Teams Who Will Make the Playoffs This Year After Missing It Last Year
Every year teams that missed the playoffs the year prior are able to make their way into the playoffs the following season. This ascension can be the result of exciting new young players from the NFL Draft coming onto the team, new free-agent signings, and key players coming back from injuries. With these new players now on the team, these teams are setting their sights on making the playoffs and hopefully a deep playoff run this season. So, who are the teams that missed the playoffs last year, but are looking to change their fortunes this year by making the playoffs?
AFC: Cincinnati Bengals
The return of Joe Burrow will be a massive lift for this team this season. With Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Joe Burrow on the same field together, this offense will be one of the best in the league. Their biggest concern is their own health. Staying healthy has plagued this team’s ability to succeed. Joe Burrow and the Bengals are one of the few teams that have challenged Patrick Mahomes head-on and actually prevailed. This team has the potential to make a big splash this year in the playoffs as long as they can stay healthy.
NFC: Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have done some tremendous things this offseason as they have acquired dynamic defensive pieces Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons. With a great upgrade at the quarterback position with Kirk Cousins, the offense might finally start being productive. They finally have all the pieces needed to start winning games. Their skill position players are all young and ascending so expect them to only get better as the season goes along. In a weak NFC South, they should win the division over teams like the Buccaneers and the Saints.
AFC: New York Jets
Similar to the Bengals situation, the Jets will be getting back their premier quarterback as they look to get to the playoffs this year. With Aaron Rodgers, the Jets can be a serious contender in the AFC as they will likely win the AFC East this year with this lineup. Last year, the Jets with terrible quarterback play still managed to play well on both sides of the ball. This defense is going to be elite and with a rebooted offensive line, the offense should be much improved as long as they can protect Rodgers.
NFC: Washington Commanders
This is my surprise team to make the playoffs. I am a believer in Jayden Daniels to shock the NFL this year as the best rookie quarterback to come out of this most recent draft class. With the rest of the NFC East teetering on disaster with drama and chaos, the Commanders have the chance to make the leap this season. If Jayden Daniels can have a Lamar Jackson-type impact right off the bat for the Commanders, then this team will be primed to make a splash and make the playoffs this year.
