2024 NFL playoffs: Ranking 12 losing teams’ chances of reaching Super Bowl in 2025, including Lions, Ravens

The Super Bowl LVIII matchup is set, with the Kansas City Chiefs scheduled to square off with the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas on Feb. 11. It’s the culminating contest for two contenders long expected to be in the mix for this year’s Lombardi Trophy.

But which of their 12 fallen playoff challengers have a legitimate chance of claiming the big stage for themselves next year? Here, we’re ranking all the defeated postseason teams by their chances of reaching Super Bowl LVIV in February 2025:

2023 finish: 9-8 (1-1 playoffs)

The NFC South has been extremely winnable for years, but two of Tampa Bay’s top players — quarterback Baker Mayfield and receiver Mike Evans — have expiring contracts, and ascending coordinator Dave Canales has since fled to the rival Panthers as their new head coach.

2023 finish: 10-7 (0-1)

Mike Tomlin’s inability to field a losing team counts for something, and he appears genuinely interested in an overdue offensive staffing shift. But even if the young weapons are decent and the defense is always feisty, the glaring lack of a reliable QB looms large. If someone like Kirk Cousins hops aboard, then we’ll really talk.

2023 finish: 11-6 (0-1)

The Joe Flacco redemption tour ended with a whimper in the playoffs, and now it’s back to square one under center, where Deshaun Watson hasn’t played a full year of above-average football since 2020. Some of their other key pieces, like Nick Chubb and Jack Conklin, are also aging and/or coming off serious injuries.

2023 finish: 10-7 (0-1)

They were a revelation despite jettisoning big-name defensive talent, with Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua helping revive Matthew Stafford’s career. But can the QB sustain his return to form going on 36? Remember it wasn’t long ago this team was reportedly trying to restart under center. The “D” will also be in transition after coordinator Raheem Morris’ exit.

2023 finish: 11-6 (0-1)

No one doubts…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-playoffs-ranking-12-losing-teams-chances-of-reaching-super-bowl-in-2025-including-lions-ravens/

Author : Cody Benjamin

Publish date : 2024-01-30 20:56:20

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