There’s still hope for next year. Despite disappointing seasons in 2024, 12 teams that failed to make the playoffs have a shot at reaching the Super Bowl in 2025. The Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens are among the teams with the best chances of turning things around and making a run to the NFL’s biggest game.
Ranking the Chances of Losing Teams Reaching Super Bowl LVIV
The 2023 NFL season has come to an end, and while some teams are celebrating their success, others are left to reflect on what could have been. But for the 12 teams that fell short of reaching Super Bowl LVIII, there is still hope for next year. Here, we’ll rank these teams based on their chances of reaching Super Bowl LVIV in February 2025.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A New Era Begins
The Buccaneers finished the 2023 season with a 9-8 record, but they managed to reach the playoffs as NFC South champions. However, their postseason journey was short-lived, as they were eliminated in the Wild Card round. With quarterback Baker Mayfield and receiver Mike Evans both set to become free agents, the Buccaneers face an uncertain future. They also lost offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who departed to become the head coach of the Carolina Panthers.
Pittsburgh Steelers: In Search of a Franchise Quarterback
The Steelers finished the 2023 season with a 10-7 record, but they missed the playoffs due to a tiebreaker. While head coach Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season in his career, the Steelers’ lack of a reliable quarterback remains a major concern. If they can find a competent signal-caller, they have the potential to be a contender in the AFC North.
Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson’s Redemption Tour
The Browns finished the 2023 season with an 11-6 record, but they were eliminated in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Quarterback Deshaun Watson struggled in his first season back from suspension, raising questions about his ability to lead the team to a Super Bowl. With key players like Nick Chubb and Jack Conklin aging or coming off injuries, the Browns face an uphill battle in the AFC North.
Los Angeles Rams: Can Matthew Stafford Sustain His Resurgence?
The Rams finished the 2023 season with a 10-7 record, but they missed the playoffs due to a tiebreaker. Quarterback Matthew Stafford enjoyed a resurgence in 2023, but he will be 36 years old next season. The Rams also lost defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who left to become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa and Mike McDaniel at a Crossroads
The Dolphins finished the 2023 season with an 11-6 record, but they were eliminated in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and head coach Mike McDaniel have shown promise, but there are doubts about whether they can beat elite teams consistently. The Dolphins also lost defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who departed to become the head coach of the Denver Broncos.
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love’s Time to Shine
The Packers finished the 2023 season with a 9-8 record, but they missed the playoffs. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers retired after the season, leaving Jordan Love as the heir apparent. Love has shown potential in limited playing time, but he will need to prove that he can be a franchise quarterback. The Packers also lost defensive coordinator Joe Barry, who was fired after the season.
Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud’s Arrival
The Texans finished the 2023 season with a 10-7 record, but they missed the playoffs due to a tiebreaker. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season. With a talented supporting cast and plenty of salary cap space, the Texans have the potential to be a contender in the AFC South.
Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott and Mike McCarthy’s Last Chance?
The Cowboys finished the 2023 season with a 12-5 record, but they were eliminated in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Quarterback Dak Prescott and head coach Mike McCarthy are both under pressure to deliver a Super Bowl title. The Cowboys have a talented roster, but they need to find a way to perform better in big games.
Detroit Lions: Building on a Strong Foundation
The Lions finished the 2023 season with a 12-5 record, but they were eliminated in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Head coach Dan Campbell has instilled a new identity in Detroit, but the Lions need to address their defensive weaknesses and find a way to win close games.
Philadelphia Eagles: A Tale of Two Halves
The Eagles finished the 2023 season with a 11-6 record, but they were eliminated in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Quarterback Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni have shown promise, but the Eagles need to find a way to play consistently throughout the season. They also need to address their coaching staff, as they lost several coordinators after the season.
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen’s MVP Season
The Bills finished the 2023 season with a 11-6 record, but they were eliminated in the AFC Championship Game. Quarterback Josh Allen had an MVP-caliber season under new coordinator Joe Brady, and the Bills have a talented roster. They need to add some depth to their defense and find a way to win close games.
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson’s Quest for a Super Bowl
The Ravens finished the 2023 season with a 13-4 record, but they were eliminated in the AFC Championship Game. Quarterback Lamar Jackson had a breakout season under new coordinator Todd Monken, and the Ravens have a young and talented defense. They need to restock their wide receiver corps and find a way to win on the road.
Wrapping Up
While the 2023 NFL season is over, there is still plenty to look forward to in 2024. These 12 teams all have the potential to reach Super Bowl LVIV, and it will be exciting to see which ones can make it happen.
FAQ’s
1. Which team has the best chances of reaching Super Bowl LVIV?
The Baltimore Ravens, with their strong defense and Lamar Jackson at quarterback, have the best chances of reaching Super Bowl LVIV.
2. Which team has the worst chances of reaching Super Bowl LVIV?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with an uncertain future and a lack of a reliable quarterback, have the worst chances of reaching Super Bowl LVIV.
3. Which team has the most potential to surprise everyone and reach Super Bowl LVIV?
The Houston Texans, with the addition of C.J. Stroud at quarterback, have the most potential to surprise everyone and reach Super Bowl LVIV.
4. Which team is most likely to miss the playoffs again in 2024?
The Pittsburgh Steelers, with their lack of a reliable quarterback, are most likely to miss the playoffs again in 2024.
5. Which team has the most work to do in the offseason to improve their chances of reaching Super Bowl LVIV?
The Philadelphia Eagles, with their need to find a way to play consistently throughout the season and address their coaching staff, have the most work to do in the offseason to improve their chances of reaching Super Bowl LVIV.
