Betting on the NFL is one of the most popular pastimes for gamblers around the country. It is a sport that has the biggest platform, the best promotional offers on sportsbooks, and the most hype. With next season around the corner, most bettors are already seeking out the top Bodog bonuses and getting ready to start laying down their bets. But much has changed in the league, and before you start wagering on Canada’s top operators, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the biggest rising squads.
Below, we’re going to take a look at some of the teams that haven’t made the playoffs in recent years but look likely to start competing at a high level soon.
In this article
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have been slogging through the past few seasons. Last year, they finished last in the league in wins. But quarterback Justin Fields looked like a dynamic playmaker and a busy offseason has made them one of the league’s most improved teams. With Aaron Rodgers leaving the NFC North, the division is wide open. While a playoff run might be optimistic, with added talent like D.J Moore, Tremaine Edmunds, and Darnell Wright, the Bears seem highly likely to take a major step forward after a catastrophe of a year.
Detroit Lions
Few fanbases have dealt with as much heartbreak as the Detroit Lions. But finally, the tide seems to be turning. Head coach Dan Campbell has his guys playing with fire, and the team won eight of 10 to close the year. Quarterback Jared Goff played lights out, Aidan Hutchinson appears like a future superstar, and Amon-Ra St. Brown is now one of the best wide receivers in the game. This offseason, they spent big to improve a shoddy defense and brought in a rare talent in Jahmyr Gibbs. A playoff appearance seems likely.
Houston Texans
The Texans have had the most talent-deficient roster in the league for several years, but it finally appears they are building something. They brought in a head coach who looks like a rising star with Demeco Ryans. They drafted a new quarterback with C.J. Stroud and are now building a culture. They made a shocking play for Will Anderson Jr. in the draft and are clearly looking to get better fast. While there are still plenty of holes on the team, notably at wide receiver, the Texans finally have a direction. Don’t expect them to compete this year, but if all goes to plan, next year is not out of the question.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have been a middle-of-the-pack, directionless squad for a while. But once they moved on from Matt Ryan and embraced a rebuild, the tide turned. They have maybe the most exciting young skill position group in the league with Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson, who are all relatively unproven but packed with upside. They signed Jessie Bates, Calais Campbell, and Bud Dupree to improve a shaky defense. Now, the only question is whether second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder can pilot this ship in a very weak NFC South.
New York Jets
The New York Jets haven’t made the playoffs since 2011 and have struggled to find an impactful starter at quarterback. After trading for four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, this year will be different. The Jets have had everything else in place aside from the quarterback. Their offense has dynamic young stars in Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson. Their defense is loaded with talent, including Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. They seem to have a good coach with Robert Saleh. Now, they have a stud quarterback. This could be the year the Jets make a triumphant return to the postseason, but only if Rodgers performs.
