NFL · 9 months ago

Ranking the Future Outlook of the 6 Wild Card Weekend Losers

Grant White

Host · Writer

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!
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
Undoubtedly, the Pittsburgh Steelers face the most daunting path back to relevancy next season. They need to sort out their quarterback situation and find the right building blocks for the future, while their run game could also require attention. The most concerning aspect of their outlook is the Steelers' underwhelming defense that seemingly fell apart as the season progressed. All of that is compounded by Mike Tomlin's uncertain future in the Steel City.

NFL Divisional Round Matchup Pages: Texans vs. Chiefs | Ravens vs. Bills | Rams vs. Eagles | Commanders vs. Lions
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.

Tackle the Odds with SportsGrid’s Expert NFL Game Picks and NFL Player Prop Picks.
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.

NFL Divisional Round Rankings: Teams | Quarterbacks | Coaches | Underdog Upset Potential
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.

Ravens vs. Bills Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates
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.

NFL Divisional Round Previews: Predictions | What You Need to Know | 4 Teams That Should Be Worried
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!
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
Undoubtedly, the Pittsburgh Steelers face the most daunting path back to relevancy next season. They need to sort out their quarterback situation and find the right building blocks for the future, while their run game could also require attention. The most concerning aspect of their outlook is the Steelers' underwhelming defense that seemingly fell apart as the season progressed. All of that is compounded by Mike Tomlin's uncertain future in the Steel City.

NFL Divisional Round Matchup Pages: Texans vs. Chiefs | Ravens vs. Bills | Rams vs. Eagles | Commanders vs. Lions

Ranking the Future Outlook of the 6 Wild Card Weekend Losers

Sports Betting

Sportsbook Promos

Social Casinos