Let’s take a look at the future of the NFL playoff outsiders.
Tennessee Titans: Focus on drafting a franchise quarterback. The Week 18 scenario with Will Levis and Mason Rudolph swapping series was a fitting end to a disappointing season at quarterback for the Titans. While there are doubts about the Brian Callahan regime, they have the chance to select a top rookie QB with the first overall pick.
Cleveland Browns: Transition away from the Deshaun Watson era. The firing of offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey signals the start of this process. While Watson may still be part of the team in some capacity, the focus should be on moving forward. Kirk Cousins, linked to head coach Kevin Stefanski, could be a key figure alongside a rookie QB next season.
New York Giants: Take a serious approach to the quarterback position. With Daniel Jones era over, the Giants need to be more decisive in choosing their next QB. Despite picking third in a reportedly weaker QB draft, they have solid receiving options in place for the new signal-caller to develop with.
New England Patriots: Surround Drake Maye with talent. The rookie QB showed promise in 2024, and the Patriots should build around him. With a new coaching staff and ample resources, New England should prioritize bolstering the offensive line and receiving corps to support Maye.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Hire a head coach who excels in play-calling. After a promising start under Doug Pederson, the Jaguars need a coach who can maximize Trevor Lawrence’s potential. The offense needs to be optimized, especially with standout rookie Brian Thomas Jr. on the team.
Las Vegas Raiders: Acquire a starting-caliber quarterback. The Minshew vs. O’Connell competition was not a long-term solution, and the Raiders must address the QB position. With the sixth pick in the draft and cap space to work with, Las Vegas should aim to secure a reliable QB to lead the team forward.
New York Jets need to move on from Aaron Rodgers and focus on finding a solid quarterback duo for the future. The experiment with Rodgers was a failure, and it’s time for a new coaching staff to take over without him. This means Davante Adams and other familiar faces will not be brought back.
Carolina Panthers should build around Bryce Young, who has shown potential as their quarterback. With pieces like Adam Thielen returning in 2025 and promising young players like Jalen Coker, the Panthers have a good foundation to work with. Improvements in the offensive line and adding another receiver will make the team even stronger.
New Orleans Saints need to start a rebuild after a season plagued by injuries. It’s time to shed expensive veterans, focus on the draft, and come out stronger in the long run.
Chicago Bears must hire the right head coach to support Caleb Williams, who had a rough rookie season. Fixing the coaching staff will help Williams and the talented group of pass-catchers succeed.
San Francisco 49ers should prioritize building up their offensive line to address issues that arose due to injuries and subpar play.
Dallas Cowboys need to add more pass-catching options beyond CeeDee Lamb to strengthen their offense.
Miami Dolphins should focus on building a solid offensive line, among other offseason priorities, to set themselves up for success.
In order to improve the team, it is crucial to address several key areas. One major focus should be on maintaining a strong offensive line, as neglecting this aspect can significantly impact the passing game and overall team performance. Adding new talent to the front line can help both in pass protection and in revitalizing the run game, which struggled in the previous season.
For the Indianapolis Colts, a strategic approach to make quarterback Anthony Richardson more efficient is recommended. While the team is sticking with the same crew for 2025, adjustments to the offensive strategy are necessary. The offensive coordinator must tailor the play-calling to suit Richardson’s strengths and minimize the volatility in his performance to elevate the team’s overall success.
In Atlanta, developing quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is a priority after his promising impact on the offense. Despite some inconsistencies, Penix has shown potential to enhance the team’s passing game, particularly benefiting receiver Drake London. Focusing on Penix’s growth as a starting quarterback will be key to the Falcons’ progress.
For the Arizona Cardinals, maximizing the potential of their talented players is essential for achieving consistency on offense. While there is quality personnel in place, improvements in critical situations, especially in tight coverage, are needed. Providing support for quarterback Kyler Murray and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will be crucial for the team’s success in the upcoming season.
The Cincinnati Bengals face multiple challenges in the offseason, including securing key players like Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. Managing contract negotiations and addressing defensive restructuring are top priorities to maintain team cohesion and competitiveness. Balancing these various tasks will be essential for the Bengals’ success moving forward.
In Seattle, solving the issues with the offensive line is paramount after the dismissal of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. The team struggled with protection and run game execution due to deficiencies in the interior line. Improving the talent and strategy in the front line will be crucial for the Seahawks to enhance offensive performance in the next season.
Repetition of issues among guards on the team’s offensive line remains a continuing concern.
