2021 NFL season: 5 AFC sleepers for the playoffs
After missing the playoffs in 2020, here are five AFC teams that could make the jump to the postseason in the 2021 NFL season.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
This one is way out there, considering the Jaguars ended the 2020 season with a 1-15 record and finishing on a 15-game losing streak. Jacksonville, however, is welcoming in quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who many believe will be the next Peyton Manning. If Lawrence is even remotely as goods Manning from the jump, Jacksonville should be competitive in a litany of games and perhaps win the weakest AFC division.
4. New England Patriots
Who are the Patriots? New England spent more money this offseason than any other team in the league, trying to revamp a dormant offense.We saw the Patriots sign receivers Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor, along with tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry. Then, in the NFL Draft, head coach Bill Belichick added quarterback Mac Jones to the fold, bringing him in to compete with Cam Newton. The Patriots are certainly going to look very different.
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3. Denver Broncos
The Broncos are this high because there’s a real chance they land Aaron Rodgers. If that happens, Denver isn’t just a contender to make the playoffs but to reach the Super Bowl. Head coach Vic Fangio has one of the league’s most talented rosters at his disposal in the Mile High City. The problem is he has no quarterback to run the show. However, even if. Rodgers doesn’t come to the Broncos, rolling out Teddy Bridgewater instead of third-year man Drew Lock would represent a significant improvement.
2. Miami Dolphins
Now we’re into the big boys. Miami won 10 games last season but fell just short of the playoffs due to a strong conference and a really rough Week 17 loss to the Buffalo Bills. In this offseason, the Dolphins allowed veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to walk and join the Washington Football Team, meaning Tua Tagovailoa is now front and center. If Tagovailoa does a decent job, the rest of the roster is good enough for Miami to make the playoffs in the AFC.
Read: Tim Tebow Officially Signs With Jaguars As Tight End
1. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are clearly the team to watch out of this group. Justin Herbert looked amazing as a rookie, the weaponry of receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, as well as running back Austin Ekeler is solid. Factor in a revamped offensive line and a quality defense, and the Chargers should be able to snag a wild card while giving the Kansas City Chiefs some pushback in the AFC West.
