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Danny analyzes Three Sleeper NFL Teams to Make the Playoffs. Read the 2024 NFL outlook for surprise teams and darkhorse playoff contenders.
With OTAs and minicamps now in the books for 2024, the next phase of the NFL season is ready to begin: training camp. All fans and teams have hope heading into July, especially after the NFL draft and free agency brought excitement and improvement (hopefully) to each roster.
While analysts dissect the offseason, some teams quietly build contenders under the radar. These "sleepers" often surprise everyone by crashing the playoff party, leaving fantasy managers scrambling to adjust their lineups with overachieving players.
Today, let's delve into three sleeper teams—the Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, and New York Giants—that have a realistic shot at defying expectations and clinching playoff berths.
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Three Sleeper NFL Teams to Make the Playoffs
Los Angeles Chargers
Over/Under Win Total: 8.5
The Los Angeles Chargers have disappointed the past two seasons with underperforming individuals and lower-than-expected win totals. But the Chargers are brimming with talent, starting with franchise quarterback Justin Herbert and an above-average offensive line that added Joe Alt, the top-rated offensive tackle in the 2024 draft. Defensively, the Chargers could be a force with Derwin James Jr., Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack all returning.
The coaching staff will be the most significant improvement the Chargers will experience this year. Jim Harbaugh, a proven leader with an illustrious college football career and a professional coaching record of 49-22-1, returns to the NFL. Harbaugh’s teams are renowned for their toughness, preparation, and intelligence. After years of underperforming, the players can feel confident in the direction he will lead them.
With crucial games against teams like the Raiders and Broncos in various stages of rebuilding, the Chargers have a clear path to crucial wins.
petition to mic up coach harbaugh every day pic.twitter.com/XtP1ruld7d
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) June 18, 2024
Seattle Seahawks
Over/Under Win Total: 7.5
The Seattle Seahawks might not be the powerhouse they were during the Legion of Boom era, but they're quietly building a team that could make noise in 2024. Geno Smith's unexpected renaissance over the past two seasons has given the Seahawks a stable quarterback situation, and he has the weapons around him (DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba) to succeed. The offense includes a young and talented running back tandem of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. Walker, a physical runner with breakaway speed, and Charbonnet, a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield, provide balance.
Defensively, the new Head Coach, Mike Macdonald, is known for being an elite defensive coordinator and teacher. Plan on his expertise translating into results.
Next up: Training Camp 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Vm7gzTubk3
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) June 13, 2024
New York Giants
Over/Under Win Total: 6.5
The New York Giants surprised many by making the playoffs two seasons ago, but 2023 was a disaster. Fresh off a career-best season and a new contract in 2022, Daniel Jones tore his ACL and was lost for the season this past November. To top it off, his partnership with Saquon Barkley ended this offseason as he departed for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jones is back and healthy, and the Giants' offseason acquisitions have been shrewd. Drafting a true No. 1 wide receiver in Malik Nabers gives Jones an explosive target, and free agency fortifies an improving offensive line. Devin Singletary, who totaled over 1000 yards from scrimmage last year with the Texans, will lead the G-Men's running back group, providing a reliable option for the team's ground game.
Defensively, the Giants are on the rise. Dexter Lawrence II anchors a stout defensive line, and Kayvon Thibodeaux’s development and the trade for Brian Burns add a scary-level pass rush that is sorely needed.
The Giants' schedule is favorable, with several winnable games against teams like the Panthers and Commanders. With the NFC East being as unpredictable as ever, the Giants have a real shot at returning to their 2022 win total.
Some one handed grabs from Malik Nabers today #giants
Just makes it look easy pic.twitter.com/9eX3fIVyYa
— Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) June 12, 2024
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