Ranking NFL Teams Likeliest To End Long Playoff Droughts

NFL teams know the success or failure of their seasons depend solely on whether or not they made the playoffs and competed for a Super Bowl.

Anything less is unacceptable in the eyes of fans. That is why there are few things more satisfying than seeing a long drought without postseason play for a team end. It was true for the Oakland Raiders last season as they broke a 14-year run without January football. No doubt they should remain in the picture moving forward. So the question shifts to who will be next. Which team around the league is poised to end a prolonged absence from the spotlight.

Here are the five most likely candidates ranked.

#5:  Chicago Bears

This might be hard to accept considering the Bears were 3-13 last season. They haven’t been in the playoffs since 2010 and now have serious questions regarding their quarterback position. That being said they have something building with their young defense and now feature an emerging stud at running back in Jordan Howard. Defense and power running? It’s a tried and true method presuming favorable health.

#4:  Buffalo Bills

Their own mistakes are to blame for not making the playoffs since before the new millenium but playing in the same division as the Patriots has really screwed the Bills for 18 years. That said they’re still a good team. They have LeSean McCoy leading the offense with help from Tyrod Taylor and an intriguing defense that should have some young talent infusing life into it.

#3:  Jacksonville Jaguars

Tom Coughlin does one thing well above all else. He sets a standard of expectation from his people. He’s going to make it very clear to the young Jacksonville Jaguars team that their days of sagging effort and commitment are done. Either they give their best or they’ll be gone. This is exactly what the team has needed. It’s certainly not talent. They have plenty of that.

#2:  Tennessee Titans

Before Marcus Mariota got hurt the Titans were sniffing a potential playoff spot for the first time since 2008. Getting him back will be huge of course, but so will be an improved defense. That was their big Achilles heel most of 2016. If they can start stopping opponents more often, Mariota and that ground attack will do some serious damage and start stacking up wins.

#1:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers

They were oh-so-close last season going 9-7. The Buccaneers know they have a good team building. Of course there is Jameis Winston and Mike Evans on offense but also an overlooked young defense that could be 2-3 pieces away from becoming a serious force. Don’t be surprised if they end up being the new representative of the NFC South in the postseason, ending their nine-year absence.