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6 NFL teams that could make 2019 playoffs after missing last year

By Randy Gurzi

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after making a catch on a two-point conversion attempt during the third quarter against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after making a catch on a two-point conversion attempt during the third quarter against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 28: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins walsk off the field after the 20-13 win over the New York Giants on October 28,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 28: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins walsk off the field after the 20-13 win over the New York Giants on October 28,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

6. Washington Redskins

Last year, the Washington Redskins started out with a respectable 6-3 record and they were in control of the NFC East. Then in their 10th game of the year, things fell apart. Quarterback Alex Smith suffered a gruesome broken leg in a loss to the Houston Texans. His replacement was Colt McCoy, who also suffered a broken leg and the Redskins had to turn to Josh Johnson and Mark Sanchez.

This came after they had already lost rookie running back Derrius Guice to a torn ACL. He was replaced by Adrian Peterson who had a surprisingly good season for them. Another injury came to free agent pick up Paul Richardson, but replacing him wasn’t as successful as Peterson proved to be at running back.

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They went just 1-6 in the final seven games as the injuries proved to be too much to overcome. They hope to be healthier in 2019, which could lead to much more success.

So far, they’re not off to an ideal start as linebacker Reuben Foster has already suffered a torn ACL. However, they’re much more protected under center despite not expecting Smith back this season. Understanding Smith was a long way out from playing, Washington added Case Keenum via trade and then selected Dwayne Haskins with their first-round pick. They also improved at receiver with Terry McLaurin and Kelvin Harmon.

Outside linebacker could also be an improved position for them as they replaced Preston Smith, who left in free agency, with Montez Sweat from Mississippi State. Washington had an excellent draft and that could be enough to put them back in contention for a postseason berth in 2019.

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