NFL · 1 year ago

Ranking the Future Outlook of the 9 AFC Non-Playoff Teams

John Canady

Host · Writer

9. Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are in a bit of an exciting spot. The team finally moved off Ryan Tannehill and gave Will Levis the keys to the offense. And after his first start and throwing for four touchdowns, it looked like Tennessee had found their future quarterback. However, after his first start, Levis ended the year as one of the worst quarterbacks down the stretch. Fast forward to the end of the season, and Mike Vrabel was fired as the head coach of the team, which came as a shock as he was one of the very few bright spots for the organization. With Derrick Henry and DeAndre Hopkins likely on their way out, the Titans are set to start a fresh rebuild with Ron Carthon and new head coach Brian Callahan leading the way.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals entered the season as a Super Bowl contender. However, the team's hopes dimmed after a slow start and a Joe Burrow injury. But as Burrow began to get healthy, the Bengals started to pick up momentum and rack up wins. Unfortunately, as the team finally found their footing, their starting quarterback's injury woes would continue when he was ruled out for the season following tearing a ligament in his right wrist. Nonetheless, when the team gets healthy next season, we won't be surprised to see them return to being a top AFC squad. But Cincy's future is interesting after losing offensive coordinator Brian Callahan and potentially losing Tee Higgins in free agency.
2. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have a new tenure underway, with young head coach Shane Steichen leading the way. And in his rookie season as head coach, Steichen led the Colts to a winning record with a backup quarterback just one season after a 4-12-1 year. As the team looks to get their franchise quarterback, Anthony Richardson, back healthy, the future looks bright for Indy. The pairing of Richardson and All-Pro Jonathan Taylor is exciting to look forward to. Still, with promising talent on both sides of the ball, Indianapolis could be a force to be reckoned with moving forward.
3. Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers may quietly have one of the brightest futures ahead of them. After reeling in the big fish in the coaching cycle with Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles now pairs Justin Herbert with one of the brightest offensive coaches in the game. With a great supporting cast around Herbert on offense and stars on defense, LA could be a threat in the AFC moving forward.
4. New York Jets
The New York Jets entered the season with as much hype surrounding a team as I can remember. However, it ended on the first offensive drive of the season when Aaron Rodgers ruptured his Achilles before ever completing a regular-season pass. Rodgers's return will boost the team if the former MVP can return to himself. And with one of the best defenses in the league, New York could finally put the league on notice next year at full strength.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars may have had one of the most disappointing seasons of the year. Following their Divisional Round appearance the year before, many expected the Jags to take another leap in the second season of Doug Pederson and Trevor Lawrence. And after their 8-3 start to the year, it looked like they were living up to expectations. But after a 1-5 end to the season, Jacksonville not only gave up the division championship but also missed the playoffs. The team will have a big season in 2024–25.
6. Las Vegas Raiders
After firing Josh McDaniels, the Las Vegas Raiders found new life when Antonio Pierce took over mid-year. With players vouching for Pierce throughout the head coaching search, he landed the job and looks to build off the new culture he set midway through the season. If Las Vegas can find their answer at quarterback, the team has the tools on their roster to compete with anyone next year.
7. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos may be in one of the most exciting spots of all teams in the NFL right now. After hiring Sean Payton last offseason, the belief was that his pairing with Russell Wilson would put the Broncos back into contention. However, that didn't happen. Denver started the season as badly as possible, and when they figured things out, Payton benched Wilson at the end of the year for "financial reasons." With the former Super Bowl quarterback likely to be on a different roster next season and rumors of the Broncos eyeing a QB in the draft, Denver's future outlook may be one to keep an eye on.
8. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are in new territory as the Bill Belichick era has ended. With Jerod Mayo now the head coach of the Pats, he'll have his work cut out for him as the team looks to return to their winning ways. Fortunately, they have a top-three pick and plenty of cap space to start their rebuild with a bang. With a big question mark at the quarterback position, all eyes will be on New England and their No. 3 overall pick.
9. Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are in a bit of an exciting spot. The team finally moved off Ryan Tannehill and gave Will Levis the keys to the offense. And after his first start and throwing for four touchdowns, it looked like Tennessee had found their future quarterback. However, after his first start, Levis ended the year as one of the worst quarterbacks down the stretch. Fast forward to the end of the season, and Mike Vrabel was fired as the head coach of the team, which came as a shock as he was one of the very few bright spots for the organization. With Derrick Henry and DeAndre Hopkins likely on their way out, the Titans are set to start a fresh rebuild with Ron Carthon and new head coach Brian Callahan leading the way.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals entered the season as a Super Bowl contender. However, the team's hopes dimmed after a slow start and a Joe Burrow injury. But as Burrow began to get healthy, the Bengals started to pick up momentum and rack up wins. Unfortunately, as the team finally found their footing, their starting quarterback's injury woes would continue when he was ruled out for the season following tearing a ligament in his right wrist. Nonetheless, when the team gets healthy next season, we won't be surprised to see them return to being a top AFC squad. But Cincy's future is interesting after losing offensive coordinator Brian Callahan and potentially losing Tee Higgins in free agency.

Ranking the Future Outlook of the 9 AFC Non-Playoff Teams

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