NFL 2019: Which last-place team could make the playoffs?
Last year, we watched eight teams sink to the depths of their divisions. However, in the National Football League, there’s always hope for a quick turnaround. Let’s rank them, from least to most-likely, on which teams will rebound to make the postseason in the 2019 season.
8. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are facing a massive uphill battle. Whether they are starting Kyler Murray or Josh Rosen at quarterback, they are inexperienced and unproven under center. They also have a first-time head coach who struggled at Texas Tech — before being fired — despite having Patrick Mahomes.
7. New York Giants
The Giants might have the worst roster in football. The only reason they don’t check in eighth is because the NFC East is poor, and New York does have a pair of first-round picks that could turn into immediate contributors. Still, don’t be going to Vegas and betting on the over with the Giants.
6. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are in the midst of turning over the proverbial new leaf. In with Zac Taylor as head coach, out — finally — with Marvin Lewis. Cincinnati should move on from Andy Dalton and revamp the offense, but that hasn’t happened yet. For now, it’s hard to see the Bengals climbing to respectability.
5. Detroit Lions
There’s no reason to think the Lions are better than either the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears or Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North. Hence, Detroit is condemned to finish fourth once again, and from there, it’s impossible to make the playoffs.
4. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have improved, but the team is still below average. Oakland isn’t on par, or even close to it, when you look at teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West. The Raiders might score some points with the additions of Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams, but the defense is still a total disaster.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The idea of Bruce Arians coming into Tmpa Bay and fixing things is appealing, but the division remains tough. The New Orleans Saints very well could have represented the NFC in the Super Bowl, and the Atlanta Falcons should bounce back from the injury-ravaged year they just endured. Still, the Buccaneers have talent and merit watching.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
With Nick Foles involved, the Jaguars are certainly better. Now, are they good enough to earn a wild card spot in the AFC or even usurp the Houston Texans in the South? Tough to say. Still, with that defensive personnel and Foles under center, there’s hope.
1. New York Jets
This one is simple. The division isn’t leaving New England’s grasp, but the Jets have added enough talent to become a potential playoff team. The big question is whether the combination of Adam Gase and Sam Darnold can work well together from the jump.
