Exploring what teams that fell short in the playoffs need for future success
Baltimore: After diving into what it takes for wild-card losers to bounce back, let’s chat about the teams that didn’t make it past the divisional round in the NFL playoffs.
The Ravens had high hopes this season, looking like a top contender. But once again, they fell short of the Super Bowl, leaving fans feeling a bit bitter. Their loss to the Bills was tough, especially with some avoidable mistakes. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially after a solid season from Lamar Jackson and the crew.
Honestly, it’s hard to shake off those postseason ghosts. But I think the Ravens should stick with their core players and give it another shot next season. You can’t win the big one until you try, right? Jackson and the offense have the potential to make it happen if they keep the same squad together.
Let’s not kid ourselves; the talent around Jackson is more than capable of winning it all. Derrick Henry is a beast, and even though he’s getting older, he’s proven he can still deliver. Plus, Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman showed promise this year. They just need to add some depth, especially with a few players hitting free agency.
Now, there are a couple of things to keep an eye on. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has been a great addition, but he might get snatched up for a head coaching gig. That could be a big loss for the Ravens. And then there’s the offensive line, which has some free agents too. Ronnie Stanley had a fantastic season, but with his injury history, it’s a bit of a gamble.
If Monken stays and the line holds up, the Ravens could be a hot pick in fantasy drafts next year. Henry will likely be a top-five running back, and Jackson is a solid bet for QB1. The Ravens might still have those playoff demons, but they’re definitely a team to watch in both fantasy and the AFC next season.
Moving on to the Rams, they’re looking to keep building after a couple of solid drafts. With Matthew Stafford at the helm, they could easily be one of the top offenses in the league. They just need to add some explosiveness to their attack.
Stafford had a rough game against the Eagles, but he’s still got it. Puka Nacua is a standout receiver, but the rest of the crew is a bit shaky. Cooper Kupp’s future is uncertain, and they’ll need to find some reliable options to support Stafford.
In fantasy, I’m definitely interested in whoever the Rams bring in at wide receiver. They need someone who can stretch the field and make big plays. With a few tweaks, this offense could really take off.
Now, let’s talk about the Lions. They’ve had a tough time dealing with the fallout of their recent success. Losing key coordinators is never easy, and it looks like they might be facing that reality soon. Dan Campbell has done a great job, but change is coming.
Even with the potential losses, the Lions have enough talent to stay competitive. They just need to make sure they find the right replacements for their coordinators. It’s a tricky situation, but they’ve got the pieces to keep their offense rolling.
Lastly, the Texans had a decent season, but they’ve got some serious issues to address on offense. They made it to the divisional round, but their offensive line really struggled against the Chiefs. They need to figure out how to protect C.J. Stroud and improve their run game.
Stroud has the potential to be a great quarterback, but he needs better support around him. They’ve got some key pieces, but they can’t rely on the same roster that struggled this past season. With the right moves, they could be a force to reckon with in the future.