Every NFL season, there are teams to make the playoffs who missed the cut the year prior. For example, the 2021 playoffs had eight franchises that made the postseason after watching the 2020 postseason at home.
There are a variety of reasons why a team can make the playoffs following a disappointing season. The main ones are teams taking advantage of their high draft picks, maybe they are heavy buyers during free agency, or their players simply developed into better professionals.
Below we have broken down who we predict three of those teams will be this season, allowing our audience to get the highest odds on their NFL playoff future wagers.
New England Patriots (+126)
The New England Patriots are the first team primed to make the playoffs in 2021, after missing them in 2020. Despite the inconsistencies in quarterback play last season, the Patriots decided to bring back Cam Newton on another one-year contract.
However, they have surrounded him with far more talent. For instance, the Patriots signed two tight ends, Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. This will allow Newton to make quick passes and have large targets in the red zone.
The two tight end system is not unique to Bill Belichick, as they most famously ran it with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez back in the day. It is a great strategy when looking to offset a team's 3-4 defensive set.
In a division with the Buffalo Bills, the Patriots may have trouble winning their division, but they will more than likely squeeze in as a wildcard team.
Los Angeles Chargers (+126)
The second team to make the list are the Los Angeles Chargers. The less popular team of the LA region has a promising starting quarterback in Justin Herbert.
However, they were unable to protect him upfront. According to Pro Football Focus, they tried eight different combinations for the offensive line last season and allowed their rookie quarterback to be hit 101 times.
That said, the Chargers have already started working on their problems. During free agency, they signed center Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Moreover, they drafted Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Dallas Cowboys (+105)
The final team to make the list is the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have +105 odds to win the NFC East, surpassing last year’s division champions, the Washington Football team, who are +270.
In a division that failed to have a team finish above .500, the Dallas Cowboys should be able to handle business, assuming Dak Prescott comes back 100% healthy. The Mississippi State star has led the Cowboys to three playoff appearances during his five seasons as a pro.
In addition, Head coach Mike McCarthy will also be entering his season with the team. This will allow both the offense and defense to be more comfortable with the plays and formations.
*Odds were updated Wed, July 14, 2021, at 10:30 PM ET – Subject to Change – Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook*
Which NFL franchises do you think will make the Playoffs for the 2021 season? Let us know in the comments.
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