Hugh Ferris: Buffalo Bills

Get past the Chiefs (or avoid them altogether) and who knows? Surely it’s time for their long wait for a first Lombardi Trophy to end, particularly with the 2024 league MVP on offence, and a defence bolstered by the draft and free agency.

Runners-up: Detroit Lions.

Nesta McGregor: Baltimore Ravens

This is a pick more with my heart than my head, so desperate am I to see Lamar Jackson crowned a champion. Every year he seems to improve and add something to his game. Let this be the year the Ravens go all the way.

Runners-up: Philadelphia Eagles

Rob Staton: Cincinnati Bengals

It’s probably a brave choice but if Joe Burrow can play the way he did at the end of last season, with all their key stars returning, perhaps they can make it back to the Super Bowl and this time come out on top?

Runners-up: Green Bay Packers

Mike White: Baltimore Ravens

Picked with an element of trepidation due to Lamar Jackson’s play-off history but a running quarterback who also passes for 40+ touchdowns speaks for itself and with the players at his disposal, plus a respected defence, this will be the year he gets over the line.

Runners-up: Green Bay Packers

Ben Collins: Buffalo Bills

With the Chiefs’ challenge fading, Josh Allen makes his Super Bowl breakthrough and the Bills finally claim their first NFL title.

Runners-up: Green Bay Packers

Paul Higham: Green Bay Packers

Matt LaFleur is criminally underrated as a head coach – making the play-offs with the youngest squad in the NFL the last two seasons. They’re the young guns again, but Jordan Love has found his feet, they drafted a receiver in the first round and, oh yes that’s right, they pulled off that blockbuster trade for Micah Parsons! It’s time to back the Pack.

Runners-up: Buffalo Bills