5 Surprise NFL Playoff contenders prepared to shock fans

By Randy Gurzi | Sep 7, 2021

DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 28: Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with Teddy Bridgewater #5 and Tim Patrick #81 after a second quarter touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams at Empower Field at Mile High on August 28, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

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Aug 14, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams coach Brandon Staley reacts in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Los Angeles Chargers

Brandon Staley might be young and he might not have a lot of experience as a coordinator, but he joins the Los Angeles Chargers as their new head coach with some effusive praise from those he has worked with.

The former Rams defensive coordinator was called “the best” by Jalen Ramsey who isn’t exactly quick to give praise — meaning it was well-deserved. Now working with his new team, Staley is again winning players over as quarterback Justin Herbert says he’s building relationships and holding everyone accountable.

"“Coach Staley has done a great job of building relationships,” said Herbert via Fernando Ramirez of Chargers Report. “That’s one of the things that he really wanted to establish early on. He wanted everyone to work together to communicate and play as one. All three phases of the game need to compete as one. As an offense, as a defense, as a special teams, to take care of each other in practice. Help each other up when we get knocked down. Ultimately, it’s to hold everyone accountable.”"

Los Angeles finished this past season with a 7-9 mark but they were a team that really came on as the year progressed. Herbert was a huge reason for that as he broke the NFL record for touchdown passes by a rookie and was flirting with the yardage mark as well.

Looking ahead to 2021, this is a team to watch and they could end up being contenders.

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