As we roll toward the NFL’s conference championship weekend, the surprise NFL playoffs teams of the 2023 season have been eliminated. It’s still remarkable to think how far some teams were able to go, even though they weren’t given much chance to compete for a title.
The Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers — teams not favored to make the NFL playoffs — defied the odds and made it to the divisional round.
All three were the beneficiaries of smart front-office moves that installed dynamic quarterbacks —rookie C,J. Stroud in Houston, young budding superstar Jordan Love in Green Bay, and comeback veteran Baker Mayfield in Tampa — which led them to surprisingly productive seasons and playoff berths.
So who will the Texans, Packers and Buccaneers of this season be for the 2024-25 season? We look at teams who could be primed for an NFL playoffs berth next season despite missing the playoffs this year.
Cincinnati Bengals
Despite losing franchise QB Joe Burrow to injury midseason and never having him at 100 percent since he injured his calf during training camp, the Bengals still needed to catch up to a 9-8 record.
The Bengals played respectfully, thanks to backup Jake Browning, even though they couldn’t win inside their division. The impending free agency of receivers Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd could hurt the Bengals, but they still have a strong foundation.
With Joe Burrow expected to make a full recovery, Cincinnati’s aspirations for the NFL playoffs look optimistic, as do their chances to return to the AFC championship round.
New York Jets
The Jet’s (7-10) fate hinges on Aaron Rodgers’ rehabilitation, his ability to continue to play at a high level, and the team’s ability to fix its offensive line.
If these factors align perfectly, the Jets could witness a quick turnaround. With a defense young and stacked and enough weapons on offense for Rodgers to deal with, the Jets could live up to the expectations they couldn’t meet after Rodgers’ injury this past season and make a run at the NFL playoffs.
If they don’t, you could be looking at another coaching change in New York.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Starting strong but stumbling toward the end of the season, the Jaguars’ (9-8) playoff dreams were shattered as Trevor Lawrence battled injuries and became more ineffective as the season played out.
With an emphasis on bolstering their physicality and retaining players like Josh Allen and Calvin Ridley, there is hope for a comeback, under Doug Pederson’s guidance. The Jaguars must learn in 2024 if Lawrence has peaked as a pro or if the injuries were to blame for his disappointing 2023 season.
If he improves and recovers, the Jaguars have enough to be there at the end of the 2024 season.
Los Angeles Chargers
Has there ever been a year where the Chargers (5-12) weren’t expected to make the playoffs, only to disappoint?
The Chargers have all the elements for success, with potential new head coach Jim Harbaugh leading the way. They can rely on Justin Herbert’s quarterback skills, a good defense and a talented but thin offensive lineup. The Chargers are looking at some significant changes in personnel due to salary cap restrictions and systems fits if the choice is indeed Harbaugh.
With all of the unknowns, they might be easy to dismiss, but with Herbert and quick turnaround artist Harbaugh possibly at the helm, they might be able to live up to expectations for once.
Indianapolis Colts
Shane Steichen flew under the radar in his rookie season as a head coach. Yet he still led the Colts to a respectable 9-8 record and narrowly missed the NFL playoffs.
He did so despite missing star rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor for a majority of the season. Their efficient offense could make a playoff push with these key players returning.
Two more teams that could make noise in the NFL playoffs in 2024
Chicago Bears
Holding the top draft pick puts the Chicago Bears in an interesting position. They need to decide whether to keep Justin Fields or trade him away.
The Bears showed promise toward the end of the season, especially after parting ways with offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Significant improvement is within reach with an offensive strategy that maximizes Field’s abilities.
Going with Caleb Williams as the first pick could yield some interesting results, too. Either way, the Bears could be movers if it comes together for them in the right way.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders (8-9) finished the 2023 season strong on defense and won Antonio Pierce the permanent head coaching gig. But now, Pierce and the Raiders’ new front office must figure out their massive problems on offense.
Despite having weapons like Davante Adams, the Raiders lack the critical piece of the puzzle: a proper starting and franchise quarterback. The question mark at quarterback and the unknowns, including whether or not running back Josh Jacobs will be back, knock the Raiders out of this top-five list, but keep an eye on them because they could make the NFL playoffs if they can figure it out.