NFL Teams Eliminated from Wild Card Round: What’s Next for 2025 Success
After being knocked out in the Wild Card round, these NFL teams must strategize for a successful 2025 season
NFL, Wild Card Round, 2025 Season, Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings
The Chargers had a decent season overall, but their playoff exit was a tough pill to swallow. Justin Herbert struggled in the postseason, but the new coaching staff under Jim Harbaugh has laid a solid foundation. They’ve helped Herbert shake off some bad habits, allowing him to play more freely. He had a standout season, but the Wild Card loss highlighted the need for more offensive talent. The Chargers have made some great draft picks, but they still need to rebuild their roster to compete effectively.
Pittsburgh: The Steelers are facing a heavy offseason. Mike Tomlin’s mantra, “The standard is the standard,” feels a bit hollow after another early playoff exit. Since 2018, they’ve only won the AFC North once and have been stuck in mediocrity. Their recent playoff losses have been brutal, and it’s clear they need to rethink their strategy. The defense showed promise, but the offense faltered when it mattered most. If they don’t make significant changes, they risk becoming a team that’s just good enough to get by.
Denver: The Broncos surprised many by finishing in the middle of the pack offensively. With a rookie quarterback, I expected them to struggle, but they held their own. Now, they need to focus on improving their playmakers, especially in the running back position. They’ve shown flashes of efficiency, but they need a standout back to elevate their game. Adding a reliable wide receiver or tight end could also help as they continue to develop their offense around Bo Nix.
Green Bay: The Packers had a decent season, but they fell short in the playoffs. Tight end Tucker Kraft pointed out that the team needs to step up and meet the high expectations set at the start of the season. While they ranked well in offensive metrics, they lacked a true star receiver. The coaching staff needs to find a way to elevate their young talent and ensure they don’t fall into the same traps next season.
Tampa Bay: The Buccaneers had a strong offense but were let down by their defense and coaching decisions. They had a great dropback success rate, but their defense couldn’t get off the field when it mattered. There’s talk about keeping offensive coordinator Liam Coen, which could be crucial for their future. They need to ensure they don’t lose him, as finding another top-tier play-caller is tough.
Minnesota: The Vikings’ season took a nosedive after a promising start. Sam Darnold’s performance in the playoffs was disappointing, and it seems like the team is ready to move on. They need to focus on getting J.J. McCarthy ready for the next season. The offensive line needs serious work, and they’ll have to make some tough decisions about their roster moving forward. It’s a pivotal time for the Vikings as they look to rebuild and improve for 2025.