Week Ten is in the books, and we learned quite a bit about the contenders. Whether it be their playoff experience, leadership qualities, coaching staffs, super star players, or all of the above, these are the 12 teams in the NFL who can contend for a Super Bowl title this season.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) reacts after a touchdown pass to wide receiver Devonta Smith (not pictured) during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Eagles are the defending champs, and they have the experience and personnel to repeat as champions. They began the season 4-0, but didn’t have any convincing wins. After losing two straight games, they have bounced back, have a commanding lead in the NFC East, and arguably have not even played their best football yet.
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2. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are 7-2 after their week 10 win. The defense has been great, the offense has been great, and they can make a deep playoff run thanks to having a Super Bowl-winning QB and head coach. The biggest key for them will be making sure Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are healthy heading into January.
3. Denver Broncos
Their ability to get after the quarterback and get sacks makes them dangerous. QB Bo Nix has shown the ability to put up huge points late in the game. The defense will always keep them in games, and Nix has learned what it takes to win now in his second year. They lead the AFC West and look to be one of the best teams in football, despite a poor showing in week 10.
4. New England Patriots
Drake Maye
Nov 2, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Is Drake Maye an MVP candidate? The answer is undoubtedly yes right now. Maye is playing exceptional football, and head coach Mike Vrabel has this defense improving week after week as well. They currently lead the AFC East division and have the most wins in the AFC right now.
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5. Los Angeles Chargers
They seemed to figure things out in week 8, after struggling to enter the week. They beat up on the Minnesota Vikings, getting elite QB play from Justin Herbert, and the defense looked a lot more like the unit that led the league in scoring defense last season. In week 9, despite falling behind early, they battled back to win a game they had to against an inferior opponent, and in Week 10, they beat up on the Steelers.
6. Kansas City Chiefs
Thanks to their offensive weapons all being healthy, they look to be dominant on that side of the football. They have a championship-caliber defense, and it has shown up over the past couple of weeks. The week 9 loss to the Bills sets them back a little, but they will still be in the playoffs, and we know what they can do once they get there.
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7. Detroit Lions
Jared Goff
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) makes a pass against Green Bay Packers during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
They are always a great team, but at home, they seem to be unbeatable. The Vikings beat them at home in week 9, which was shocking, but this Lions offense can beat you in so many ways; they can methodically drive down the field or hit you with a big play at any time. Their secondary has been one of the most injured in the league, and they still sit at 6-3 after 10 weeks. The defense should only get better, and they’ll need to if they want to win in January.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Their only three losses this season have come against the Eagles, Lions, and Patriots, who are some of the best teams in the NFL this season. Baker Mayfield has played incredible football, even with his offensive line being beat up and his wide receiver corps decimated by injuries. The Bucs are gritty, and they know how to win close games.
9. Seattle Seahawks
They are a good team, but they have lost games when playing other good teams. Sam Darnold appears to be the answer for them at QB, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is having a huge season. Their defense is very talented, but it’s also been inconsistent from week to week. When the defense plays up to expectations, they can compete with anyone.
10. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws a pass during the first quarter of their game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The defense has been one of the better units in the league this year, and over the past couple of weeks, Micah Parsons has really made his presence felt. They are a complete team and may only get better as the season progresses.
11. Buffalo Bills
The Bills ugly loss in week 10 to Miami moves them down these rankings, but they are still a threat to get to the playoffs and make a deep run. Josh Allen always gives them a chance to win, but their terrible run defense could be what prevents them from reaching their goal.
12. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts looked bad in week 9, and although they won in week 10, they didn’t play the best of games. If not for MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor, they would have lost to the Falcons. This team is good, but come playoff time, the other good teams in the AFC have an advantage.
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