This document discusses 4 NFL teams that could be dark horses in the 2021 season: 1. The Arizona Cardinals improved to 8-8 last season and added players like AJ Green and JJ Watt to support Kyler Murray and Deandre Hopkins with a projected record of 11-6. 2. The Cleveland Browns made the playoffs last season and could challenge for AFC dominance if Baker Mayfield cuts down on mistakes, projected at 12-5. 3. The Los Angeles Chargers have a star in rookie Justin Herbert and could take the AFC West if Patrick Mahomes gets injured, projected at 11-6. 4. The San Francisco 49ers were hurt by injuries last year but have players returning like

1. 2021 NFL Season Dark Horses
Here are 4 teams that for me are been the dark horses, they could sneak a playoff or even make a shock run in
the playoffs..
1. Arizona Cardinals- Arizona had a strong 2020 season and going into the final game had a chance of making the
playoffs but fell short ending 8-8. Their offseason they made big free agent signings with AJ Green and JJ Watt joining
the team, they join Kyler Murray, Deandre Hopkins, Chandler Jones. They play in the strong NFC West which is
hardest and best division in football but for me a projected record of 11-6 finishing 2nd in the NFC West
2. Cleveland Browns- The Browns broke their playoff drought last season. Free agency didn’t have any huge moves but
they nailed the draft adding to a roster which is under rated. If quarterback Baker Mayfield can continue his
progression and cut out the silly mistakes where he would throw a needless interception then the Browns are set to
challenge the Chiefs and Bills for AFC dominance. Projected record of 12-5 and the number 3 seed for the AFC
Playoffs.
3. Los Angles Chargers- Quarterback Justin Herbert had an outstanding rookie year setting the rookie record for most
touchdown passes and showed he is ready to lead the chargers into the future. Wide Receiver Keenan Allen stayed
with the team and drafting Reshawn Slater 13th to protect Herbert is a major boost for the Chargers. Playing in the
AFC West with the chiefs it is hard seeing anything higher than a wild card berth but if the Chiefs lose Patrick
Mahomes to injury LA will snap up the chance to win the division. Projected record 11-6 2nd in AFC West
4. San Francisco 49ers- Two years removed from a Super Bowl appearance and one overthrow from Jimmy Garoppolo
from winning it. Last year the 49ers were hit by an injury bug that destroyed their starting roster and meant players
who would never play had to step in. Another team who play in NFC West so they need their best team. Nick Bosa
one of the main faces of the 49er defense is back after tearing his ACL. In the draft with the number 3 overall pick
they selected Trey Lance (quarterback) to develop into the replacement for Jimmy Garoppolo and also means if
Garoppolo goes down with injury like last season they have a young quarterback who is trying to prove himself and
attempt to take the starting role. One thing is if Lance starts I don’t believe they make the playoffs. Projected record
10-7, 3rd in NFC West.