks playoff bound.
Kirk Cousins has been a winner early in his Atlanta career
Kirk Cousins has been a winner early in his Atlanta careerCredit: Getty
8. Green Bay Packers (6-3, last week: 6th)
Jordan Love has an interception problem, according to social media.
A tough loss to Detroit only highlighted Love’s inconsistency this season.
With Jared Goff completing an NFL-best 74.9 percent of his passes, Love must be at his best in 2024.
Finishing second (or third) in the NFC North won’t be good enough.
Jordan Love has to cut down on his turnovers
Jordan Love has to cut down on his turnoversCredit: Getty
7. Minnesota Vikings (6-2, last week: unranked)
Welcome back to the top 10, Minnesota.
Once the NFL’s hottest team, the Vikings endured a rough patch before finding a much-needed win on Monday Night Football.
Sam Darnold has returned to earth, but he’s still throwing for 290 yards.
Brian Flores’ attacking defense is the playoff key for Minnnesota.
Justin Jefferson is getting ready for the biggest part of the season
Justin Jefferson is getting ready for the biggest part of the season
6. Philadelphia Eagles (6-2, last week: 10th)
Even Robert De Niro is an Eagles fan.
With Nick Sirianni drama sleeping in the background, Philadelphia has answered pressing questions with old-fashioned winning.
Now, the Eagles are set up for an NFC East showdown that could define their season.
Robert De Niro took in an Eagles game
Robert De Niro took in an Eagles gameCredit: AFP
5. Baltimore Ravens (6-3, last week: 8th)
The Ravens have two MVPs and they’re rolling again.
It’s been an unpredictable season for Baltimore, which is better than its 6-3 mark.
At their best, the Ravens are true Super Bowl contenders with Lamar Jackson shredding defenses and Derrick Henry pounding the ground.
Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson both could win MVP
Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson both could win MVPCredit: Getty
4. Washington Commanders (7-2, last week: 5th)
There’s no slowing down Jayden Daniels or the Commanders.
One week, it’s an unbelievable Hail Mary walkoff victory.
The next, Washington is overpowering the Giants in New York.
A Week 11 matchup at Philadelphia could help decide the NFC East.
Jayden Daniels is locking up Offensive Rookie of the Year
Jayden Daniels is locking up Offensive Rookie of the YearCredit: Getty
3. Buffalo Bills (7-2, last week: 4th)
So much for the Miami Dolphins creating AFC East chaos.
Buffalo entered a new week with its division nearly locked up, despite it only being Week 10.
Josh Allen is a leading candidate, while Stefon Diggs is lost for the Texans.
Buffalo should be 8-2 when a big rematch against Kansas City appears on the schedule.
Sean McDermott is waiting for another test against Kansas City
Sean McDermott is waiting for another test against Kansas CityCredit: Getty
2. Kansas City Chiefs (8-0, last week: 2nd)
The biggest news from Monday Night Football was the return of DeAndre Hopkins.
Once an annual All Pro, Hopkins lost several seasons on disappointing teams in Arizona and Tennessee.
Paired with Patrick Mahomes, D-Hop caught eight passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns during a 30-24 overtime victory over Tampa Bay.
Having Hopkins in a Chiefs uniform also opened up the field for Travis Kelce, who caught a game-high 14 passes for 100 yards.
Kansas City is still undefeated and keeps marching back to the Super Bowl.
DeAndre Hopkins enjoyed the prime time lights of Monday Night Football
DeAndre Hopkins enjoyed the prime time lights of Monday Night Football
1. Detroit Lions (7-1, last week: 1st)
America’s Team just keeps on winning.
Rain, overtime, November — it doesn’t matter.
Dan Campbell has created the toughest crew in the NFL, while Jared Goff is more efficient than a machine.
It’s still a few months until the Super Bowl.
Right now, the Lions are clearly the best team in the league.
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