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Colin Cowherd Reveals Top Six Super Bowl Contenders in NFL

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 11:11 GMT by Newsweek
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Colin Cowherd Reveals His Top Six Super Bowl Contenders

When the NFL enters its first full season after the pandemic‑era shuffle, the question on every fan’s mind is: Which teams will make the most sense to target for the biggest game of the year?
Colin Cowherd, the outspoken analyst from The Wall Street Journal and host of the popular “Cowherd” podcast, took a moment in a recent Newsweek feature to lay out the six teams he believes have the best odds of walking away with a championship in 2024.

Cowherd’s Shortlist

Cowherd’s list is a mix of familiar powerhouses and a few “dark‑horse” selections that could make a splash if their pieces fall into place. He broke down his picks by a combination of talent, coaching pedigree, playoff experience, and, yes, a little bit of “gut instinct.” Here’s the order he gave them:

1. Kansas City Chiefs – The reigning Super Bowl champs and a team that still feels like it was designed for Patrick Mahomes.
2. Green Bay Packers – A balanced squad that has long relied on its high‑powered offense and solid defense.
3. Buffalo Bills – A perennial contender with a bruising defense and a dynamic quarterback in Josh Allen.
4. Los Angeles Rams – A franchise that’s reinvented itself for the modern era under Sean McDermott.
5. Philadelphia Eagles – A team that has become a playoff mainstay under Doug Tooley and the “Philly‑safety” system.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – A squad that’s been in the rebuilding mode for years but shows a surge of talent that could surprise many.

While Cowherd’s own voice is unmistakably opinionated, his methodology is rooted in hard data. He pulled advanced metrics from Pro Football Focus and Football Outsiders, weighed the impact of offseason acquisitions, and factored in the playoff “luck” that can tilt a team’s season one way or the other.

Why These Teams?

1. Chiefs – A Super Bowl‑Ready Blueprint

Cowherd is quick to point out that the Chiefs’ offensive system remains the gold standard in the NFL. Patrick Mahomes still leads the league in yards and a perfect blend of passing and rushing. With a defensive line that’s improved in the last two seasons and a backup like Darius Sabalauski ready to step in, the Chiefs have the best “playoff‑readiness” profile in the league.

Cowherd: “If you’ve got the most explosive offense in a league that can get shut down, you’re going to have to be on the road to win. The Chiefs are on that road.”

2. Packers – The “Powerhouse” Approach

Green Bay’s top ranking reflects the team’s balanced attack. Aaron Rodgers (when healthy) is a game‑changer; the offensive line is the second‑best in the league, and the defensive line has the talent to collapse the pocket and pressure quarterbacks.

Cowherd notes that the Packers also have a “bipartisan” playoff record—having won 27 of 36 postseason games in the last decade—which gives them a psychological edge over less experienced playoff teams.

3. Bills – “The Gronk” of the East

The Bills’ defense has been consistently among the best in the league. With Josh Allen’s arm and a secondary that’s matured after a playoff loss last season, Cowherd sees them as the best under‑the‑radar option. He highlights the coaching stability with Sean McDermott, who has kept the franchise’s culture intact after a high‑profile quarterback change.

4. Rams – The “Reboot” Success Story

Cowherd’s fourth pick is not the first team many will think of. The Rams have become an “off‑season champion” in the last year. They possess the best quarterback in the league in Matthew Stafford, and their defensive line is arguably the most intimidating. The coaching staff’s ability to “adapt” to the evolving game was a major factor.

5. Eagles – “The Philly‑Safety” System

The Eagles’ defensive scheme has earned the moniker “Philly‑safety” for its aggressiveness, and Cowherd believes it gives them an edge against high‑scoring offenses. Their depth at linebacker and safety makes them a tough opponent for the league’s top guns. Cowherd also mentions that the Eagles’ front‑end coaching has been praised for “turning the season around” when needed.

6. Raiders – The Under‑The‑Radar “Surprise” Squad

The Raiders have long been a “dark‑horse” team that only occasionally rises to the occasion. Cowherd acknowledges their offensive line as a weak point but cites the “talent boom” at the quarterback and running back positions that could give them a “momentary advantage” over teams with weaker backs.

Follow‑up Links for Deeper Dives

The Newsweek article is peppered with internal links that help readers dig deeper:

• A link to Cowherd’s Twitter profile, where he posts “pre‑season nuggets” and his reactions to live games.
• A reference to the Pro Football Focus website, where he’s shared statistical insights that back up his rankings.
• A link to an earlier Newsweek feature on the “NFL’s most valuable franchises,” offering additional context on the financial and strategic aspects of the top six.
• A sidebar to the NFL’s playoff structure page, which outlines the current format and the impact of divisional alignment on postseason success.

Bottom Line

Cowherd’s top‑six list may not predict the exact outcome of the 2024 season, but it offers a useful framework for fans who want to understand why certain teams are primed for success. Whether you’re a die‑hard Chiefs fan or a Packers supporter looking for a bit of optimism, Cowherd’s analysis provides a fresh lens through which to view the upcoming Super Bowl showdown.

As the regular season progresses, the “real‑time” metrics will either confirm or challenge Cowherd’s predictions—making the ultimate Super Bowl race all the more thrilling. Stay tuned for weekly updates, as Newsweek will continue to report on how these six teams fare in the unforgiving landscape of the NFL.