NFL · 1 year ago

Ranking the Future Outlook of the 6 Losing NFC Playoff Teams

Ben DiGiacomo

Host · Writer

1. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions' second-half collapse against the 49ers is worse than any collapse I've seen recently, but I can't completely write them off next season. All of their offensive talent is coming back along with Ben Johnson as the OC, so imagine what another year of development for guys like Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs could do. Defensively, they made a ton of strides throughout the regular season, especially up front, so imagine if they can land a playmaker or two in the secondary to round out this defense in free agency or the draft. However, nothing is more essential for them than adding a kicker (one that Dan Campbell can trust to nail a field goal in a playoff game).
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a nice season and made the most out of it by winning a playoff game, but nothing about their team screams that they'll improve next season. Much of Baker Mayfield's success can be attributed to Dave Canales, who is now the head coach of the Carolina Panthers, and to make matters worse, Baker is expecting a decent payday. Around Mayfield, Mike Evans could be gone, and the running game won't be anything spectacular with Rachaad White leading the way, so with an aging defense on the other side of the ball, this team isn't going any further. The other NFC South teams should be improved next season, so the Bucs should focus on winning their division before worrying about bigger aspirations.
5. Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams had themselves a second half of the season before nearly taking down the Detroit Lions during Wild Card Weekend, leaving us much to be excited about heading into next season. Puka Nacua will only get better alongside Cooper Kupp, assuming Matt Stafford's age doesn't catch up to him this offseason. Plus, Kyren Williams is an absolute stud out of the backfield. Defensively, I worry about Raheem Morris's departure stunting the growth of some of their young defensive players. Still, I'll trust that Sean McVay can attract a strong enough defensive coordinator to do the job.
4. Dallas Cowboys
How can we rank the Dallas Cowboys any higher if they haven't given us any reason to believe in them in the postseason? Dak Prescott will likely put up great regular season numbers, CeeDee Lamb will have another monstrous, and Micah Parsons will be a game-changer on the defensive side of the ball. I'm curious to see how much Dan Quinn's loss impacts the unit, but with Mike McCarthy and Dak still leading this team, there is nothing to make me believe in a potential postseason burst next year.
3. Green Bay Packers
How about the Green Bay Packers? They busted on the postseason scene, embarrassed the Dallas Cowboys, and nearly took down the Super Bowl-bound San Francisco 49ers. Jordan Love cemented himself as one of the NFC's best young quarterbacks, so surrounded by a young roster with plenty of pieces on both sides of the ball, this year was only the beginning for this team.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
Nothing I say can minimize the Philadelphia Eagles' postseason collapse. Nothing. However, there is reason to be excited about what they can do next season. Bringing in veteran coordinators Vic Fangio and Kellen Moore will help stabilize the game plan and schemes, allowing Nick Sirianni to step back to more of a CEO role. Jalen Hurts is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league; his offensive line is still dominant. DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown are arguably the league's best wide receiver duo, and the defense hopefully will be overhauled this season. A lot needs to go right for the Eagles to be back in contention next season, but they were in the Super Bowl last season for a reason, and their 10-1 start this season wasn't a complete fluke.
1. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions' second-half collapse against the 49ers is worse than any collapse I've seen recently, but I can't completely write them off next season. All of their offensive talent is coming back along with Ben Johnson as the OC, so imagine what another year of development for guys like Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs could do. Defensively, they made a ton of strides throughout the regular season, especially up front, so imagine if they can land a playmaker or two in the secondary to round out this defense in free agency or the draft. However, nothing is more essential for them than adding a kicker (one that Dan Campbell can trust to nail a field goal in a playoff game).
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a nice season and made the most out of it by winning a playoff game, but nothing about their team screams that they'll improve next season. Much of Baker Mayfield's success can be attributed to Dave Canales, who is now the head coach of the Carolina Panthers, and to make matters worse, Baker is expecting a decent payday. Around Mayfield, Mike Evans could be gone, and the running game won't be anything spectacular with Rachaad White leading the way, so with an aging defense on the other side of the ball, this team isn't going any further. The other NFC South teams should be improved next season, so the Bucs should focus on winning their division before worrying about bigger aspirations.