8 NFL Playoff Candidates (After Missing Out Last Season)
Offering up a team in each division that has the best chance to make the playoffs this season after missing out in 2018.
The NFL season is an always-exciting roller coaster of emotions. Through the ups and downs, in such a short season, there’s always hope for the “impossible” to happen. With only a 16-game slate, every game really matters. One loss can be the difference between the playoffs and heartbreak. So with that, we highlight a team from each of the eight divisions that could bounce back and make their way back to the playoffs after missing out last season.
AFC EAST: New York Jets (4–12)
Every team in the AFC East has some reason for hope, but the Jets might take the biggest leap this season. The Jets acquired some big names this offseason that included running back Le’Veon Bell, linebacker C.J. Mosley, and offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele. The improved supporting cast should help up-and-coming quarterback Sam Darnold in his second year after flashing a ton of promise as a rookie. This is a young, exciting roster with a ton of guys looking to step up. If new head coach Adam Gase proves he’s more than a product of Peyton Manning, this Jets team could be dangerous.
AFC NORTH: Cleveland Browns (7–8–1)
After winning a total of FOUR games the THREE seasons prior, the Browns finally broke through in 2018. Thanks to some stellar play by future superstar Baker Mayfield, this Cleveland team went an excellent 5–2 down the stretch. The Browns were already a team “on the rise” even before the offseason, then they had a fantastic offseason adding game-breaking talents like Odell Beckham Jr. and Kareem Hunt, along with some strong additions to fill out the roster. With new head coach Freddie Kitchens at the helm, the Browns look primed for success.
AFC SOUTH: Jacksonville Jaguars (5–11)
It was sort of an odd year for the Jacksonville Jaguars. They looked to be on the rise after a 10–6 finish in 2017 behind a suffocating defense. And while their defense remained elite in 2018, the quarterback woes became apparent quickly. A Top 5 offense in 2017 turned into the second worst offense in 2018. This Jacksonville team knew what the issue was, and they’ve corrected the problem signing Super Bowl-winning quarterback Nick Foles to lead this team. Foles will inject life into a team that seems to have checked off every box aside from quarterback.
AFC WEST: Oakland Raiders (4–12)
On the surface, Year I of Jon Gruden was an absolute disaster, but it wasn’t really all bad. As Derek Carr got more comfortable, he played a lot better. At one point, Carr held an impressive streak of 332 passes without an interception. The quarterback played well despite having a weak supporting cast while constantly getting pummeled (51 sacks). Now in 2019, the Raiders did a ton to improve their roster, acquiring a ton of quality players, namely wide receiver Antonio Brown. Gruden did show some prowess as a play caller, and this Oakland team is looking to bounce back after a putrid showing in 2018.
NFC EAST: Washington Redskins (7–9)
The Redskins started the season a tidy 6–3, well on their way to winning the NFC East. Then devastation occurred when starting quarterback Alex Smith went down with a gruesome leg injury. This Washington team was playing a great brand of football while head coach Jay Gruden was showing he could plug all the pieces despite a myriad of injuries. In 2019, the Redskins are adding a strong crop of talent to an already solid roster. Most notable of them all is 1st round pick Dwayne Haskins who looks to be the quarterback of the future in Washington.
NFC NORTH: Green Bay Packers (6–9–1)
For years, NFL fans knew Mike McCarthy always held Aaron Rodgers back a bit with his archaic play calling, but last season it was on full display. The Packers finally fired their longtime head coach and opted to hire the young, but unproven Matt LaFleur. LaFleur comes from the tutelage of Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, two of the brightest minds in coaching. This Green Bay team acquired several big names on defense which includes marquee free agent signing Adrian Amos and 1st round pick Rashan Gary. Aaron Rodgers had a “down season” last year with 25 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions… go figure.
NFC SOUTH: Carolina Panthers (7–9)
The Panthers came out the gates firing last season going 6–2 with Cam Newton playing some of the best football of his career. But a nagging shoulder injury had the star quarterback do a complete 180° the second half of the season. Newton was scary bad, and this Panthers team went 1–7 to close out the season. Carolina has all the pieces to bounce back in 2019 with studs across the board like running back Christian McCaffery. They even added a Cam Newton insurance plan with 3rd round pick Will Grier. With a strong offseason replacing some key guys, this team is fluid.
NFC WEST: San Francisco 49ers (4–12)
2018 was a lost the moment quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo went down with an ACL tear. Despite that, the 49ers are a team that remains on the brink of breaking through. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is one of the truly genius play callers in the NFL, he knows how to get the best out of his talent. This 49ers squad has added some strong pieces in the draft and free agency to surround their franchise quarterback, including receivers Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd. 2019 is the year Jimmy Garoppolo will “make San Francisco great again.”
All statistics courtesy of Pro Football Reference.
