Ranking the Future Outlook of the 6 Wild Card Weekend Losers

1. Los Angeles Chargers

Jim Harbaugh's transformation of the Los Angeles Chargers was one of the most impressive feats of the 2024 season. While they looked utterly dreadful in the Wild Card Round, an ineffective road performance does nothing to tarnish the Chargers' outlook moving forward. Like the Broncos, Los Angeles can unseat the perennially contending Chiefs in 2025.

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5. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings caught lightning in a bottle in 2024. Although overlooked in the NFC North at the outset of the season, they surprisingly came within one win of securing the top seed in the conference. Now, with J.J. McCarthy under center, the Vikings will have to undergo a learning curve, making it unlikely they will replicate their success in 2025.

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4. Green Bay Packers

Close but no cigar is the only way to describe the Green Bay Packers' tenure with Jordan Love under center. The team lacks a top-tier receiver capable of pushing them over the edge. However, one offseason adjustment could be the turning point for the Packers as they look to re-establish themselves as Super Bowl contenders. The Packers might be amazed at what a first-round wide receiver can do on offense.

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3. Denver Broncos

Bo Nix's NFL career got off to a shaky start. Still, he quelled any concerns with his exceptional end to the campaign. The Denver Broncos faced improbable odds in getting past the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round, but the exposure bodes well for Nix's development. If they can sort out their Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde defense, this team could dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West next season. 

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2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield may have cost the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a shot at this year's championship, but their outlook remains bright. The emergence of Bucky Irving out of the backfield adds a new element to the Bucs' offensive attack. Getting Chris Godwin back to full health must be a priority this offseason. Getting the gang back together for another kick at the can in 2025, and we could see this team set the bar even higher next season.

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1. Los Angeles Chargers

Jim Harbaugh's transformation of the Los Angeles Chargers was one of the most impressive feats of the 2024 season. While they looked utterly dreadful in the Wild Card Round, an ineffective road performance does nothing to tarnish the Chargers' outlook moving forward. Like the Broncos, Los Angeles can unseat the perennially contending Chiefs in 2025.

March down the field with SportsGrid’s FREE Top NFL Game Picks and NFL Player Prop Picks weekly!