FAVORITE TEAMS

It may be over for teams that didn’t make the postseason, but some showed grit, competitiveness, and potential. A few of the listed teams below impressed me for most of the season while others left so much to be desired. I don’t have any details on these teams because anything can happen in the offseason. While the AFC side seems a bit more optimistic on their bounce back, the NFC is so damn wide open again for next season. I will do plenty of research and follow-up before the next season begins. For now, here’s the list of non-playoff teams that should contend next season.

1) ARIZONA CARDINALS

Arizona has Kyler Murray back, which makes them playoff contenders off the bat. It all depends on how they handle the NFC West, the NFC North, and the AFC East. Also, maybe adding a pass-catcher, improving the offensive line, and improving overall on defense would help.

2) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The Seahawks could find their way back. Hiring Mike McDonald is a solid hire, and he could definitely restore the defense to a Top 10 level (but hopefully not). However, what will the offense do about their current quarterback situation for the long-term future? Also, Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be the top catchers for the team as long as the quarterback position maintains. This team’s capable of a playoff appearance and challenging the NFC West for the division title.

3) CHICAGO BEARS

I’m mum on this one because it all depends on what they do with the overall seed. Do they draft Caleb Williams or commit to Justin Fields? Here’s my honest opinion, if they keep Justin Fields, I’ll consider the Bears as a potential playoff contender. If they draft Caleb Williams, I’m dropping their consideration. This is just my opinion based on Fields’ NFL experience. What they need is major improvement on Chicago’s offensive line or the debate between Fields and Williams won’t matter at all.

4) ATLANTA FALCONS

As long as the NFC South doesn’t have a legitimate team, Atlanta should have a shot at a division title. Unfortunately, Tampa may hold on to that division since they won their third straight with a different quarterback not named Tom Brady. Atlanta’s defense will improve with new coach Raheem Morris and the offense has an underrated roster with a potential overall improvement led by Bijan Robinson. Their one need: A quarterback.

5) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

I picked them because…well looking at the rest of the non-playoff NFC teams below them, I just can’t see much improvement or trust in them…for now. New Orleans could find their way depending on a team who won’t return to the playoffs next season. I like their roster, but I don’t like Derek Carr as much as I used to. He’s inconsistent and hasn’t come through for New Orleans when they needed him most. Most importantly, I don’t like Dennis Allen. He failed as a Raiders coach and he’s setting up to fail with the Saints too if they fail to make the playoffs next season.

1) CINCINNATI BENGALS

Joe Burrow’s health continues to be paramount to this organization’s playoff/Super Bowl hopes. He’ll be back at least and some of the key rosters should return. However, there’s a matter of the receiving core likely taking a hit with Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins in free agency. There are other options that should improve Burrow’s chances, but losing Tee Higgins would be a big loss as the number two target to Ja’Marr Chase.

2) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Jacksonville should bounce back next season, but Trevor Lawrence will be on his last year of his rookie contract. That means he must step up and the team overall must play better. Josh Allen (linebacker) is set to be a free agent, so they must keep him. For them to win the division, now they must outplay Houston, stave off Indianapolis, and make sure not to slip up against a declining Titans unit that likely moves on from Derrick Henry.

3) LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

The hype for Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert is real. This is the spark that the Chargers need to return to the playoffs and maybe make a run at least to the divisional round. However, they need to relieve their cap space with plenty of restructures and changes to their roster. How will the team look overall in 2024? We’ll see in the next few months.

4) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Indianapolis comes up short of a playoff spot once again when they had it within reach. They have cap space to make moves to improve their roster and maybe keep some for the future…or at least for one more season. Anthony Richardson’s set to be the starter (which I’m ok with now), but they should re-sign Gardner Minshew to stay for at least one more season. He played well to put this team in playoff position and brings a sense of optimism as the backup. One great news though: Jonathan Taylor will go side-by-side with Anthony Richardson. Watch out, NFL!

5) LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

The Raiders now have a legitimate defense after last season’s performance. They made life difficult for most of their opponents. Scoring 20 points on Vegas was difficult. Even the Chiefs failed to score 20 on Christmas Day. However, the offense must improve everywhere. Antonio Pierce’s presence is a change of pace, but it doesn’t clear up that side. They likely need a quarterback or hope Aidan O’Connell takes a positive step. Also, will they re-sign Josh Jacobs or move on to Zamir “Zeus” White? There’s optimism in Vegas. If the Aces and Golden Knights can win, so can the Raiders.

TEAMS NOT INCLUDED BY ASSUMPTION BUT WISH TO BE THERE

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

There are questions with Kirk Cousins during the offseason. Not sure what they’ll do with him or if they’ll give Jaren Hall another shot as starter (unlikely), draft a quarterback, pick up one in free agency, or even trade for one. However, I can’t trust Minnesota and the NFC North’s bulking up with the Lions and Green Bay running it back while Chicago will be a pestering problem to Minnesota.

NEW YORK JETS

Not saying they have no chance to make the playoffs, there’s just plenty of drama swirling around that organization. From Aaron Rodgers to Zach Wilson to Robert Saleh to so much more, and this team is trying so hard to be a Super Bowl contender. It’s a long season to clear the smoke for their 2024-’25 success, but the drama’s real and could hinder them from even being a playoff contender again.

DENVER BRONCOS

I like the Broncos roster, especially on defense. That’s Top 10, Top 5 caliber. After an ugly start, they shored up and locked down for the rest of the season. One problem: the offense. The run game is the major focus and Russell Wilson at this point is a play action quarterback that can scramble and run too. Not sure what else to say. The receiving core may need to look into a new one because Tim Patrick now has back-to-back season-ending injuries. Then again, Keenan Allen of the Chargers had those issues before becoming one of the best possession receivers. However, Denver has other options, but it’s just something to consider even though he’s an integral part of the receiving core.