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Who is Most Likely to Miss the NFL Postseason After Appearing in 2021?

By Hunter Haas

Jan 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reacts during the first half in an AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reacts during the first half in an AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL, Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders
NFL Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images) /

2. Las Vegas Raiders (10-7 in 2021)

Another tough call here. It has more to do with the division than anything, if I’m being honest. I love what the Raiders have cooking in Vegas, and I expect their offense to be a blast to watch. Davante Adams is the best wide receiver in the league, and Derek Carr will link up with his former college teammate early and often. Chandler Jones was a major addition to the defense, serving as the partner-in-crime for Maxx Crosby.

Outside of that, the defense leaves a bit to be desired. The Chiefs are the Chiefs as long as Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are employed, and the Broncos and Chargers vastly improved their roster compared to last season. I didn’t expect them to make the playoffs last season, so maybe they will surprise me again. I have them being the odd man out in the AFC West, though.

1. Tennessee Titans (12-5 in 2021)

It is well documented how much Mike Vrabel and the Titans overcame in the 2021 season. A slew of injuries to their entire catalog of offensive weapons and a defense that underachieved relative to expectations should have been enough to tank the season.

However, against all odds, not only did the Titans win their division, they secured home field advantage through the playoffs by grabbing the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC. You know what happened after that. Following the heartbreaking defeat versus the Bengals, it was anyones best guess as to what Tennessee would do this offseason.

They moved on from AJ Brown and Julio Jones, replacing them with Robert Woods and rookie Treylon Burks. As much as I like Woods and Burks, the veteran is coming off a major injury and the rookie has obviously never taken an NFL snap. Even if Derrick Henry can regain form, which I am betting on him to do, I have a hard time locking them in for a playoff spot. Barring significant improvement from members of their defense and a bounce back season for Tannehill, I view the Titans as the most likely to miss the playoffs.

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