Conor Orr’s 14 Teams That Can Actually Win Super Bowl LXI - Sports Illustrated

What the report says

Sports Illustrated columnist Conor Orr used his annual preseason exercise to identify NFL teams he believes have a realistic path to winning Super Bowl LXI. In the available article text, Orr says the league appears less predictable than in recent years, prompting him to expand the field to 14 teams rather than the 12 he has used before. He frames the list as an “optimal short list” of clubs capable not only of reaching the playoffs but of winning every postseason game once there.

Orr explains that his criteria emphasize teams reshaped by coaching changes, quarterback development or defensive versatility. He says the 2026 season could be driven by adaptable defensive fronts and secondaries, while also giving more weight to schedule strength after New England’s prior regular-season run helped build momentum. He also places the Los Angeles Rams above the rest of the league entering the discussion, while noting that NFC West rivals Seattle and San Francisco may still make roster moves before Week 1.

The excerpt identifies Baltimore, Buffalo and Chicago among the listed contenders. Orr points to Baltimore’s new coaching structure, Lamar Jackson’s playmaking environment and defensive potential; Buffalo’s Josh Allen-led floor under new head coach Joe Brady and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard; and Chicago’s continued rise with Caleb Williams after Ben Johnson’s first season.

Notably, Orr says Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Kansas City missed his cut. His concerns include the Bengals’ dependence on Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, the Eagles’ offensive transition after losing line coach Jeff Stoutland, and the Chiefs’ roster questions despite Patrick Mahomes remaining one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.