In all four of the major sports in the United States (and Canada), there are always underdog stories of teams that were looked at as rebuilding or just plain bad, making the postseason. Sometimes these teams manage to put it all together, when it matters most, and they can shock the public who has been against them all year long. Below are four teams, in the MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL, that are not supposed to make the playoffs in 2024-25, but still have the potential to claim a spot in their respective sports postseasons.
1.) San Antonio Spurs Make the NBA Playoffs
The Spurs have been one of the worst teams in the NBA over the past few seasons but have had some blips of promise that can help them maybe sneak into the playoffs. Victor Wembanyama, the young, tall superstar in the making is a great piece to build around. They drafted Stephon Castle from UCONN (who has been the powerhouse of College Basketball) who could be a great compliment to Wembanyama. The young talent that the Spurs have, plus their franchise history of success, could be enough to get them into the play-in games. From the play-in games, anything is possible.
2.) Calgary Flames Make the NHL Playoffs
The Flames finished in 5th place in the Pacific in 2024, and also finished in 5th in 2023. In 2022, however, the Flames managed to clinch their division. They are not too far off from their really successful season and have had two mediocre at best seasons since. What changes now? Some fans believe that the Flames may be in need of a rebuild, and while it is hard to argue, sometimes teams that have low expectations can go on surprise runs that no one will expect.
3.) Las Vegas Raiders Make the NFL Playoffs
Aiden O’Connell was serviceable for Vegas in 2024, and he showed he can at least be a game manager. Gardner Minshew II is a gunslinger who will make some great plays, but also can make questionable mistakes. The Raiders brought in Tight End Brock Bowers from Georgia, who can be a real problem for defenses. They really like their interim-turned-full-time head coach Antonio Pierce, so if they play hard, why can’t they claim one of the 7 spots in the AFC?
4.) Pittsburgh Pirates Make the MLB Playoffs
Paul Skenes is electric. The Pirates are a better team with him as their ace and have climbed their way back to near .500 and within a game or two of a Wild Card spot. The National League is fairly top heavy this season, and all three Wild Card spots are really up for grabs. It is going to be a fun second half of the season in Pittsburgh.
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