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Oct 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) stands on the field during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

2026 Super Bowl Rankings: The Top 10 Contenders

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | Last updated Oct 14, 2025 8:00 AM ET

Week 6 of the NFL saw some contenders make statements, while others didn’t meet expectations, and because of it, they move down these rankings. There is also a new team entering the top 10, so let’s dive in!

Top 10 Contenders for the 2026 Super Bowl

1. Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) leads a group of players out of the tunnel for warm-up at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.

The offense has not skipped a beat without former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. They have been the highest scoring offense in the league, despite struggling a little in KC on Sunday night. The defense, even with injuries in the secondary, looks to be much improved, too. Jared Goff is playing some of the best football of his career. Once they get their starters in the secondary back, watch out.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) walks out of the tunnel during a Thursday Night Football game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Oct. 9, 2025.

Although they have now lost two games in a row, and the most recent loss was a blowout against the Giants, the Eagles are way too talented to just roll over. They will get things figured out, and they will be one of the top teams in the NFL.

3. Buffalo Bills

Sep 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) reacts after rushing the ball for a touchdown against the New York Jets during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Bills should be considered the favorites in the AFC as long as Josh Allen is healthy. The reigning MVP can put the team on his back when he has to, but thanks to an elite run game with James Cook, the offense is balanced, making them tougher to stop.

4. Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith, bottom, and Za’Darius Smith celebrate after Rashan Gary recovered a fumble in the third quarter Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

The Packers came off their bye week and picked up a big win against the Bengals in Week 6. They are very talented on both sides of the football, and their defense has a chance to be one of the top units in the league.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The offense was missing three of their top playmakers on offense this past week, and still Baker Mayfield played at an MVP level. If he continues to play that well, this Bucs team is going to be a force. Their only loss this season came against the Eagles.

6. Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) celebrates scoring a touchdown against Detroit Lions during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.

They have not been playing their best football yet this season, but they’re still competitive. Over the next 3-4 weeks, they could easily move up these rankings, especially because the offense could get significantly better when Rashee Rice returns. Would anybody be surprised to see the Chiefs back in the Super Bowl?

7. Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) makes his way off the field Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, after a 31-27 win over the Arizona Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Colts picked up the win in Week 6 and are now 5-1 this season. Daniel Jones is playing great football, and Jonathan Taylor has been one of the best running backs in the league this season.

8. Denver Broncos

Oct 12, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram (1) reacts against the New York Jets during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Week 6 was a bit of a struggle for the Broncos after their massive Week 5 win over the Eagles. Still, they came away with a win over the Jets in London, and their elite defense is what played the biggest role.

9. Los Angeles Rams

Oct 12, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) is helped off the field by trainers during the second quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

They are a very good team; however, if Puka Nacua misses any time with his foot injury, the offense could struggle. The good news is that they have a championship-caliber defense.

10. Seattle Seahawks

Oct 12, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back to make a pass during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

They have entered the top 10 of our Super Bowl rankings after a huge win on the road against a very good Jaguars team. Sam Darnold is the answer for them at QB, and their defense played excellently.

After you digest our latest 2026 Super Bowl rankings, head on over and see if we can figure out the missing piece in the Buffalo Bills offense.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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