Analyzing Super Bowl Chances: 49ers, Chiefs, Ravens, and Lions Power Rankings

As the AFC and NFC divisional playoffs conclude, the 49ers, Chiefs, Ravens, and Lions emerge as the last contenders for Super Bowl 58. While the 49ers and Chiefs bring recent championship experience, the Ravens and Lions have surprised many with their playoff-worthy performances.

Here is a comprehensive Sporting News NFL power rankings for the postseason, evaluating each team’s true likelihood to win the Super Bowl against their updated sportsbook odds:

(Futures odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook)

1. San Francisco 49ers (+145) George Kittle (Getty Images)

Why the 49ers will win Super Bowl 58:

1. Offensive Prowess: Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle form a formidable offensive trio, especially with Deebo Samuel’s potential return.
2. Dominant Front Seven: The 49ers rely on a disruptive front-four pass rush, led by Nick Bosa, allowing for a robust seven-man coverage.
3. Redemption Motivation: The 49ers, driven by last year’s Super Bowl loss, feel a sense of urgency to end their 28-year title drought.

Why the 49ers won’t win Super Bowl 58:

1. Secondary Pass Coverage: Despite a solid corner in Charvarius Ward, lapses from Deommodore Lenoir and Ambry Thomas could expose downfield vulnerabilities.
2. Brock Purdy’s Performance: If Purdy struggles in passing, especially under pressure, the 49ers might face challenges.
3. Injuries: The absence of key players, including Deebo Samuel, could hinder the team’s success against tougher competition.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (+350) Patrick Mahomes (Getty Images)

Why the Chiefs will win Super Bowl 58:

1. Stout Defense: The Chiefs boast the second-best total defense and scoring defense, anchored by Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.
2. Playoff Mahomes: Patrick Mahomes elevates his play in the playoffs, showcasing sharp passing and a dynamic presence, backed by a revived deep-threat connection with Travis Kelce.
3. Travis Kelce’s Impact: Kelce remains a potent red-zone threat, contributing significantly to Mahomes’ success.

Why the Chiefs won’t win Super Bowl 58:

1. Limited Receiving Options: Beyond Rice, MVS, and Kelce, the Chiefs lack reliable receiving options, potentially hindering offensive diversity.
2. Neglecting the Run Game: Forgetting the running game, a key factor against the Bills, could limit offensive balance.
3. Run Defense Vulnerability: The Chiefs’ susceptibility to the run, evident in the regular season, might pose a challenge against opponents like the Ravens, 49ers, and Lions.

3. Baltimore Ravens (+195) Lamar Jackson (Getty Images)

Why the Ravens will win Super Bowl 58:

1. Dynamic Lamar Jackson: Jackson’s dual-threat prowess, combining passing and running, makes him the game’s most dangerous quarterback.
2. Effective Pass Rush: The Ravens’ pass rush, with 60 sacks in 2023, is relentless, offering versatility from various positions.
3. Red-Zone Efficiency: Baltimore excels in the red zone, with Jackson and Gus Edwards proving challenging for opponents, particularly with Mark Andrews set to return.

Why the Ravens won’t win Super Bowl 58:

1. Run Defense Challenges: The Ravens’ 13th-ranked run defense might struggle against persistent rushing attacks, exposing potential weaknesses.
2. Limited Big Pass Plays: Inability to execute significant downfield passes might impede the Ravens’ ability to maintain long drives.
3. Penalty Issues: As the most penalized team remaining, the Ravens need to address discipline concerns, particularly in pass interference situations.

4. Detroit Lions (+800) Jahmyr Gibbs (Getty Images)

Why the Lions will win Super Bowl 58:

1. Stellar Run Defense: The Lions boast the league’s second-best run defense, anchored by Aidan Hutchinson, making opponents one-dimensional.
2. Effective Running Game: Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery provide a potent rushing duo, wearing down opposing defenses and benefiting Jared Goff.
3. Underdog Spirit: Coach Dan Campbell’s motivational approach has instilled an underdog spirit, driving the team’s unexpected success.

Why the Lions won’t win Super Bowl 58:

1. Vulnerable Pass Defense: Detroit’s 30th-ranked pass defense could be exploited by opponents with capable quarterbacks and receiving corps.
2. Jared Goff’s Road Struggles: Goff’s historical road performance suggests challenges in hostile environments, posing a potential hurdle.
3. Relative Inexperience: While possessing veterans with playoff experience, the Lions, as a young team, might lack the overall playoff equity of more established contenders.