Which NFL team never to have played in a Super Bowl will be next to make it?

[Auggie]

The Conference victory by New Orleans leaves these futile four who have never played in the big game. Who do you think will be the first to make it? And why?

My vote goes to the Cleveland Browns. The team needs an offensive and fortunately just hired a guru to lead them -- Mike Holmgren.

[JonLP24]

1. If I'm basing it on who has the best chance now or in the near future

I go with Houston Texans. Gary Kubiak is an excellent offensive coach and even better Quarterback coach. He coached Steve Young to an MVP season and he was the Broncos as an O-Coordinator with Denver for 11 years where in that period they were one of the highest scoring teams and top rushing team in that period compared to other teams. They also won two Super Bowls and 10 winning seasons.

They have Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson, young back in Steve Slaton who should bloom in his zone blocking running game. They need a few pieces to take them over the top but they can do it. One thing that is holding them back is that they play in a very tough division with Peyton Manning. Colts, Titans, and Jaguars will all be very tough teams to compete with.

[Auggie]

4. Houston is my second pick

for one of the reasons you cited: division opponents.

[JonLP24]

6. It's really a tough question

It's entirely possible for the Texans clock to run out with the talent they have. We may not know in a year, 5 years, 10 years, 20 years and anyone of those other three teams can add great players that we don't even know yet. At that point the answer becomes a guess.

So I had it to base it on who they have now and who has the best chance to do it with the talent they currently have to give an informed answer. My second option is Jaguars. Garrad is not bad, Maurice Jones-Drew is a top 5 back, Mike-Sims Walker is an emerging young talented receiver but they are in desperate need of a secondary and like the Texans they play in a difficult division.

[charlie and algernon]

2. Texans could easily make it in the next couple years

I think they are very close to making the playoffs then who knows. Matt Shaub had the most passing yards in the LEAGUE this season. More than Manning, more than Brees, more than Favre. They have an elite WR, a good TE before he got hurt, and adequate running backs.

[joeybee12]

3. Where's the None of the Above option? n/t

[TZ]

5. Houston.

I'd love to see the Browns but until they get new ownership....

[LisaM]

7. I vote with my heart.

So, Lions it is!

It hasn't gotten me very far in life to be this way, but it's made me who I am!

[Hippo_Tron]

8. If all were fair it would be the Detroit Lions

The Houston Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars have only been around since the 90's. The Cleveland Browns took a hiatus and thus in their current form they've also only been around since the 90's.

[JonLP24]

9. Slight correction

Houston Texans 2002-present. Based on the fact they've only been around for 7 years it's tough for me to label them as part of the "futile" 4 or whatever.

[Auggie]

10. Sure

Good point. Same could be said of the Browns and Jaguars. But you must admit it's a catchy phrase.

[JonLP24]

11. Oh it is

Browns and Jaguars are relatively new to the league as well. For a second there I forgot Ravens were the longtime Browns and they won a Super Bowl oddly enough so the 'new' Browns shouldn't have lack of appearances held against them too much. :)

I like the phrase. :)

[caraher]

12. Well, can the Lions start counting over again

for the post-Millen era?

I think it's a lot easier to answer which of these would be LAST to make the Super Bowl!

[thatsrightimirish]

13. for sympathy, tough call between the Browns and Lions

I do consider the current Browns to be the same team as the Browns before the move the Cleveland. The fans were screwed by a greedy owner and they fought to keep the Brown name and tradition. Point being that there hasn't been a championship parade of any kind and the NFL team has always been the Browns.

And we all know how crappy the Lions have pretty much always been and the troubles Detroit as a city has.

I don't think any of them will win the super bowl anytime soon but I think the Texans are most likely too as it stands now.

[Renew Deal]

14. Hopefully the next Super Bowl will be Lions-Browns

(if the Giants can't make it)