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The 2021 NFL Playoffs are officially set now that the regular season has concluded. Some teams played well above expectations to punch their tickets to the postseason. Other teams that were projected to make the 2021 NFL Playoffs prior to the start of the season couldn't get it done. Here are five teams that surprisingly failed to make it to the playoffs, playing below their expectations.
Teams that shockingly failed to make the 2021 NFL Playoffs
#1 - Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts made the 2020 NFL Playoffs with Philip Rivers as their quarterback, and after he retired they traded for Carson Wentz to replace him. The Colts believed they were getting a quarterback who would take them to the next level, but things didn't work out that way this year. They failed to make the 2021 NFL playoffs by losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars in a huge Week 18 upset.
#2 - Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks finished the 2020 NFL season with a 12-4 record. They won the competitive NFC West division and earned the second-best record in the conference. This year turned out to be a completely different story, as the Seahawks finished last in their division with a 7-10 record.
Prior to the 2021 NFL season, Russell Wilson wanted to be traded to another team, but would ultimately stay. However, with a new offseason seemingly upon us, he could once again request to be traded. His future is in question, and so is the future of head coach Pete Carroll. There is a very real possibility that one, or both, may not be with the Seahawks for the 2022 season.
Also check out: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Playoff History, Appearances, Wins and more
Teams that failed to meet expectations by missing out on the 2021 NFL Playoffs
Here are five teams who were expected to make the 2021 NFL Playoffs but failed to do so.
#3 - Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens were not only projected to be a playoff team this season, but many considered them to be Super Bowl contenders. They suffered a ton of injuries, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Quarterback Lamar Jackson also had a disappointing season, as he set a new career high with 13 interceptions and a new career low with just two rushing touchdowns.
#4 - Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns made it to the playoffs last year, winning their first game and advancing to the second round. As a result, they came into the 2021 season with high expectations. It unfortunately didn't go as they had hoped, finishing the year with losing a record of 8-9 .
Quarterback Baker Mayfield had a solid 2020 season, throwing 26 touchdown passes against just eight interceptions. He has regressed this season, throwing 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His inconsistent play was one of the main reasons why the Browns missed out on the 2021 NFL Playoffs.
#5 - Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert put together another great season, passing for 5,018 yards and 38 touchdowns. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to get the Chargers into the 2021 NFL Playoffs. They started the season with an impressive 4-1 record, but won just five of their final 12 games.
The Chargers have also lost three of their last four games. They needed just one more victory to get into the playoffs but ultimately didn't get it, recently losing 45-32 to the Las Vegas Raiders in a game-of-the-year contender in Week 18.
