6 teams poised to finally return to the NFL playoffs in 2020
By Andrew Kulp
Which NFL teams are going to rise from the ranks of middling to reach the postseason in 2020?
On average, between five and six new teams reach the NFL playoffs each year after missing the previous season. With the format set to expand to 14 teams beginning in 2020, there could be more parity than ever.
Despite heavy turnover though, it’s not too difficult to predict which clubs are best positioned to take the leap this season. Just look at who was on the cusp already, then made major upgrades on offense, under center or to the coaching staff.
Arizona Cardinals
Even before the blockbuster trade for DeAndre Hopkins, Kyler Murray gave Cardinals fans a feeling they haven’t had since… Jake Plummer? Neil Lomax? Jim Hart? Come to think of it, have the Cardinals ever had an ascending franchise quarterback in the modern era?
No matter, because they do now. Murray impressed as a rookie despite no real downfield threat to speak of, and until the mid-season trade for Kenyan Drake, not much of a running game, either.
Hopkins changes everything. With one of the best receivers in the NFL, Murray gained more than just a reliable set of hands, but a weapon with which to attack defenses, taking the pressure off an aging Larry Fitzgerald and complementary targets like Christian Kirk.
Arizona’s offense wasn’t the biggest problem in 2019, either. The defense somehow ranked 28th in scoring and dead last in yards allowed despite the presence of all-star talent like pass-rusher Chandler Jones and defensive backs Budda Baker and Patrick Peterson.
Do-it-all top-10 draft pick Isaiah Simmons and some notable free agents should help shore up the D. But the biggest difference, aside from Hopkins, may be the continued development of Murray and head coach Kliff Kingsbury in the second year together.