Every year, the NFL playoff race looks different from the previous year. Injuries, offseason improvement or just plain luck can affect who makes the playoffs and who doesn’t. Last year, four teams made the playoffs after missing out the previous season. Many teams made a lot of improvements, but only five made the cut. Here are five new teams that are most likely to make the playoffs.
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders had a fantastic offseason, surrounding their young core with a lot of great players. Their defense looks a lot more ferocious with the additions of linebacker Bruce Irvin and defensive backs Sean Smith, Reggie Nelson and first-round pick Karl Joseph. They also built up their lines on both sides of the ball by signing guard Kelechi Osemele and drafting defensive linemen Jihad Ward and Shilique Calhoun. Add these players to an already established young core featuring quarterback Derek Carr, wide receiver Amari Cooper and edge rusher Khalil Mack, and they look ready to take on the rest of the league. To help their cause, the defending AFC West (and Super Bowl) champions, the Denver Broncos, lost a lot of key players in the offseason. If their quarterback situation doesn’t work out, expect Oakland to be the team that takes advantage of it.
New York Jets
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is still a free agent, and he is still far apart with team on a new deal. While it seems like it would make perfect sense to just give Fitzpatrick a one-year deal and figure it out again next year, the Jets don’t seem to want that. However, let’s assume one of the two sides eventually gives up and Fitz ends up in the Big Apple. Then you’re looking at a legitimate playoff team. The wide receiver tandem of Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker is one of the best in the league. Their defensive line is still elite, even with the loss of Damon “Snacks” Harrison. They added running back Matt Forte in free agency, who, although is not as good a runner as Chris Ivory, is one of the most complete backs in the NFL. First-rounder linebacker Darron Lee was a great addition to a defense who needed a linebacker who can drop back in coverage. Given that the Jets were six points away from being a playoff team last year, they may very well grab a wild card spot in a division that lacks competition outside of New England.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are the consensus choice for the best offseason in the league. Their huge haul of free agents makes them a scary team on paper. Defensive tackle Malik Jackson, defensive backs Prince Amukamara and Tashaun Gipson and running back Chris Ivory will all make Jacksonville a lot better. Their draft was fantastic as well, getting two of the best defensive players in cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Myles Jack. Ramsey suffered a small meniscus tear, but he won’t be out for a long period of time. Jack also is going through knee problems, but the Jags seem confident that he’ll be fine. An improved defense as well as further development from quarterback Blake Bortles may give Jacksonville their first playoff appearance since 2007.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens were awful last year, but it wasn’t fully their fault. Injuries aplenty bombarded their roster, as they had a whopping 22 players who ended the season on injured reserve. One of those 22 was quarterback Joe Flacco, leaving the Ravens to play with a rotation of Jimmy Clausen, Ryan Mallett and Matt Schaub. I almost threw up while writing that. Thankfully, they get a clean slate this year. People tend to forget that this Baltimore team made the playoffs just two years ago. They essentially get two first-rounders this year, as offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and 2015 pick wide receiver Breshad Perriman (missed all of last year due to injury) will both play this year. They join an offense with a solid offensive line and a three-headed monster at running back with Justin Forsett, Javorius “Buck” Allen and rookie Kenneth Dixon. Don’t sleep on the Ravens: they may just surprise us all and become a playoff team once again.
Dallas Cowboys
The NFC East stunk last year, there’s no denying that. One major factor of this was the Dallas Cowboys. Injuries to players such as quarterback Tony Romo and wide receiver Dez Bryant destroyed their team. Thankfully, Romo is back and they don’t have to worry about having Kellen Moore, Brandon Weeden or Matt Cassel under center. America’s Team had a quiet free agency period, but did solid in the draft. Running back Ezekiel Elliott landed in the best spot possible: behind the best offensive line in the NFL. If linebacker Jaylon Smith can play at all this year, he’ll greatly benefit their defense. Considering that this team is very similar to their 2014 playoff team, they’re likely to bounce back this year. I’m not saying the Cowboys will run away with the NFC East title, but they should definitely be a team to keep an eye on.
