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6 NFL teams that won’t return to the playoffs in 2022

By Sayre Bedinger

NFL 2022; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin instructs drills during Rookie Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
NFL 2022; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin instructs drills during Rookie Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL 2022
NFL 2022; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs after a catch against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half during the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL team not returning to the playoffs in 2022: San Francisco 49ers

Let’s get the boldest omission from this year’s playoff picture out of the way here.

The San Francisco 49ers were just in the NFL’s final four last season and had a tremendous run in the playoffs.

They have a very good all-around roster but the fate of this team is dependent on the performance of a young quarterback, second-year player Trey Lance.

Actually, at this point, the 49ers haven’t traded Jimmy Garoppolo. What happens if Jimmy G. is still on the roster for this season? Would he play over Lance?

There’s trouble in “paradise” this offseason with Deebo Samuel demanding a trade and obviously the uncertainty this team has at the quarterback position.

The 49ers are well-coached. They have a strong and improved defense with Charvarius Ward coming over from the Kansas City Chiefs to boost the secondary.

There’s a lot to like about this 49ers team but there are a number of teams that could be back in contention for playoff spots around the rest of the NFC.

Of all the teams I included on this list, the 49ers are the one I’m least sure about including on a list like this. The primary reason I’m putting them here is the idea that they will be breaking in a new, young quarterback and could experience a whole lot of high highs and low lows.

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