Who Wins Super Bowl 60? Expert Ranking of All 14 Playoff Teams' Championship Potential.



 Here's a detailed breakdown of USA TODAY's Nate Davis' power ranking of all 14 playoff teams entering the 2026 postseason (as of January 6, 2026). He ranks them from least likely (14) to most likely (1) to win Super Bowl 60 on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium.


This aligns with current betting odds, where the Seattle Seahawks are consensus favorites (+330 to +400).
  1. Seattle Seahawks (NFC No. 1 seed, 14-3)
    The clear top threat. They earned a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Elite defense (No. 1 in points allowed), relentless pass rush, strong secondary, and a surging run game (140+ yards in recent games). QB Sam Darnold earned a Pro Bowl nod with efficient play, supported by WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (league-leading 1,793 yards) and dynamic special teams (boosted by returner Rashid Shaheed). A seven-game win streak and Lumen Field dominance (10 of last 11 home playoff wins) make their path easiest—they need just two wins for the Super Bowl.
  2. Los Angeles Rams (NFC wild card)
    Overwhelming talent on both sides, led by QB Matthew Stafford (2025's top-rated passer) and WR Puka Nacua. Injuries are resolving (e.g., LT Alaric Jackson, WR Davante Adams back), and special teams have stabilized. They scared the Eagles in last year's playoffs and have championship pedigree under Sean McVay, but face a tough road path starting in Carolina.
  3. Philadelphia Eagles (NFC wild card, reigning champs)
    Battle-tested (two Super Bowls in past three years) with momentum from a strong finish. Improved run game, Jalen Hurts in winning form, and key linemen returning healthy. Defense carried them despite offense drama, but special teams vulnerabilities could hurt.
  4. Houston Texans (AFC wild card)
    Daunting No. 1 overall defense (second in points allowed) with elite pass rush (Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, 12+ sacks each). Nine-game win streak entering playoffs. QB C.J. Stroud rebounded, and WR Nico Collins shines. Middling offense is fine behind this defense; seasoned under DeMeco Ryans with divisional round experience.
  5. Denver Broncos (AFC No. 1 seed, 14-3)
    Home-field advantage (need two wins for Super Bowl). Intimidating defense, elite O-line, and championship coach Sean Payton. Young team with Bo Nix at QB has inconsistencies (second-half holes), but in a wide-open field, they're dangerous despite a softish late schedule.
  6. Jacksonville Jaguars (AFC wild card)
    Hot with an eight-game streak; surging Trevor Lawrence (MVP-level post-Thanksgiving) and big-play offense/special teams. Turnover-forcing defense under rookie coach Liam Coen. Ahead of schedule and aligned for a first-ever Super Bowl.
  7. Chicago Bears (NFC wild card)
    Explosive big plays, turnover-happy defense, and Caleb Williams' comeback magic (league-best six fourth-quarter wins). Guaranteed home games help, but momentum faded (recent losses) and reliance on fortune makes a deep run tough.
  8. New England Patriots (AFC No. 2 seed, 14-3)
    Drake Maye near-MVP, Mike Vrabel's tactics shine. Home until AFC title game, but lacks premier weapons/protection; soft schedule and off-field distractions (e.g., Diggs/Barmore issues) raise doubts.
  9. San Francisco 49ers (NFC wild card)
    Battle-tested core under Kyle Shanahan (four conference titles/two Super Bowls), but injury-decimated and wearing down (e.g., Christian McCaffrey's heavy load). Short-handed defense forces shootouts; tough road start vs. Eagles.
  10. Buffalo Bills (AFC wild card)
    Heavy Josh Allen reliance (foot injury concerns linger). Historic road playoff struggles, no alpha WR, run defense/kicking issues. If Allen isn't 100%, it's moot.
  11. Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC wild card, 10-7)
    Veteran grit with Aaron Rodgers and returning DK Metcalf. Long playoff win drought (nine years), aging roster with little Super Bowl experience. Could upset early but unlikely to go deep.
  12. Green Bay Packers (NFC wild card)
    Four-game skid after key injuries (e.g., Micah Parsons ACL tear). Defense disintegrated, Jordan Love concussed; must win three road games as No. 7 seed.
  13. Los Angeles Chargers (AFC wild card)
    Physical defense under Jim Harbaugh (championship experience), accurate kicker. But three road wins needed, Justin Herbert's playoff woes, patchy O-line.
  14. Carolina Panthers (NFC No. 4 seed, 8-9)
    Backed in via tiebreakers as losing-record division winner (fifth in history; none advanced far). Inconsistent Bryce Young; hard to see three/four wins vs. elites.
This wide-open field (no Chiefs/Lions dominance) favors balanced teams with easy paths like Seattle. Their defense + run game + home edge make them the biggest threat.