The NFL season is nearly halfway done and the playoff picture is taking shape. Here are eight teams that are .500 or worse that could find their way into the postseason.
We’re getting ready to head into Week 9 of the NFL season, which marks the halfway point. The playoff race is really starting to shake out. Here are eight teams that could still make a run at the playoffs despite slow starts.
Seattle Seahawks (4-4)
The entire NFC West falls into the criteria for this list. The Seahawks got off to a hot start this year, but have cooled off since. They need to play a more consistent brand of football if they’re going to win the division.
Los Angeles Rams (3-4)
Things looked bleak for the Rams at 1-4 after five games. But, they have won two straight. Their win over a tough Vikings team last week sent a statement that when their weapons are healthy, they can beat anyone.
Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
Yes, the Dallas Cowboys have not played well at all this season. But, they’re still only 3-4, very much in the thick of things. And, they’re going to get one of the league’s best pass rush duos in Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence back from injury soon. That’s going to change things in a big way for Dallas. This is a team that’s won 12 games each of the last three seasons, so they shouldn’t be counted out.
San Francisco 49ers (4-4)
Arguably no team in the NFL has been hit harder by injuries than the San Francisco 49ers. But, they’ve stayed afloat despite it all, and are set to get Christian McCaffrey back. Plus, we’ve seen Kyle Shanahan teams start slow and play their best football as the year goes on. This team seems too talented to miss the playoffs.
Arizona Cardinals (4-4)
The Cardinals are one of the biggest surprises in the league, and they keep finding ways to win games. If this young team continues to improve, they could absolutely win the NFC West.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4)
The Buccaneers have been ravaged by injuries, especially to their top two pass-catchers in Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Evans will eventually return, and given the soft schedule in the NFC South, the Buccaneers can’t be counted out.
Cincinnati Bengals (3-5)
Nobody thought the Bengals would get eight starts from Joe Burrow and be on this list. But, a leaky defense an inability to win a few close games has them at 3-5. That being said, counting out one of the league’s better offenses and a group that has a lot of playoff pedigree would be pretty dumb.
Indianapolis Colts (4-4)
The Colts likely would miss the playoffs if they elected to stick with Anthony Richardson at quarterback. But, they’re switching to Joe Flacco. With competent quarterback play, this is a solid football team that could go get a wild card spot.