“Dark Horse Contenders: 3 Unexpected Teams Shaping the NFL Playoffs”
Already eliminated from playoff contention, these teams can’t wait to ruin the fun for other NFL cities hoping to make it to the postseason.
Cleveland Browns (3-10)
Why they could be trouble: Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is just as likely to throw for 497 yards and four touchdowns like he did against the Broncos as he is to throw three interceptions like he did against the Ravens … and also the Bronco
Already eliminated from playoff contention, these teams can’t wait to ruin the fun for other NFL cities hoping to make it to the postseason.
Cleveland Browns (3-10)
Why they could be trouble: Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is just as likely to throw for 497 yards and four touchdowns like he did against the Broncos as he is to throw three interceptions like he did against the Ravens … and also the Broncos.
Winston led the team to a 24-19 win over the Steelers in Week 12 and could easily do the same against two division rivals in the team’s last four games.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 3, 2024
Team that should worry: While Cincinnati’s chances of making the playoffs are slim, Pro Football Network’s Playoff Predictor gives the Bengals a 4.3% chance to earn the AFC’s seventh seed. Of course, they’d have to win their last four games including a home matchup against the Browns in Week 16.
Why they could be trouble: New England hasn’t lost 14 games in a season since 1992 and new head coach Jerod Mayo hopes to do better in 2024. Another two wins would give him five, the same number of games Bill Belichick won in 2000, his first year coaching the Patriots.
Fortunately for Mayo, quarterback Drake Maye is starting to show what made him the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. New England has lost its last three matchups, but Maye has played well over that span, averaging 247 yards per game with a career-high completion percentage (80%) against the Colts in Week 14.
Team that should worry: Even at 6-7, the Cardinals have a chance to win the NFC West but end their season with games against the Rams and 49ers, both division rivals. A loss to the Patriots on Sunday could keep Arizona out of the playoffs for the third-straight year.
New York Jets (3-10)
Why they could be trouble: How fitting was it to see Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers throw for a season-high 339 yards in a 32-26 overtime loss to the Dolphins that eliminated New York from playoff contention? The 41-year-old quarterback hadn’t thrown for more than 300 yards since 2021 but Jets fans won’t be the least bit surprised to see him do it again in four meaningless games.
Rodgers contract runs through 2025 but few expect him to be with the team next year. Always a polarizing figure, Rodgers could even find himself without a team in 2025. Rest assured, the four-time NFL MVP understands his situation and will look to light up the scoreboard in the Jets’ last four games.
Team that should worry: At 7-6, the Los Angeles Rams sit one game behind Seattle for first place in the NFC West. They looked great beating the Bills 44-42 on Sunday but could fall into a trap at MetLife Stadium between rivalry games against San Francisco and Arizona in Week 16.