9. Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons did get some really encouraging play from Michael Penix Jr. earlier in the season, but that hasn't been the case recently. The Falcons have botched the QB situation, as their decision to sign Kirk Cousins a couple of offseasons ago was fine, in theory, but to then double-down on an injury-prone QB in the 2024 NFL Draft felt a bit odd.
Overall, the Falcons do have some encouraging pieces on both sides of the ball, but until Penix, or another QB, steps up and proves themselves as the long-term option, the Falcons will continue being one of the more irrelevant teams in the sport.
8. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns have been a fun story this year, but it's clear that this team has a lot of work to do to win their first Super Bowl. The long-term QB probably isn't on the roster, and the offense has a whole needs to figure out their identity. However, the Browns having a winning record more than halfway through the season does mostly indicate that the right coaching staff is in the building. That would be one monumental box checked off for this franchise if Todd Monken and his staff are the right ones for this team.
7. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers come in at No. 7 in our power rankings of teams that have never won the Super Bowl. The defense has been among the worst in the NFL this year, and I am personally still not sure if Bryce Young is 'the guy' or not. He has flashed a lot this year, but he's also played rather horribly at times, but in the same breath, with the offensive line inconsistencies this year, it's hard to blame Young for his struggles.
The truth about Young may be somewhere in the middle - a capable, starting-caliber QB with a capped ceiling. If Carolina thinks they can eventually win a Super Bowl with that type of player, then by all means, they should extend him.
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