Six teams were eliminated from the playoffs in the Wild Card round. With their 2024 season ended, questions now dominate to what went wrong and what they must do to improve in order to have a stronger chance of reaching the Super Bowl next term.
DAZN News examines the key areas each team must address this offseason to give them the best chance of returning to the postseason in 2025.
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Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love faced intense criticism following his three-interception performance in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round.
Despite their offensive woes, the Packers must address their defensive shortcomings if they are to challenge for the Super Bowl next season.
Jaire Alexander is the most talented cornerback on the roster, but there are doubts he will return in 2025. He has struggled to remain healthy over the past two seasons and carries a significant $25 million cap hit in 2025.
Cornerback help becomes even more of a pressing need if Eric Stokes is allowed to leave in free agency.
Minnesota Vikings
Sam Darnold enjoyed a career year and was instrumental in helping the team reach the playoffs, but his performance in the 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round raised question marks about his long-term future in Minnesota.
Darnold is scheduled to become a free agent in 2025. The Vikings must decide whether to extend his contract or pivot to J.J. McCarthy, their first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Vikings’ offensive line must shoulder some of the blame, after allowing the Rams to sack Darnold nine times last weekend.
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An injury prevented talented offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw from playing in the game, but their struggles to protect Darnold highlighted the need to prioritise finding upgrades at center and guard.
Talented defensive coordinator Brian Flores is currently interviewing for open head coaching positions. His departure would create a huge vacuum for the Vikings to fill in 2025.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans has been sensational throughout his career with the Buccaneers. In 2024, he recorded his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season.
Evans signed a two-year extension with the team, which keeps him with the team through 2025, but as he approaches the twilight of his career, the Bucs must make plans for a future without him.
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Wide receiver Chris Godwin has exceeded expectations. The former third-round pick has amassed more than 7,000 receiving yards during his eight-year tenure with the team. He is scheduled to become a free agent in 2025.
The Bucs appeared to have unearthed a talented youngster in Jalen McMillan, but they must invest in getting younger at wide receiver.
- Read next | 2025 NFL Draft: Key picks for each team
Denver Broncos
The Broncos’ offense struggled in their Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills, but head coach Sean Payton has found his franchise quarterback in rookie Bo Nix.
Equipping Nix with the tools he needs to elevate the offense further should be a priority during the offseason.
The Broncos boast a talented young group of wide receivers but lack a difference-making pass catcher at tight end.
The Broncos boasted one of the best defenses in 2025. Nevertheless, they must upgrade the linebacker position. Ideally, they would find a young player capable of learning from and ultimately replacing ageing veteran Alex Singleton in 2026.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh achieved moderate success in establishing his run-first philosophy during his first season as the Chargers' head coach.
Ultimately, Justin Herbert’s four interceptions cost the Chargers dearly in the Wild Card round. Still, poor run blocking from the interior of the Chargers’ offensive line was a significant issue in several key games.
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Harbaugh will almost certainly use some of the Chargers’ ample 2025 cap space to upgrade the unit during the offseason.
Finding a replacement for pending free agent edge rusher Khalil Mack and upgrading the cornerback position should also be priorities.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have struggled to find the long-term answer at quarterback following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement in 2022.
Former first-round pick Kenny Pickett was disappointing, and his poor play resulted in being traded away after only two seasons.
Russell Wilson played well at times in 2024, but his contract expires in 2025. He wants to return to Pittsburgh, but the Steelers may be reluctant to commit to a 36-year-old long-term.
Justin Fields had some bright moments in 2024 before being replaced by Wilson, but he, too, is scheduled to become a free agent.
The Steelers are faced with a huge decision. Their choice will have far-reaching ramifications for years to come.
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