Several teams that missed the postseason look capable of rejoining the ranks of the contenders.
The NFL playoffs are in full swing. The wild-card round came and went this past weekend, and on tap is the divisional round, which features four games between eight teams.
Having lost in recent days, the Los Angeles Chargers, Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a state of reflection and assessment as their offseasons begin sooner than they would have liked.
Another 18 NFL teams didn’t even make the playoffs. Some appear capable of rebounding and rejoining the ranks of the contenders next season — if they make the right moves this spring. Others have a ways to go before they can even sniff the postseason.
We’re ranking all of the non-playoff teams from most likely to rebound in 2025 to least likely.
1. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)
A five-game season-ending win streak put the Bengals on the precipice of the postseason following a slow start to 2024. But the Broncos won their final regular-season game to clinch the AFC No. 7 seed, and that left the Bengals on the outside looking in. That final stretch showed what Cincinnati is capable of. The Bengals must pay wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and they need to invest in a defense that will have a new coordinator following the firing of Lou Anarumo. If they do so, Joe Burrow and company should have a shot at contention.
2. Dallas Cowboys (7-10)
We don’t yet know who will coach this team following Mike McCarthy’s departure this week. Improved health alone, however, should position the Cowboys’ return to the thick of things in the NFC East. The roster isn’t perfect, but Dallas certainly has enough horses to contend as long as Jerry Jones hires a strong head coach and finally addresses the run game after neglecting that area last year.
More on the Cowboys coaching search
3. Miami Dolphins (8-9)
A healthy Tua Tagovailoa will go a long way to helping the Dolphins rebound. Figuring out the Tyreek Hill situation (is he in or is he out?) also is a must. Trading him for assets to further round out the offense and fortify the defense might be the best call.
4. Seattle Seahawks (10-7)
The only 10-win team to miss the playoffs, Seattle is right on the edge. The Seahawks will have a new offensive coordinator. Can that new hire squeeze another serviceable season out of Geno Smith? The defense should improve in the second season under Mike Macdonald.
5. Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
Raheem Morris’ team is a high-end pass rusher and more consistent Kyle Pitts away from being able to win the NFC South. Michael Penix Jr. showed why the Falcons took him eighth overall despite having signed Kirk Cousins to an expensive deal in free agency. Penix could blossom into a star in 2025 after showing flashes in his late-season cameo.
6. Arizona Cardinals (8-9)
Yes, they fizzled down the stretch, but Jonathan Gannon’s Cardinals appear poised to make real strides in 2025. They doubled their win total in 2024. Kyler Murray looks comfortable in the system, and James Conner is locked in for the long term. Now they just need Marvin Harrison Jr. to make a leap to further elevate the offense, and a difference-making pass rusher to lead the defense.
7. San Francisco 49ers (6-11)
The Brock Purdy contract will command a lot of attention this offseason, but the 49ers also need to fortify a defense that was ravaged by injuries in 2024. They also need offensive stars like Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams to help extend this window of competitiveness that might have only another season or two of life to it.
8. Carolina Panthers (5-12)
Bryce Young answered a pressing question with the way he finished the 2024 season, winning two of the final three games. Another offseason with Dave Canales should position the 2023 No. 1 pick for continued growth in 2025. With quarterback questions resolved, the Panthers can turn their attention to getting the help they badly need at edge rusher, defensive line and defensive back.
9. Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
The roster was solid enough for the Colts to flirt with a playoff berth in both of Shane Steichen’s first two seasons as head coach. But there are still very big questions about quarterback Anthony Richardson and whether he has the mental fortitude necessary to finally blossom into the difference-maker that could elevate Indy from 8-9 to 11-6.
10. Chicago Bears (5-12)
Caleb Williams found himself overshadowed by Jayden Daniels, and rightfully so. But Williams didn’t have a bad year (3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, only six interceptions, completion percentage of 62.5). The Bears can’t miss on this head coaching hire. There’s still a gap between Chicago and the NFC North’s third-place team, Green Bay. But the pieces are there for Chicago to compete.
11. New England Patriots (4-13)
Drake Maye was the bright spot of another season of regression for the once-proud franchise. Mike Vrabel brings credibility and hope. A deep collection of draft picks and gobs of salary-cap space could lead to a significantly upgraded roster in 2025.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13)
The Jaguars have an important building block in Trevor Lawrence, who, as it turns out, might be solid but not elite. They still have an underperforming general manager in Trent Baalke. And they will have a new head coach, who will be tasked with maximizing Lawrence’s skills. There are some pieces to work with, but that playoff run in the 2022 season feels like a long time ago.
13. New York Jets (5-12)
Another franchise reset is on the way with a new coach and general manager. Aaron Rodgers’ plans remain a mystery, as do the Jets’ feelings about continuing this marriage. The cupboard isn’t bare, but a quick fix seems unlikely.
14. Las Vegas Raiders (4-13)
They currently have no coach, no general manager and no long-term solution at quarterback. They do have a star in tight end Brock Bowers, and pass rusher Maxx Crosby. But, also, the AFC West is tough.
15. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
Will Levis is not the answer. Brian Callahan might not be, either. Former general manager Ran Carthon, fired last week after two seasons, seemed to assemble some quality talent through the draft and free agency. Can a veteran quarterback help this squad rebound to the middle of the pack?
16. New Orleans Saints (5-12)
A familiar refrain: Aging quarterback, aging defensive stars, limited salary-cap space. … There’s not much here to sell to a leading head coach candidate.
17. New York Giants (3-14)
Malik Nabers is a star, so teaming him up with the right quarterback could help the Giants improve. But is the No. 3 pick too late for Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll to have a shot at a legit franchise savior? The quarterback pickings in free agency are slim as well.
18. Cleveland Browns (3-14)
The Browns have a mess on their hands. Deshaun Watson is unlikely to play in 2025 after another Achilles tear, but his restrictive salary-cap hit remains on the books. Cleveland has the No. 2 pick. Should it be spent on a quarterback? Even as Kevin Stefanski likely reclaims play-calling duties of an offense that will have a new coordinator (Tommy Rees) and line coach, this turnaround will take a while.
(Top illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; photos of Tua Tagovailoa, Joe Burrow and Micah Parsons: Carmen Mandato and
Wesley Hitt / Getty Images; Nick Cammett / Diamond Images via Getty Images)
