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Five AFC Teams Most Likely to Make Playoffs After Missing in 2021

By Hunter Haas

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 31: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins throws a pass in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 31: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins throws a pass in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos, 2022 NFL Draft
Apr 25, 2022; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) works out during a Denver Broncos mini camp at UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Denver Broncos (7-10 in 2021)

The biggest trade of the entire offseason was made by the Denver Broncos when they sent a combination of multiple players and numerous high draft picks to Seattle, receiving future hall-of-fame quarterback Russell Wilson in return.

This obviously signifies that the Broncos brass views this team as a quarterback away from contention, an assessment that I agree with as well. The Broncos stumbled their way to a seven win season in 2021, but with better quarterback play there is a real argument that they could have won double-digit games. Even without much draft capital, general manager George Paton turned in a strong draft class. He signed Randy Gregory away from the Cowboys in hopes that he can stay on the field (along with Bradley Chubb) and terrorize quarterbacks week in and week out.

New head coach Nathaniel Hackett is now in charge after serving as the offensive coordinator in Green Bay. It will be up to Hackett and Russell Wilson to fulfill the lofty expectations in place.

3. Los Angeles Chargers (9-8 in 2021)

Brandon Staley and the Los Angeles Chargers came one win shy of a playoff berth in 2021, dropping a pivotal week 17 game to the divisional rival Las Vegas Raiders. More accurately, they were actually a TIE away from earning a place in the postseason. Rather than making Justin Herbert carry the load as much as he did last season, the front office made a concerted effort to upgrade the roster this offseason.

The list of players added include: Khalil Mack, JC Jackson, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Bryce Callahan, Zion Johnson, and Isaiah Spiller. Each guy will make an impact immediately and will push this roster over the top with Herbert leading the way. The AFC West is going to be a battle, but I like the Chargers to be one of the teams left standing come playoff time.

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