NFL Playoffs: Why Last Year’s Teams Often Miss Out
Every season, teams that dominated the previous one don’t make it back to the NFL playoffs the following season. With the loads of talent in the NFL, one or two injuries can completely change the outlook of a team. The constant changing makes NFL playoffs predictions a challenging practice that makes big names in the space look silly every year.
Last season, the Browns, Dolphins, 49ers, and Cowboys failed to make the NFL playoffs after securing a berth in 2023. Which teams from last year will struggle to make the playoffs this year?
Washington Commanders: Second Year Letdown for Jayden Daniels?
The Commanders took the league by storm in 2024, securing an NFC championship game appearance after the previous season, where they picked at number two overall in the NFL draft. The reason behind the Commanders’ resurgence was the player they chose with the number two pick, Jayden Daniels. Which comes as no surprise, seeing that Daniels dominated at the NFL level, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie Player of the Year.
Going into year two, the Commanders have some question marks to answer. The main question everyone is talking about is the status of all-pro wide receiver Terry McLaurin. McLaurin requested a trade, and if that comes to life, the Commanders will be left with a thin wide receiver room, to say the least.
However, the biggest red flag on my radar is the Commanders’ ability to come back and win close games in 2024. The Commanders were 9-4 in one-score games last season, including six fourth-quarter comebacks. If the Commanders’ offense is limited, they could struggle in these one-score games and see a significant decrease in their win total.
Denver Broncos: Will Offensive Inefficiency Hurt the Broncos?
The Denver Broncos were another surprise team in 2024. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix gave Daniels a run for NFL Offensive Player of the Year, leading the Broncos to a playoff appearance. Sadly, sneaking into the playoffs was the end of the road for the team, as they got slaughtered 38-0 in the playoffs by Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
For the 2025 NFL season, the Broncos added tight end Evan Engram, veteran running back JK Dobbins, and rookie running back RJ Harvey to improve the offensive side of the ball.
In 2024, the Broncos placed 26th in the NFL in total yards. Will these offensive additions be enough to move into the league’s top half? Their lack of major star additions makes that doubtful. The Broncos will have a tough time returning to the NFL playoffs in an improved AFC.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Can Aaron Rodgers Make One Last Playoff Push?
The Pittsburgh Steelers started hot in 2024, but ended the season losing seven of their final eight games. The last of the losses included losing in the NFL playoffs to their hated rival, Baltimore. The end-of-year struggle resulted in changes at key positions on both sides of the football. Offensively, the Steelers replaced Russell Wilson with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Another important change was at the wide receiver position, where they traded away George Pickens and traded for former Seahawk DK Metcalf. To sweeten the deal, they added tight end Jonnu Smith via trade.
Defensively, the Steelers traded star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. To be frank, these changes look like a last-ditch effort for the Steelers to flip their franchise around. A franchise that hasn’t won a playoff since the 2016 season. While the new faces could mean new change, in my opinion, it is more likely that things are falling apart in Pittsburgh. I wouldn’t be surprised if head coach Mike Tomlin is on his way out after this season.
Who’s Out in 2025? Make Your Call in NFL Survivor
The NFL is a revolving door of chaos and surprise, just ask fans of the 2024 Browns or Cowboys. Talent rises, coaching matters, but so does luck and timing. While the Commanders, Broncos, and Steelers all have potential, each team faces unique headwinds that could derail their 2025 postseason hopes. Whether it’s overreliance on second-year QBs, glaring offensive inefficiencies, or desperate roster overhauls, history tells us at least a few 2024 playoff teams won’t make it back.
Think you know who’s in and who’s out this year? Put your football IQ to the test in NFL Survivor.
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FAQs: NFL Survivor
Q: What is NFL Survivor?
It’s a 20-week football competition hosted by BullRush where participants make weekly picks to stay alive and advance. It’s not just about surviving… It’s about dominating the leaderboard.
Q: How does it work?
Each week, you start fresh with a $100,000 fantasy bankroll. You place picks using real NFL odds. If your return ranks in the top 80%, you survive and move to the next round. Fall into the bottom 20%, and you’re eliminated. It’s a clean slate every week, no carryover advantage.
Q: What’s the entry fee and prize pool?
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Q: What are the weekly prizes?
In Weeks 1–9, weekly winners get an automatic spot in the final round. From Weeks 10–19, the top 3 finishers each week earn cash prizes:
1st: $500 + final round entry
2nd: $350
3rd: $150
