The NFL season is officially underway and even just a few weeks into the schedule, there are a some teams making a case for their Super Bowl bid. Being this close to the beginning, the race for the Lombardi Trophy is wide open. See what our staff thinks about who will make it to the big stage and what team goes home with a ring.
JOSH GROSS
This year’s Super Bowl is going to feature the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers, with the Bills finally getting a ring after so many runs have fallen short. Josh Allen finally has a star wide receiver in D.J. Moore, complemented by a healthy rushing attack led by James Cook III, which I believe will finally get the team past the AFC Championship and into the matchup the nation watches.
Meanwhile, the 49ers have a proven talent in Brock Purdy, complemented by a variety of offensive weapons and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan’s signature West Coast scheme.
Both teams have solid lineups on both sides of the ball, but when it comes to star power, Josh Allen outshines anyone else you can think of. I have Buffalo taking the win over San Francisco mostly because of the latter’s injury history, seeing as this 49ers team can never seem to stay healthy, and those injuries will come back to bite them in the postseason.
If I’m correct, this season could mark the Buffalo Bills’ fifth Super Bowl appearance, and their first ring.
ELLA SIZEMORE
Super Bowl LXI will feature the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Rams.
The Ravens possess a physical style of play and the ability to make an impact on both sides of the ball.
Lamar Jackson has throwing capabilities and the ability to use his legs for yardage. Derrick Henry creates a physical run presence that is difficult to defend. Zay Flowers has strong speed and good hands as an option downfield.
Defensively, the Ravens are physical and aggressive, creating pressure to limit big plays.
The Rams are a top opponent for this Ravens team. Matthew Stafford is a proven accurate passer who finds his receivers in tight windows. Stafford is not a rushing quarterback, but the Rams’ offensive line gives him time to make his decisions and throw the ball.
When the Rams team is healthy, they present a threat on offense and defense. Puka Nacua demonstrates agility in his ability to make catches in heavy coverage. Davante Adams has proven that he is an asset in red-zone situations and can catch deep balls.
The Rams also have a physical run dual-threat in Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
On defense, if they have a healthy Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald later in the season, the duo could create one of the best pass rush defenses in the league.
LEAH POTTER
This year’s Super Bowl matchup will feature the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. While criticism surrounding the Chiefs’ success has caused some to dismiss them as AFC favorites, they remain a strong contender.
Meanwhile, the 49ers finally have the health and depth necessary to make a deep postseason run without suffering the injuries that have derailed previous attempts.
Both teams enter Week Four undefeated at 3-0 and have displayed dominance on both sides of the ball. The Chiefs have scored 88 points while allowing only 50 to be scored on them, resulting in a plus-38-point differential. The 49ers have been even more impressive, with a league-best plus-48-point differential.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are entering their ninth season together and continue to set the standard for consistency in the NFL. In San Francisco, Brock Purdy benefits from veterans such as Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, giving the 49ers one of the league’s most balanced offenses.
The elite rosters, proven leadership and successful reputations of the Chiefs and the 49ers lead me to believe they will face off in February on the NFL’s biggest stage.
AVERY WARDEN
The Seattle Seahawks will face the Baltimore Ravens in this year’s Super Bowl. Seattle entered this year as the defending champion, and despite having one loss on their 2-1 record, they have shown their offense can put points on the board.
At the same time, the Ravens are building a strong resume early in the season. After defeating the Dallas Cowboys 34-31 in a close matchup, they proved they are strong contenders by not backing down when things got rough. Both teams have the talent and experience necessary to make it all the way.
Seattle has already proven itself on football’s biggest stage while Baltimore is brewing a potential title run. If the teams can stay healthy and maintain a strong performance, then each one has a good shot at claiming the 2026-27 title.
Gross and Potter are sports editors for The Liberty Champion.
Sizemore is the POV editor for The Liberty Champion.
Warden is the editor in chief for The Liberty Champion.