The NFL playoffs are here, and five teams are on the brink of potentially rewriting their franchise history. Of the 12 teams in the league that have never won a Super Bowl, five have made it to this year’s postseason, each with a unique shot at claiming their first Lombardi Trophy.
Let’s rank these five hopefuls and evaluate their paths to glory, starting with a longshot and building up to the top contender.
As the NFL’s youngest franchise, the Texans are still searching for their first breakthrough on the league’s biggest stage. Since their inception in 2002, Houston has never advanced to an AFC Championship Game, let alone a Super Bowl. While their presence in the playoffs is a testament to their growth, the odds are stacked against them. With a potential divisional-round matchup against the powerhouse Chiefs looming, the Texans will need to play their best football yet to defy expectations.
The Chargers have been here before but haven’t managed to capitalize on their opportunities. Their lone Super Bowl appearance came in 1994, ending in a decisive loss to the 49ers. Despite a talented roster and new leadership under Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers have struggled against top-tier AFC teams this season. If they hope to make a run, they’ll need to overcome a history of heartbreak and inconsistency in high-pressure moments.
The Vikings are no strangers to postseason agony, with four Super Bowl losses and a series of gut-wrenching playoff exits. This year’s team, boasting a 14-3 record, has shown promise but faces a challenging playoff path. With potential matchups against tough NFC opponents like the Rams and Lions, the Vikings will need to exorcise their playoff demons to finally reach the pinnacle.
The Bills are on a mission to erase decades of near-misses and heartbreak. With four Super Bowl losses in their history, Buffalo’s playoff runs in recent years have often been thwarted by the Chiefs. This season, led by superstar quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills have the talent and motivation to finally break through—if they can overcome their postseason nemesis.
The Lions have never even appeared in a Super Bowl, but 2025 could mark the end of that drought. As the NFC’s top seed, Detroit has earned a first-round bye, putting them just two wins away from the big game. Dominating their conference all season, the Lions are well-positioned to capitalize on their momentum and deliver a historic championship for their long-suffering fans.
Final Thoughts:
The 2025 NFL playoffs present a unique opportunity for these five teams to break their franchise curses. With a mix of seasoned rosters and emerging talent, this year’s postseason could see one of them finally lift the Lombardi Trophy and end years of waiting. Will this be the year history is made?
