Anybody paying attention to the 2021 NBA Playoffs has witnessed how traditional powers like the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Boston Celtics have fallen apart while upstarts like the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns have become title contenders. The same sort of thing could happen in the NFL this season. Check out a list of the four upset minded squads that should have no trouble making the playoffs even though they’re underdogs to win their respective divisions. Let’s get right to it so you can plan your bets against their NFL Playoffs odds.
Which NFL Teams Will Make The Playoffs: Upsets
2021 NFL Season
- When: Sep. 9, 2021 – Jan. 9, 2022
Upset Teams With the Best Chance of Making the Playoffs
Arizona Cardinals
Few teams are set up for as much success as the Arizona Cardinals. The Cards should field one of the most electrifying offenses in the league. Quarterback Kyler Murray started last season an NFL MVP contender. He didn’t fall off the list until late in the season.
Murray threw for 3,971 yards and 26 touchdowns. He only threw 12 picks. Murray also averaged 6.2 yards per carry on the ground and rushed for 11 touchdowns.
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is one of the best wide receivers in the league. The key for the Cardinals will be how well the defense plays.
Last season, the D allowed 22.9 points per, not bad, but it wasn’t good enough. If the Cards are better on defense this season, they should challenge the Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers for the NFC West Division title.
Miami Dolphins
Last season, the Dolphins finished 10-6. This season, Miami will start play as the third-choice to win the AFC East. Why?
Many believe Tua Tagovailoa doesn’t take the necessary step. The former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback has all the tools to be an excellent signal-caller in the NFL. Not only that, but the Fins drafted Jaylen Waddle with their first pick.
The defense should be fantastic and Miami heads to the season with the 27th most difficult schedule in the league. Don’t sleep on the Dolphins.
Cleveland Browns
Like every time in the AFC North, the Browns play a ridiculously tough schedule. The difference between the Browns, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Baltimore Ravens? Cleveland will field the best rushing attack in the league.
The Browns should have no trouble dominating on the ground. That will open passing lanes for Baker Mayfield. In a few games last season, Mayfield showed the type of talent that made him the top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The defense should be much better this season. NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate Myles Garrett should have a stellar season because Takkarist McKinley and Jadeveon Clowney will split time on the other side.
The Browns are loaded. They should be the favorite over the Baltimore Ravens to win the AFC North. Because they aren’t, they qualify as an upset playoff team.
Washington Football Team
Last season, the WFT won the NFC East. This season, most believe Washington finishes second behind the Dallas Cowboys.
Make no mistake, the Cowboys look strong. But Dallas has question marks, including whether Dak Prescott returns one-hundred percent from the injury that ended his 2020 season, and how the defense will play.
Washington has no such questions. No matter who starts at quarterback, Ron Rivera’s squad will play a run first system. Defensively, the WFT could field a top five unit. Give Washington a big chance to upset the Cowboys and win the NFC East.
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