Patrick Mahomes leading the Kansas City Chiefs to their third title in five years was a thrilling conclusion to the 2023 NFL season. The overtime showdown to win Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas was earmarked by great plays by great players. With the dust on Super Bowl 58 finally settled, NFL fans are already looking ahead to the 2024 season and are super excited for Super Bowl 59.
Although there are still a few months before the start of the NFL season, fans have already started analyzing and trying to figure out which team is good enough to steal the Lombardi Trophy from the clutches of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
While predicting the Super Bowl champion this early is far from an exact science, analyzing returning talent, offseason moves, and lingering questions from the previous season can offer valuable insights into potential contenders and dark horses. Also, these early predictions will help you maximize your chances of winning at online sports betting.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the times that could be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in the Big Easy next February.
Top Contenders:
- Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs are the reigning champions, and for good reason. Patrick Mahomes led the team to victory in Super Bowl 58 and won their third title in five years. He remains a generational talent at quarterback and gets a lot of support from the receiving corps of JuJu Smith-Schuster, Travis Kelce, and Skyy Moore. The team’s defense is led by Chris Jones and rookie sensation Jayln Armour-Davis. Jayln showed immense improvement last season and might even be better in 2024. However, their offensive line is questionable. Their success in the upcoming season will largely depend on keeping Mahomes upright.
- San Francisco 49ers – Entering Super Bowl LVIII, the 49ers were the betting favorites. Despite their heartbreaking loss, they continue to remain a dominant force in the NFC. The team is led by quarterback Trey Lance, running back Elijah Mitchell, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The 49ers boast a strong defense anchored by Fred Warner and Nick Bosa. The team’s dynamic young core is what sets them apart from the rest. It is predicted that the team’s offseason focus will likely be on strengthening the offensive line and adding receiving depth to offer support to Lance.
- Los Angeles Rams – This team is coming off a championship run in 2022, but their window will not stay open forever. Their star quarterback, Matthew Stafford, is nearing the twilight of his career, and key contributors like Cooper Kupp and Jalen Ramsey are due for significant raises. Despite the odds stacked against them, the Rams are considered a strong contender for lifting the trophy in Super Bowl 59. The Rams have a winning formula with Sean McVay at the helm, and a healthy Cam Akers provides a running threat. If they can maintain their core and navigate the salary cap, they will be a force to reckon with.
- Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens are a strong contender because of their powerful offense built around Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat abilities. Jackson got another weapon with the addition of rookie receiver Jalen Tolbert to the team. Also, their defense remains a force, with Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey shutting down opposing receivers. However, all’s not right with the Ravens. The looming concerns are Jackson’s contract situation and the team’s offensive line instability.
- Buffalo Bills – Consistently, the Bills have had one of the league’s most explosive offenses. It is led by the dynamic duo of wide receiver Stefaon Diggs and quarterback Josh Allen. The team’s defense boasts of elite players like Jordan Poyer and tre’Davious White. However, the team’s playoff struggles continue. It remains to be seen how they address their defensive weaknesses against the run.
Dark Horses:
- Detroit Lions – In 2024, the Lions were a surprise breakout team. They narrowly missed the playoffs. With a talented, young, and dynamic core featuring quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon Ra St. Brown, and running back D’Andre Swift, the team is poised to be an offensive powerhouse. Additionally, the defense showed a lot of improvement late in the season. If they continue the same trajectory, they could be a sleeper pick in the NFC.
- Philadelphia Eagles – In the offseason, the Eagles made a huge splash by acquiring star wide receiver Saquon Barkley. Barkley’s pairing with DeVonta Smith sparked interest and Jalen Hurts showed great potential at quarterback in 2023. If the offensive line can offer better protection and Hurts continue to improve his play, the Eagles could be a surprise contender.
- Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins have the potential to take a big leap in 2024 because they have been keeping themselves busy by actively building their roster for the future. They have the talented young quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and a strong receiving corps led by Jaylen Waddle. The team has acquired Mike McDaneil as head coach, and this brings a creative offensive mind.
- Green Bay Packers – Aaron Rodgers is nearing the end of his career, and hence, the future of the Packers remains uncertain. However, if he surprises everyone by choosing to return, the team will remain a force to be reckoned with. The team’s receiving corps is solid with Christian Watson and Davante Adams, and the defense features young talents like Rashan Gary and Jaire Alexander. Rodgers’ decision to improve the offensive line will significantly impact their chances.
So, here are the super early Super Bowl predictions. Super Bowl 59 will be played on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Hence, making such bold predictions is challenging, and in the preceding months, anything can happen. If the dark horses make the required changes to their team and work hard to improve their defense and offense line, they might emerge as top contenders by the time the NFL season kicks off in September 2024.
The predictions are done by analyzing offseason moves, returning talent, and lingering questions. You can continue your analysis by paying close attention to team announcements and changes. It will help you gain a better position when it comes to online sports betting.
