Over the last decade, only Peyton Manning, Nick Foles, Matthew Stafford, and Jalen Hurts have managed to win a Super Bowl amid the domination of Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, who together have appeared in nine championship games. Despite immense talent, leading quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow have yet to claim the Lombardi Trophy. This reality raises the question of which among them will be the first to break through the Super Bowl drought.
Lamar Jackson’s Ravens Seen as the Leading Contenders
One football analyst has placed his confidence squarely on Lamar Jackson, highlighting the comprehensiveness of his team’s roster as a significant advantage. The Baltimore Ravens have combined a formidable defense with a potent offense, positioning themselves strongly for a deep playoff run.
Dalton Wasserman, a PFF analyst, remarked,
“I think I’m going to take Lamar Jackson. I just like the way his team is well-rounded. Obviously, you have got a Super Bowl-winning coach in John Harbaugh who has done it once before,”
emphasizing the value of strong leadership in John Harbaugh, whose previous championship experience adds crucial insight to the Ravens’ pursuit.
Ravens’ Balanced Team Composition
Baltimore boasts one of the league’s most dominant defensive units, excelling at halting both passing and rushing plays. Their offense complements this, spearheaded by Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities alongside Derrick Henry’s powerful running game, creating a formidable ground attack. The combination of a seasoned coach and dynamic players sets the Ravens apart as a top contender.
Challenges Facing Josh Allen and Joe Burrow
In contrast, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow lead offenses known for their explosiveness but remain hindered by defensive shortcomings. Until both the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals shore up their defenses and demonstrate clutch performance in critical moments, their Super Bowl aspirations will remain tentative.
On this point, Wasserman observed,
“I need to see the Bills and the Bengals’ defense, for that matter, to significantly improve. Those two teams love their offenses, but don’t have a whole lot of balance, though. So I like the Ravens’ defense the best and obviously, the way they can run the ball with Lamar and Derrick Henry in the backfield.”
Super Bowl Odds Favor Baltimore for 2026
Among the Ravens, Bills, and Bengals, Baltimore holds the edge with the third-best Super Bowl odds at +650, trailing only the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Bills stand close behind at +700, while the Bengals have longer odds at 16-1. Despite promising statistics, the Ravens face significant obstacles before they can claim the title.
Obstacles on Baltimore’s Path to the Championship
The Ravens have not made it to the Super Bowl since 2012 and have only reached the AFC Championship once since then—in 2023, when they fell to the Chiefs on home turf. This loss underscores the difficulty of overcoming the final playoff stages. To return to the AFC title game, Baltimore must navigate a challenging division filled with tough rivals.
Contenders such as the Chiefs, Bills, and Bengals remain formidable opponents. Additionally, teams like the Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers have reinforced their rosters, increasing competition. Even the Pittsburgh Steelers, now led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, pose a renewed threat within the division.
Potential NFC Powerhouses Await in the Super Bowl
Should the Ravens reach the Super Bowl, they will likely face seasoned NFC teams like the Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, or Los Angeles Rams. These franchises have either won or appeared in multiple recent Super Bowls and bring significant championship experience, presenting additional challenges for Baltimore’s quest for its first title in over a decade.