NFL · 1 year ago

Which NFL Teams With a Losing Record Can Still Make the Playoffs?

John Canady

Host · Writer

Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
The Arizona Cardinals had little to no expectations when entering the season. Despite that, Arizona didn’t let that affect them to the slightest. The Cards carried that chip on their shoulder into the year and nearly beat the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. Arizona followed that up with an impressive win over the Los Angeles Rams a week later. Now, fresh off a tough loss against the Detroit Lions, they’ll have a chance to get back in the win column against the Washington Commanders. Nonetheless, if Kyler Murray continues to play at the level he has and Marvin Harrison Jr. can keep things going, Arizona could be a dark horse in the NFC.

Betting Odds to Make the Playoffs: Arizona Cardinals +205
Baltimore Ravens (1-2)
The Baltimore Ravens entered the season with high hopes following a heartbreaking loss in the AFC Championship last year. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens had their chance for redemption against the Chiefs but fell short by the inch of a toe (literally). In Week 2, the team couldn’t close the game against the Las Vegas Raiders and lost on a late-game field goal. However, last Sunday, Baltimore finally managed to put their struggles to the side and grab their first win of the season over the Dallas Cowboys. That said, with two-time MVP Jackson and John Harbaugh leading the way, the Ravens are far from being out of playoff contention.

Betting Odds to Make the Playoffs: Baltimore Ravens -215
Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
The Atlanta Falcons added Kirk Cousins and Justin Simmons in two of the biggest free agency moves over the offseason. With new head coach Raheem Morris leading the way, Atlanta believed the NFC South was wide open for the taking. And while it is, the Falcons have fallen short in two of the first three weeks. Fortunately for ATL, the team seems to be finding chemistry at the right time. The New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers both head into town in the next two weeks and the Falcons have a chance to grab two wins over division opponents.

Betting Odds to Make the Playoffs: Atlanta Falcons -120
Indianapolis Colts (1-2)
The Indianapolis Colts fell one game shy of the postseason last year with a backup quarterback. Indy was looked at as a sleeper entering the season with starting QB Anthony Richardson back, but through three weeks, the Colts have struggled. Between Richardson’s six interceptions and the horrid run defense, Indianapolis finds themselves at 1-2. However, the team sits in second place in the AFC South with plenty of time to turn it around. Following their win on Sunday over the Chicago Bears, the team has a chance to put together a winning streak and change the narrative of their season.

Betting Odds to Make the Playoffs: Indianapolis Colts +184
San Francisco 49ers (1-2)
The San Francisco 49ers may have been the last team on our minds to be on the list. Last season, the Niners represented the NFC in the Super Bowl. However, this year, the team is struggling to compete without their stars. The team is without Christian McCaffrey and other playmakers, but every team deals with injuries at some point. San Francisco still has plenty of time to turn it around, and with Kyle Shanahan in control, it’s almost expected.

Betting Odds to Make the Playoffs: San Francisco 49ers -205
Cincinnati Bengals (0-3)
Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals have no business being on this list. The team has the talent to be atop the AFC as a whole, but they continue to find themselves playing down to competition. With losses to the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Commanders, it can only go up from here. Fortunately for Cincy, they’ll have the opportunity to get in the win column against a Carolina Panthers team that is dealing with obvious issues of their own.

Betting Odds to Make the Playoffs: Cincinnati Bengals +120
Dallas Cowboys (1-2)
The Dallas Cowboys may be one of the most shocking teams on this list. After a dominant win in week one over the Cleveland Browns, it seemed like Dallas was set for another dominant year. Fast forward to Week 2, the New Orleans Saints came into AT&T Stadium and absolutely steam rolled the home team. And the following week, the Baltimore Ravens dominated for the majority of the game. The Cowboys have the talent, but they tend to stall at some point every year. Hopefully for Dallas fans, it’s not after one win.

Betting Odds to Make the Playoffs: Dallas Cowboys -120
Cleveland Browns (1-2)
The Cleveland Browns had one of the most dominant defenses last season that ultimately led the team to the postseason despite the constant carousel at quarterback. And the team felt that with Deshaun Watson healthy this season, Cleveland had the team to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. However, after two bad losses and barely making it by the 0-3 Jacksonville Jaguars, the Browns are in desperate need of a win. Perhaps a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday could get the team back on track.

Betting Odds to Make the Playoffs: Cleveland Browns +225
Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
The Arizona Cardinals had little to no expectations when entering the season. Despite that, Arizona didn’t let that affect them to the slightest. The Cards carried that chip on their shoulder into the year and nearly beat the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. Arizona followed that up with an impressive win over the Los Angeles Rams a week later. Now, fresh off a tough loss against the Detroit Lions, they’ll have a chance to get back in the win column against the Washington Commanders. Nonetheless, if Kyler Murray continues to play at the level he has and Marvin Harrison Jr. can keep things going, Arizona could be a dark horse in the NFC.

Betting Odds to Make the Playoffs: Arizona Cardinals +205
Baltimore Ravens (1-2)
The Baltimore Ravens entered the season with high hopes following a heartbreaking loss in the AFC Championship last year. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens had their chance for redemption against the Chiefs but fell short by the inch of a toe (literally). In Week 2, the team couldn’t close the game against the Las Vegas Raiders and lost on a late-game field goal. However, last Sunday, Baltimore finally managed to put their struggles to the side and grab their first win of the season over the Dallas Cowboys. That said, with two-time MVP Jackson and John Harbaugh leading the way, the Ravens are far from being out of playoff contention.

Betting Odds to Make the Playoffs: Baltimore Ravens -215

Which NFL Teams With a Losing Record Can Still Make the Playoffs?

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