As the NFL Divisional Round approaches, only eight teams are left vying for victory. Here are six teams that truly deserve to secure their first Super Bowl championship.
Listed below in alphabetical order.
Los Angeles Rams WR Davante Adams
I was somewhat hesitant to include this veteran wide receiver on the list. His recent outbursts while with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets raised some concerns. But let’s not dwell on that. Adams is likely heading for the Hall of Fame. Remember, he wasn’t exactly thrilled after a significant win with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay and sought a trade to reunite with college quarterback Derek Carr in Las Vegas. Ultimately, he seemed unhappy with the Raiders and pursued a reunion with Rodgers via the Jets, which turned out poorly. However, signing with the Los Angeles Rams as a free agent in 2025 was a smart move. He’s a fantastic player and a big reason the Rams are seen as genuine Super Bowl contenders.
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen
Now, this doesn’t mean that Allen should capitalize on the absence of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow in the playoffs. Rather, it’s about how Allen stands out as a nearly flawless quarterback, demonstrating brilliance during postseason play for nearly a decade. He’s arguably one of the greatest players ever and, honestly, should really shine soon.
Seattle Seahawks DT Demarcus Lawrence
The veteran defensive tackle is in his first season with the Seahawks after spending 11 seasons with Dallas. He was a standout player for the Cowboys, and still, the Seahawks signed him to a substantial contract after he faced injuries last season. At 33, Lawrence has had a strong inaugural year in the Pacific Northwest and has become a key player in an important group. He deserves to win a ring this year.
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan
Alright, if he can pull this off this season, I’d consider giving him two Super Bowl rings. Shanahan has perhaps been the best coach in the league this year, navigating one injury after another. It’s incredible how far the San Francisco 49ers have come, but let’s be frank—it’s been tough for Shanahan. Now in his 23rd year coaching in the NFL, the 46-year-old is eager to finally clinch a Super Bowl title. Everyone remembers he had heartbreaking losses in three Super Bowls, blowing leads in key moments. From the infamous 28-3 game as Atlanta’s offensive coordinator to the Chiefs outscoring the 49ers in the fourth quarter in 2020 and then losing in overtime to them in Las Vegas four years ago, it’s been a rough ride for him. Perhaps this year will be his time.
Seattle Seahawks DT Leonard Williams
It’s hard to mention Lawrence and not bring up Williams. You can’t overlook Seattle’s two veteran defensive tackles together. At 31, Williams has continued to rise since being drafted out of USC in 2015. He faced a tough time with the Jets and Giants, but he persevered. Over the last three seasons, Williams has really elevated his game in Seattle.
San Francisco 49ers OT Trent Williams
Williams has long been regarded as one of the top tackles in the league. Five years post-retirement, he’ll likely be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Yet, he’s still in search of a ring. As a leader on the 49ers, the 37-year-old has spoken about Shanahan’s past Super Bowl heartbreaks. Given his age and recent injury woes, including at the end of this regular season, next year might not be in the cards for him. Who knows? Let’s work towards getting him that ring.
