The NFL playoffs are in full swing. The wild-card spherical got here and went this previous weekend, and on faucet is the divisional spherical, which options 4 video games between eight groups.
Having misplaced in current days, the Los Angeles Chargers, Inexperienced Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings discover themselves in a state of reflection and evaluation as their offseasons start ahead of they might have appreciated.
One other 18 NFL groups didn’t even make the playoffs. Some seem able to rebounding and rejoining the ranks of the contenders subsequent season — in the event that they make the best strikes this spring. Others have a methods to go earlier than they will even sniff the postseason.
We’re rating all the non-playoff groups from probably to rebound in 2025 to least possible.
1. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)
A five-game season-ending win streak put the Bengals on the precipice of the postseason following a gradual begin to 2024. However the Broncos received their last regular-season sport to clinch the AFC No. 7 seed, and that left the Bengals on the skin trying in. That last stretch confirmed what Cincinnati is able to. The Bengals should pay large receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and they should spend money on a protection that can have a brand new coordinator following the firing of Lou Anarumo. In the event that they achieve this, Joe Burrow and firm ought to have a shot at rivalry.
2. Dallas Cowboys (7-10)
We don’t but know who will coach this workforce following Mike McCarthy’s departure this week. Improved well being alone, nevertheless, ought to place the Cowboys’ return to the thick of issues within the NFC East. The roster isn’t excellent, however Dallas actually has sufficient horses to contend so long as Jerry Jones hires a powerful head coach and eventually addresses the run sport after neglecting that space final yr.
Extra on the Cowboys teaching search
3. Miami Dolphins (8-9)
A wholesome Tua Tagovailoa will go an extended strategy to serving to the Dolphins rebound. Determining the Tyreek Hill state of affairs (is he in or is he out?) is also a should. Buying and selling him for property to additional spherical out the offense and fortify the protection is likely to be one of the best name.
4. Seattle Seahawks (10-7)
The one 10-win workforce to overlook the playoffs, Seattle is true on the sting. The Seahawks may have a brand new offensive coordinator. Can that new rent squeeze one other serviceable season out of Geno Smith? The protection ought to enhance within the second season below Mike Macdonald.
5. Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
Raheem Morris’ workforce is a high-end go rusher and extra constant Kyle Pitts away from having the ability to win the NFC South. Michael Penix Jr. confirmed why the Falcons took him eighth total regardless of having signed Kirk Cousins to an costly deal in free company. Penix may blossom right into a star in 2025 after displaying flashes in his late-season cameo.
6. Arizona Cardinals (8-9)
Sure, they fizzled down the stretch, however Jonathan Gannon’s Cardinals seem poised to make actual strides in 2025. They doubled their win whole in 2024. Kyler Murray appears snug within the system, and James Conner is locked in for the long run. Now they only want Marvin Harrison Jr. to make a leap to additional elevate the offense, and a difference-making go rusher to steer the protection.
The Brock Purdy contract will command plenty of consideration this offseason, however the 49ers additionally must fortify a protection that was ravaged by accidents in 2024. In addition they want offensive stars like Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams to assist prolong this window of competitiveness which may have solely one other season or two of life to it.
8. Carolina Panthers (5-12)
Bryce Younger answered a urgent query with the best way he completed the 2024 season, profitable two of the ultimate three video games. One other offseason with Dave Canales ought to place the 2023 No. 1 decide for continued progress in 2025. With quarterback questions resolved, the Panthers can flip their consideration to getting the assistance they badly want at edge rusher, defensive position and defensive again.
9. Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
The roster was strong sufficient for the Colts to flirt with a playoff berth in each of Shane Steichen’s first two seasons as head coach. However there are nonetheless very huge questions on quarterback Anthony Richardson and whether or not he has the psychological fortitude essential to lastly blossom into the difference-maker that would elevate Indy from 8-9 to 11-6.
10. Chicago Bears (5-12)
Caleb Williams discovered himself overshadowed by Jayden Daniels, and rightfully so. However Williams didn’t have a nasty yr (3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, solely six interceptions, completion proportion of 62.5). The Bears can’t miss on this head teaching rent. There’s nonetheless a spot between Chicago and the NFC North’s third-place workforce, Inexperienced Bay. However the items are there for Chicago to compete.
Drake Maye was the brilliant spot of one other season of regression for the once-proud franchise. Mike Vrabel brings credibility and hope. A deep assortment of draft picks and gobs of salary-cap area may result in a considerably upgraded roster in 2025.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13)
The Jaguars have an necessary constructing block in Trevor Lawrence, who, because it seems, is likely to be strong however not elite. They nonetheless have an underperforming normal supervisor in Trent Baalke. And they’re going to have a brand new head coach, who shall be tasked with maximizing Lawrence’s expertise. There are some items to work with, however that playoff run within the 2022 season appears like a very long time in the past.
13. New York Jets (5-12)
One other franchise reset is on the best way with a brand new coach and normal supervisor. Aaron Rodgers’ plans stay a thriller, as do the Jets’ emotions about persevering with this marriage. The cabinet isn’t naked, however a fast repair appears unlikely.
14. Las Vegas Raiders (4-13)
They at present haven’t any coach, no normal supervisor and no long-term resolution at quarterback. They do have a star in tight finish Brock Bowers, and go rusher Maxx Crosby. However, additionally, the AFC West is hard.
15. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
Will Levis will not be the reply. Brian Callahan won’t be, both. Former normal supervisor Ran Carthon, fired final week after two seasons, appeared to assemble some high quality expertise by way of the draft and free company. Can a veteran quarterback assist this squad rebound to the center of the pack?
16. New Orleans Saints (5-12)
A well-recognized chorus: Ageing quarterback, getting older defensive stars, restricted salary-cap area. … There’s not a lot right here to promote to a number one head coach candidate.
17. New York Giants (3-14)
Malik Nabers is a star, so teaming him up with the best quarterback may assist the Giants enhance. However is the No. 3 decide too late for Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll to have a shot at a legit franchise savior? The quarterback pickings in free company are slim as effectively.
18. Cleveland Browns (3-14)
The Browns have a large number on their arms. Deshaun Watson is unlikely to play in 2025 after one other Achilles tear, however his restrictive salary-cap hit stays on the books. Cleveland has the No. 2 decide. Ought to or not it’s spent on a quarterback? At the same time as Kevin Stefanski possible reclaims play-calling duties of an offense that can have a brand new coordinator (Tommy Rees) and line coach, this turnaround will take some time.
(High illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; images of Tua Tagovailoa, Joe Burrow and Micah Parsons: Carmen Mandato and
Wesley Hitt / Getty Photos; Nick Cammett / Diamond Photos through Getty Photos)