Seven NFL teams are staring down +10000 odds or worse for the upcoming Super Bowl, and here’s the kicker: four of them were on this exact same list last year. That’s not just a bad look, it’s a critical crossroads for these franchises. For these longshots, success isn’t about hoisting a Lombardi Trophy this season. It’s about developing a franchise quarterback, evaluating a new coaching staff, or perfectly positioning the roster for a pivotal 2027 offseason. The clock is ticking, and the decisions made right now will dictate whether they break free from this cycle or just reset for another season of low expectations.
Titans and Falcons Need Clarity, Fast
First up, the Tennessee Titans are rolling into their second year with quarterback Cam Ward and the first year under coach Robert Saleh. Their absolute minimum goal has to be getting off this longshot list next year. No excuses. The Titans shelled out a massive $125 million total guaranteed on defense, and while it might take time for that unit to gel, the hope is they adopt Saleh’s signature hard-nosed demeanor. If things go right, they’ll be replacing pieces around a strong core next offseason, not rebuilding the whole operation. That’s a huge step toward taking a big leap within the AFC South.
Over in Atlanta, the vibes aren’t exactly great, but you can’t deny the offensive talent: Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts. The best-case scenario for them? Clarity on Michael Penix Jr. heading into the offseason. If Penix is healthy and proves he’s a long-term investment, the Falcons can then funnel resources elsewhere. But if neither Penix nor Tua Tagovailoa inspires confidence, it blows the door open for a new direction at QB. Either way, they’ll be counting on a full season from edge rushers James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker. Plus, Atlanta will have the most salary cap space by a wide margin this offseason, according to Spotrac. That’s a serious opportunity.
Raiders’ Rookie QB Hopes, Browns’ Past Success
For the Las Vegas Raiders, everything boils down to No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza and first-year coach Klint Kubiak. Yeah, Kirk Cousins is the Week 1 starter, but Mendoza *has* to hit the field this season. He needs to showcase that skillset that made him such an early pick and generate real optimism for the 2027 campaign. Beyond that, the Raiders bringing in another supreme talent with an early draft pick would be another step in the right direction for their long-term vision. Las Vegas is also projected to be among the top-10 in salary cap space, which is critical for future moves.
And then there are the Cleveland Browns. They had what many called the best rookie class just a year ago, which is a rare feat. They need those young guys to take the next step.
These teams aren’t playing for a ring this season. They’re playing for their future. Will they find their franchise quarterback? Will new coaches establish a culture? The answers to those questions will decide if they stay stuck in longshot purgatory or finally climb out of it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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