5 teams that surprisingly missed out on making the 2021 NFL playoffs

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

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson

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

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield

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

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert

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.