MIAMI GARDENS, FL – AUGUST 17: A detail shot of an NFL shield logo painted on the field prior to an NFL preseason football game between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders at Hard Rock Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Here are five teams that missed the playoffs in 2024 but are set to bounce back in 2025:
Atlanta Falcons:
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 16: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
The Falcons were favorites in the NFC South in the middle of the season, but lackluster play from Kirk Cousins sent them into a downward spiral. Eventually, Cousisn was replaced by Michael Penix Jr., and the Falcons looked like a much better team. Heading into 2025, they have a great offense that should help them reach the post season.
Chicago Bears:
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 25: (L-R) Caleb Williams poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected first overall by the Chicago Bears during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza on April 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
They play in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL right now, but the Bears have a lot of talent, and they will add more during the draft and free agency. The signing of head Coach Ben Johnson and another year of reps for Caleb Williams is going to lead to massive improvements in Chicago.
San Francisco 49ers:
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The 49ers entered 2024 as reigning NFC champs, and due to injuries on both sides of the ball, they struggled for most of the season and were unable to get back into the playoffs. They still have plenty of talent in place and should be back to being a top team in 2025.
Cincinnati Bengals:
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts after a first down during the third quarter in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 26, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
The Bengals had a disastrous start to their season and although they finished very strong, they came up just short of making the playoffs. With a better start in 2025 and Joe Burrow leading the way, expect the Bengals to be one of the better teams in the AFC.
Seattle Seahawks:
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 22: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks scores a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field on October 22, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
Late in the season, the Seahawks led the NFC West and controlled their own destiny. Unfortunately for them, the Rams were hot, and Seattle wasn’t able to close out their season on a strong note. They are a talented team with a bright young head coach who will have them playing very competitive football once again in 2025.
