We’ve picked 4 groups that missed the playoffs final 12 months that might be price keeping track of in the course of the 2025-2026 NFL season. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
The 2025-2026 NFL season is underway – the Eagles simply beat the Cowboys final night time – and we’re again with our annual “non-playoff groups to look at” article, by which we choose 4 groups that missed the postseason final 12 months that ought to be attention-grabbing this 12 months.
That doesn’t imply we’re choosing these groups to make the playoffs. They actually may, however that is only a collection of groups trying to enhance that might benefit you tuning in to catch a few of their video games this season. They might be an enchanting shock mover, or an entertaining trainwreck. Who is aware of?
Odds offered by DraftKings.
Cincinnati Bengals (+290 to win division, +1,100 to win AFC, +2,200 to win Tremendous Bowl)
The Bengals had been one of many league’s greatest disappointments final season, although they did end with a profitable report at 9-8. It’s arduous to think about, although, a staff with Joe Burrow at quarterback, throwing to guys like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, not having it in them to make a playoff push. On the very least, they need to be enjoyable to look at – keep in mind, we’re not making predictions right here.
Burrow is taken into account one of many elite QBs within the league together with Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and division rival Lamar Jackson. These names are additionally three of the explanations it’s not straightforward for a defensively-challenged staff like Cincinnati to make the playoffs – the competitors is stiff.
an entertaining staff that battles it out in high-scoring affairs
However Cincy was additionally a squad that was a bit unfortunate final 12 months, going 4-7 in one-score video games. With a potent offense returning and continued query marks on protection, it will likely be attention-grabbing to see if the Bengals can return to prominence – they had been simply within the Tremendous Bowl in 2022 – or just be an entertaining staff that battles it out in high-scoring affairs.
Atlanta Falcons (+220 division, +4,000 NFC, +9,000 Tremendous Bowl)
I listed the Falcons on this identical article final 12 months and I’m going to do it once more, and for related causes. Final 12 months, I mentioned an enormous motive to look at this squad was the signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was anticipated to inject life into the offense.
Nicely, that didn’t work out and Atlanta turned to first spherical choose Michael Penix, Jr. to begin the ultimate three video games of the season. And whereas he was under no circumstances excellent – his completion share was unhealthy – he seemed fairly strong total for a rookie thrown into the fireplace.
Younger star operating again Bijan Robinson ought to take strain off Penix, who additionally has a fleet of younger move catchers who will likely be desperate to show their price.
Like Cincy, Atlanta could have issues on protection, although they did draft two move rushers within the first spherical this 12 months.
San Francisco 49ers (+155 division, +900 NFC, +2,000 Tremendous Bowl)
The Niners had been some of the dominant groups within the league for a number of seasons, however took an enormous downturn final 12 months, ending at simply 6-11. However as a lot this Inexperienced Bay Packers fan wish to see them proceed to wrestle, I sadly suppose they’re primed to bounce again.
most injured staff within the league
Final season’s story was accidents. San Francisco was essentially the most injured staff within the league and regardless of how deep the expertise goes, finally there’s not a lot you are able to do. In the event that they keep wholesome this 12 months, they might make waves once more, particularly with the NFL’s best schedule.
The NFC West is a little bit of a query mark. No groups are anticipated to be elite, however none are anticipated to be horrible, both. All of them kind of sit within the center third of the league proper now (after all, issues can change). So no matter how the 49ers find yourself, the divisional battles ought to be intense.
Jacksonville Jaguars (+270 division, +4,500 AFC, +10,000 Tremendous Bowl)
It seems just like the Jags are a staff that folks take a look at yearly and suppose, “Okay, that is lastly their 12 months to do one thing,” after which they don’t. We’re not even far faraway from 2023, when the Jags had been trying excellent at 8-3 after which went right into a tail spin that hasn’t stopped. It hasn’t helped that 2021 high choose, QB Trevor Lawrence, solely performed ten video games due to harm final season.
Talking of Lawrence, whereas he’s been good, he has but to grow to be the “man.” Maybe he turns the nook this 12 months, now that he’s again wholesome. He will definitely be helped by one of many league’s most enjoyable rookies, Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who will play each extensive receiver and cornerback. I’d keep watch over Jacksonville primarily based on Hunter’s presence alone.
