AFC – 5 teams most likely to rebound as playoff squad
Which AFC teams will make the playoffs in 2021 after missing the postseason last year? Here are the five top candidates.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are a long shot, but consider a few options. For starters, the AFC South is the most wide-open of the AFC quartets. Additionally, they added No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Trevor Lawrence, to the fold. Lawrence is the most hyped rookie to enter the league since Andrew Luck, who took a previously horrific AFC South team to the playoffs in his first campaign. Jacksonville isn’t a great bet to reach the postseason, but Lawrence and new head coach Urban Meyer at least make it intriguing.Â
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4. Denver Broncos
The Broncos are an odd team. Denver has a really good roster on both sides of the ball, especially defensively. The secondary has safety Justin Simmons playing behind corners Kyle Fuller, Ronald Darby and Bryce Callahan. The front seven is headlined by edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Von Miller, and defensive tackle Shelby Harris. However, what to make of Drew Lock under center? Even if Teddy Bridgewater wins the job, is the offense good/explosive enough to win 9+ games? Tough call.
3. New England Patriots
New England was one of the busiest teams this offseason. After missing the playoffs for only the fourth time in the Bill Belichick era — and the second since 2002 — the Patriots got busy. In free agency, they signed edge rusher Matthew Judon, corner Jalen Mills, tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, and wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Kedrick Bourne among others. In the draft, Belichick nabbed first-round quarterback Mac Jones to compete with Cam Newton. No team changed its roster more, and it might end up with the Patriots getting a playoff spot.
Read: Matt Nagy – ‘We Gotta Do It’ Next Season
2. Miami Dolphins
If the Dolphins had beaten the Buffalo Bills in Week 17, they’d have been a playoff team in 2020. Now, the franchise is largely relying on second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to elevate his play alongside a talented roster. Miami has a quality defense with two excellent corners in Xavien Howard and Byron Jones. The offense has a few weapons in receivers Jaylen Waddle and DeVante Parker. If Tagovailoa plays well, the Dolphins will be a postseason participant.
1. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are loaded. Joey Bosa and Derwin James, when healthy, are a top defensive duo. Justin Herbert is a second-year quarterback with superstar potential. His weapons are stacked with receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, and do-it-all running back Austin Ekeler. After rebuilding the offensive line, Los Angeles appears to be a 10-win team with significant upside.
