NFL Wild Card Playoffs: Five Losing Teams’ Offseason Questions
As the 2024 NFL Wild Card Playoffs wrap up, five teams find themselves on the outside looking in. For these franchises, the offseason will be crucial in determining whether they can bounce back next year and become legitimate playoff contenders. Every loss in the postseason or the regular season brings with it a series of questions that need to be addressed for future success. Below, we’ll dive into the key offseason questions for five teams that fell short of their playoff aspirations this season.
1. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins had a rollercoaster season and, despite making the playoffs, couldn’t get past the Wild Card round. Miami has shown flashes of brilliance under quarterback Tua Tagovailoa but also major concerns about consistency and health. As they enter the offseason, Miami has a lot to address.
Key Offseason Questions:
- Is Tua Tagovailoa the long-term answer at quarterback? Tua’s health has been a major concern throughout his career, with concussions significantly impacting his availability. While his talent is evident, Miami must evaluate whether they want to commit long-term to a quarterback whose durability is in question. Should the Dolphins look for another QB in the draft or through free agency, or will they trust Tua to continue developing under head coach Mike McDaniel?
- How can Miami improve its offensive line? The Dolphins’ offensive line has been a weak spot for several years, and it continued to be a major issue in 2024. Tua often faced pressure, leading to him rushing throws and being unable to execute on plays. Upgrading the O-line will be essential to protect the franchise quarterback and unlock the full potential of their high-powered offense.
- Will the defense take a step forward? Miami’s defense showed promise at times but lacked the consistency needed to keep the team in games. With cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey, they have a strong secondary, but there is still work to be done, especially on the defensive line and linebacker corps.
2. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were one of the most inconsistent teams in the league in 2024, finishing the regular season with a solid record but crashing out of the playoffs in their Wild Card matchup. Despite a prolific offense led by Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson, their defense continues to be a major liability.
Key Offseason Questions:
- Is Kirk Cousins the right quarterback for this team? Kirk Cousins is a steady and reliable quarterback, but his lack of playoff success and inconsistency in big moments raises questions about whether he’s capable of leading the Vikings to the promised land. Will the Vikings move on from Cousins in favor of a more dynamic QB or stick with him for another season?
- Can Minnesota fix its defense? The Vikings’ defense was often exposed, especially in the secondary and pass rush. Minnesota needs to figure out how to upgrade its defensive personnel, particularly at cornerback and linebacker. If they can bring in more playmakers on defense, this team could be poised for a much deeper playoff run in 2025.
- What is the future of Dalvin Cook? Running back Dalvin Cook has been a cornerstone of the Vikings’ offense for years, but his production has been inconsistent, and he’s set to turn 30 soon. With a sizable contract, Minnesota will have to decide whether to stick with Cook or explore options to either move him or bring in a younger running back to complement their offense.
3. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2024 playoffs as one of the favorites but were sent home in the Wild Card round, falling short of the Super Bowl once again. After another season of near misses, Dallas faces a lot of tough decisions about how to reshape its roster for another run at the championship.
Key Offseason Questions:
- Is Dak Prescott the long-term solution at quarterback? Dak Prescott has had his fair share of ups and downs, especially in high-pressure playoff moments. While he’s shown the ability to make spectacular plays, turnovers have been a recurring issue. The Cowboys must ask themselves whether Prescott is capable of leading them to a Super Bowl or if they need to look for an upgrade at quarterback.
- Can the Cowboys improve their receiving corps? Despite having star wideout CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys’ receiving corps lacks depth and consistency. Michael Gallup didn’t live up to expectations, and other complementary options have failed to step up. Adding another reliable weapon for Prescott could open up their offense and make them more difficult to defend.
- What should they do with Ezekiel Elliott? Elliott, once the cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offense, has fallen out of favor as the team leans more on Tony Pollard. With Elliott’s contract weighing heavily on the cap and his declining production, Dallas must decide whether to move on from him entirely or attempt to restructure his deal to avoid a major cap hit.
4. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens entered the 2024 season with high expectations, especially after bringing in offensive coordinator Todd Monken to modernize their offense around Lamar Jackson. However, they were eliminated in the Wild Card round, leaving many wondering if Baltimore’s championship window is closing.
Key Offseason Questions:
- Can Lamar Jackson take the next step as a passer? While Lamar Jackson is one of the best quarterbacks in the league, his struggles with accuracy and consistency in the passing game were exposed during their playoff loss. The Ravens will need Jackson to become a more polished passer if they’re going to contend for a Super Bowl in the future. Will they continue to build around his unique skill set, or will they look for ways to make his passing game more refined?
- Will Baltimore invest in playmakers on offense? Outside of tight end Mark Andrews, the Ravens lack a true No. 1 receiver. With a limited group of pass-catchers, Baltimore has to decide if they want to bring in a top-tier wide receiver or rely on their current group and continue to focus on a run-heavy offense.
- How will the defense evolve under Mike Macdonald? Baltimore’s defense showed flashes of brilliance, but there were times when they struggled to make key stops in the postseason. Mike Macdonald, in his second season as defensive coordinator, will need to figure out how to elevate this defense to a championship level. Will they add another pass rusher or bolster their secondary?
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have made great strides under head coach Doug Pederson and quarterback Trevor Lawrence, but their journey to the playoffs ended early in 2024. After a promising regular season, Jacksonville could be on the verge of something special if they address a few key issues during the offseason.
Key Offseason Questions:
- Can the Jaguars continue to build around Trevor Lawrence? Trevor Lawrence showed his potential as a franchise quarterback this season, but the Jags must surround him with the right pieces to take the next step. The question becomes: what will Jacksonville do to improve their offensive line, skill positions, and overall support for Lawrence in 2025?
- How will they improve their defense? While the Jaguars have a few playmakers on defense, their defense as a whole was inconsistent, especially against high-powered offenses. Adding another pass rusher, improving their secondary, and bolstering the linebacker position will be key to their success moving forward.
- What does the running back situation look like? Travis Etienne had a solid season, but Jacksonville will have to decide whether they want to keep him as the centerpiece of their rushing attack or bring in another running back to provide a better balance with the passing game.
