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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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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 30: Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field during player introductions before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 30: Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field during player introductions before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

5. Denver Broncos

Last season, the Denver Broncos fell short of expectations. After struggling in 2017 with Trevor Siemian as the starting quarterback, they signed Case Keenum who had just taken the Minnesota Vikings to the NFC Championship game. That move didn’t work out as Keenum wasn’t enough to improve the offense and they ended the season with a 6-10 mark.

Understanding the need to improve under center, they traded Keenum to the Washington Redskins and landed Joe Flacco in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens. A former Super Bowl winner in Baltimore, Flacco lost his job to rookie Lamar Jackson last season and is ready for a fresh start in the Mile High City.

General manager John Elway had some high praise for Flacco after landing him, saying the 34-year old is just now entering his prime. While that’s an incredible stretch, the truth is Flacco could end up doing well in Denver. He’s a strong-armed quarterback who hasn’t had a great supporting cast the past couple of seasons. He has that now in Denver and the defense is still capable of putting up some great performances.

The only question for the veteran will be whether or not he can hold off rookie Drew Lock. Either way, Denver looks much better on paper under center. That could translate to them winning more games in 2019, giving them a shot at earning a spot in the postseason.

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