Following Rams' stunning loss to Panthers, no clear Super Bowl favorite has emerged

The race for Super Bowl LX may end in a photo finish. 

Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. After 13 weeks, it appears neither team will make it back to the big game, scheduled for Feb. 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The Chiefs (6-6) — who have won two Super Bowls over the past three years — are outside the playoff picture following a 31-28 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on the road on Thanksgiving. The Eagles are in a better position (8-4), but they're stuck in a late-season skid. After a 24-15 loss to the Chicago Bears on Friday, Philadelphia has now dropped two of its past three games. 

The Los Angeles Rams — who won the Super Bowl during the 2021 season — seemed poised to emerge as the top team. But after a 31-28 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, it's safe to say L.A. (9-3) hasn't separated itself.

Will a clear Super Bowl favorite appear before the end of the regular season?

With the usual contenders not leading the pack, another ascending team has a chance to establish itself as a powerhouse. Three potential candidates are the Bears (9-3), the New England Patriots (10-2) and Denver Broncos (10-2).  Even then, it's challenging to buy into them.

Entering Week 13, the Patriots had the best record in the AFC. However, their schedule raises questions about whether they're battle-tested. 

As of Sunday, ESPN's Football Power Index rates New England's schedule as the easiest in the league. On Monday, the Patriots host another potential cupcake in the 2-10 New York Giants. 

The Broncos boast an elite defense, but their offense, led by second-year quarterback Bo Nix, is inconsistent. Before Denver's matchup against the Washington Commanders on "Sunday Night Football," it ranked third in the league in points allowed (17.5) and 16th in points scored (23.4). 

The Bears, meanwhile, may be in the toughest division in football, making their path more difficult. The NFC North features the Green Bay Packers (8-3-1) and the Detroit Lions (7-5). Chicago plays Green Bay in Weeks 14 and 16 and Detroit in Week 18.

Until one of these teams proves itself, the championship chase should remain wide open. That should be refreshing for many fans, who have probably grown tired of the same teams hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in recent seasons.