5 Dark Horse Super Bowl Contenders To Watch in 2025

Cincinnati Bengals

2026 Super Bowl Odds: +1900

There was no deciphering the Cincinnati Bengals' enigma. Joe Burrow and company were undone by a few losing streaks at different points this season. But with all but one of their eight losses coming by one score, this team is one of the top value picks heading into 2025.

Burrow doesn't get enough credit for what he means to the Bengals. He finished fourth in MVP voting this season despite leading the league in passing yards (4,918), completions (460), and touchdown passes (43). Flanked by Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals proved they are one of the top passing teams in the league. 

Undoubtedly, the departure of Joe Mixon hurt this offense. However, with Chase Brown emerging as a top-tier every-down back, Cincinnati proved unstoppable at the season's end. The Bengals' five-game winning streak to end the season foreshadows what to expect from the AFC North contenders next season. Don't be surprised if they're hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in 2026.

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Houston Texans

2026 Super Bowl Odds: +2700

Like the Falcons, the Houston Texans' ceiling looks even more promising in contrast to their division. Houston crawled in 2023, walked this year, and should be at a full-on sprint next season.

The Texans' most prominent weakness in 2023 was their defense. However, a shrewd offseason and a few solid draft picks later, they are positioned as one of the best in the conference. Renewed success is anticipated in 2025, supporting the idea that the Texans deserve better odds on the Super Bowl LX futures board.

C.J. Stroud remains the x-factor heading into next season. A sophomore slump dampened his 2024 campaign, but if he performs closer to his rookie season level, we could see the Texans march deep into the postseason next year.

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Washington Commanders

2026 Super Bowl Odds: +2300

A miraculous run to the NFC Championship Game emboldened the Washington Commanders' outlook for the 2025 campaign. Their ascent isn't complete yet, and we could see them going even deeper in next year's playoffs. 

There's no belaboring what Jayden Daniels means to the Commanders. The LSU product had a breakout rookie campaign, throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for 891 and crossing the plane six times. This team is primed for sustained offensive success next season, with Terry McLaurin, Zach Ertz, and some promising young receivers in tow. 

As we saw against the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington's defense could be an inhibiting factor. But if they address a few issues in free agency and the NFL Draft, we could see the Commanders recapture the magic of their dynasty years.

Denver Broncos

2026 Super Bowl Odds: +4600

It was easy to laugh at the Denver Broncos at the start of this year. Bo Nix looked out of sorts, and the Broncos went 5-5 through the season's first ten games. However, Nix slowly figured things out, and Denver went 5-2 over its last seven games of the season. He should take the next steps in his development in 2025, bolstering the Broncos' chances of competing for next year's championship. 

Incomplete efforts hampered the Broncos' production in 2024. Denver's defense was its saving grace early. When their offense finally got in gear, their defense started letting them down. This lies on Sean Payton to ensure his team is ready in all facets of the game. If this team is better prepared week in and week out, we could be talking about the Denver Broncos as Super Bowl contenders.

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Cincinnati Bengals

2026 Super Bowl Odds: +1900

There was no deciphering the Cincinnati Bengals' enigma. Joe Burrow and company were undone by a few losing streaks at different points this season. But with all but one of their eight losses coming by one score, this team is one of the top value picks heading into 2025.

Burrow doesn't get enough credit for what he means to the Bengals. He finished fourth in MVP voting this season despite leading the league in passing yards (4,918), completions (460), and touchdown passes (43). Flanked by Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals proved they are one of the top passing teams in the league. 

Undoubtedly, the departure of Joe Mixon hurt this offense. However, with Chase Brown emerging as a top-tier every-down back, Cincinnati proved unstoppable at the season's end. The Bengals' five-game winning streak to end the season foreshadows what to expect from the AFC North contenders next season. Don't be surprised if they're hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in 2026.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.