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NFL 2025 Playoffs Predictions: Three Teams That Made The Playoffs Last Year That Will Not This Season
Growing up, James was fascinated with watching sports. This led to an interest in research and stats and writing betting analysis for a variety of sports. James has graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business.
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Every year in the NFL, a few teams that made the playoffs the previous year end up missing the playoffs entirely the next season.
With many offseason changes, the NFL Draft, and injuries, no team that made the playoffs the previous year is guaranteed to get in the next year.
The only team that can almost be guaranteed to get in the playoffs, barring a season-ending injury to Patrick Mahomes, is the Kansas City Chiefs.
There have been many moves in the offseason that have changed a team’s outlook.
Each year, certain teams that made the playoffs last season will not this season, and certain teams that missed the playoffs last year will make it this season.
Three Teams That Made The NFL Playoffs Last Year That Won’t This Season
Each NFL season, we see turnover in teams that made the playoffs.
Whether it is because of injuries or losing key players in the offseason, no team is certain to make the playoffs because they did the previous year.
Below are three NFL teams that made the playoffs last year but are in danger of missing the playoffs this season.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos made the playoffs last year with a 10-7 record.
Bo Nix had an impressive rookie season, and the Broncos hope he takes a step forward in year two and avoids a sophomore slump.
Denver was led by a very good defense last year.
While they have a good team, the Broncos do not scare anyone. They are also in a tough AFC West with the Chiefs and Chargers.
Teams in the AFC like the Jaguars, Patriots, Dolphins, and Bengals will all be better in 2025.
It will be an uphill battle for the Broncos to make the postseason in 2025.
Pittsburgh Steelers
It is currently impossible to predict how the Steelers will be in 2025. Their current starting QB is Mason Rudolph, as they are still waiting for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision.
Even if Rodgers signs with the Steelers, their offense will not improve much from last season.
They traded WR George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, leaving their WR room similar to last season. DK Metcalf is the WR1, but there is no true WR2 on the team. They hope Roman Wilson becomes the WR,2, but he is unproven.
The defense is getting older, and they faltered late in the season last year.
There is just nothing to get excited about looking at the Steelers’ roster.
Pittsburgh will miss the playoffs in 2025, whether Rodgers signs or not.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings had an excellent season last year, but it came crashing down hard in week 18 and the wild-card round.
Now, Sam Darnold is no longer under center, and JJ McCarthy will be the starting QB in week 1. McCarthy missed all of last season due to a torn meniscus. This is essentially McCarthy’s rookie season.
It is unknown how he will perform. He is in the toughest division in the NFL, the NFC North, which is stacked.
It is difficult to predict Minnesota’s season as McCarthy is an unknown commodity.
Minnesota will miss the playoffs in 2025, as there are just too many good teams in the NFC and their division.
Three Teams That Did Not Make The NFL Playoffs Last Year That Will This Season
Certain teams improve greatly in the offseason, whether via free agency, the NFL Draft, or simply getting key players back from injuries.
Below are three NFL teams that did not make the playoffs last year but will this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars
This may come as a surprise, but the Jaguars are a much-improved team.
Trevor Lawrence was injured last season and missed significant time. His return, as well as having WR Brian Thomas Jr and rookie WR Travis Hunter to throw to, will vastly improve the offense.
Liam Coen will run a much better offense, which will suit Trevor Lawrence well.
With an improved offense, this will also allow the defense to improve.
The Jaguars will sneak up on teams this season and sneak into the postseason.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals missed the playoffs last season despite a historic season by Joe Burrow. Their defense was abysmal.
Cincinnati lost four games last season in which they scored more than 30 points.
This will not occur again in 2025, and the Bengals’ defense will improve. Even if they are average or just below average, this would be a major improvement.
This offense is way too talented with Burrow under center, throwing to WRs Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
With Burrow under center, the Bengals will return to the playoffs and be a Super Bowl contender.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys suffered numerous injuries to key players last season, most notably QB Dak Prescott.
Prescott only suited up for eight games last season. CB Deron Bland suited up for just seven games, and CB Trevon Diggs played in 11 games last year.
Dallas was unfairly criticized last season while everyone gave a to the 49ers.
This is a good Dallas squad that improved its offense in the offseason by acquiring WR George Pickens to become the WR2 behind CeeDee Lamb. This makes Dallas’ offense much better.
Dallas has a good team and will get back into the postseason in 2025.
