NFL · 7 months ago

Ranking the Future Outlook of the 4 NFL Divisional Playoffs Weekend Losers

Grant White

Host · Writer

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4. Los Angeles Rams
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It might be a tough pill to swallow, but the competitive window for this iteration of the Los Angeles Rams appears to be closing.

While Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams stand out as two premier offensive players, the supporting cast around them is on the decline. Matthew Stafford is days away from turning 37, with dwindling production metrics. Likewise, Cooper Kupp has been limited by injuries and is well past the prime age for wide receivers.

Defensive adjustments took hold in the latter part of the campaign, but the Rams still finished with sub-optimal defensive metrics. All those factors support the idea that they could have difficulty re-capturing this success next season.
3. Detroit Lions
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We're also bearish on the Detroit Lions' outlook heading into next season. While they ended the campaign as one of the top-performing teams on offense, defensive concerns continue to linger, and coaching changes could be the nail in the coffin.

Detroit lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets. Those changes won't negate the growth we saw this year, and they put the Lions at a disadvantage heading into the offseason. Those concerns are amplified by Jared Goff's deteriorating play and the persistent passing defense woes that were a limiting factor.

The Lions put together the best regular season in team history. Replicating that success becomes a more daunting hurdle in 2025.
2. Baltimore Ravens
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The Baltimore Ravens seemingly get better year after year. There's not an infinite amount of time for Derrick Henry to thrive, but we're predicting at least one more productive year from the former All-Pro running back.

More prominently, Lamar Jackson is in the prime of his career and poised for his second straight MVP award. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman have shown they can thrive as primary wide receivers, while Mark Andrews isn't as bad as he showed in the Divisional Round.

Defense was a concern partway through the season, but the Ravens got things back on track in the second half. No major changes or upgrades are needed, ensuring Baltimore is back on top of the AFC North next year.
1. Houston Texans
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After several lean years, the Houston Texans have developed elite playmakers on both sides of the football. Some hard lessons were learned in 2024, but the AFC South winners are on an upward trajectory.

C.J. Stroud's sophomore slump was a bit of a concern. Nevertheless, he performed at the highest level in the playoffs, bolstering his forward outlook. His performance is buoyed by a solid receivers corps that flashed more potential than any other team.

Still, the Texans' defense showed the most significant growth this season. Anchored by elite playmakers at every level, Houston should learn from its mistakes this year and come back even stronger next season.
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Stay Ahead of the Game and Elevate Your Sports Betting Experience with SportsGrid. Download the SportsGrid App from the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
4. Los Angeles Rams
March down the field with SportsGrid’s FREE Top NFL Game Picks and NFL Player Prop Picks weekly!

It might be a tough pill to swallow, but the competitive window for this iteration of the Los Angeles Rams appears to be closing.

While Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams stand out as two premier offensive players, the supporting cast around them is on the decline. Matthew Stafford is days away from turning 37, with dwindling production metrics. Likewise, Cooper Kupp has been limited by injuries and is well past the prime age for wide receivers.

Defensive adjustments took hold in the latter part of the campaign, but the Rams still finished with sub-optimal defensive metrics. All those factors support the idea that they could have difficulty re-capturing this success next season.