Biggest potential red flags for NFL Super Bowl contenders in 2026
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- Los Angeles Rams (+550) face age and injury concerns around their core trio of Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams, and frequently-injured Puka Nacua, with potential Aaron Donald comeback at age 35 also a factor
- Baltimore Ravens (+1000) depend heavily on Lamar Jackson, who missed at least four games in three of his last five seasons and played as a diminished version of himself in 2024 while injured
- Kansas City Chiefs (+1600) face uncertainty around Patrick Mahomes' knee, just seven months removed from surgery, which could limit his scrambling ability the offense relied on last season
- Seattle Seahawks (+1100) must replace departed OC Klint Kubiak with Brian Fleury and start rookie Jadarian Price at running back following Kenneth Walker III's departure, with Zach Charbonnet also out with a torn ACL
- Philadelphia Eagles (+1600) have offensive line health questions around Lane Johnson, Cam Jurgens, and Landon Dickerson, plus a new scheme under OC Sean Mannion after moving on from A.J. Brown
- Green Bay Packers (+1800) lost Micah Parsons to a torn ACL, traded Rashan Gary, and let Quay Walker walk in free agency, leaving the defense dependent on new DC Jonathan Gannon
Why it matters: Of the top 10 Super Bowl favorites, injury history or health concerns were flagged for at least six — including two quarterbacks (Mahomes, Jackson) whose mobility-based games are especially vulnerable. The piece highlights that for favorites like the Rams and Chiefs, the same star power that makes them contenders is also their biggest risk factor.
