The NFL season has officially hit the halfway mark. Will this week be a turning point for some teams?

In a 17-game season, it’s common for teams to experience ups and downs. The way the schedule is set up can significantly impact a team’s performance, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. Luckily, history shows that many teams often bounce back in the latter part of the season and improve their rankings.

Here are five teams that have the potential to turn things around in the second half of this season, along with insights into their upcoming games and factors that may aid their revival:

San Francisco 49ers

In 2023, the 49ers surged after their Week 9 bye, winning six consecutive games and clinching the NFC’s top seed and conference title. Can Kyle Shanahan’s team create a similar turnaround?

Even if San Francisco (4-4) doesn’t match last season’s success, there’s reason for hope. A key factor: Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey might return this Sunday after missing the first half of the season due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis. His exceptional skills could transform an offense that has dropped from fourth in yards after catch last season to 29th currently. The team’s effectiveness in the red zone has also decreased from first place to nearly the bottom (28th), but McCaffrey’s return could be pivotal in boosting a passing game that greatly misses the speed of Brandon Aiyuk, who is out for the season with a torn ACL.

On the defensive side, things may not look as bright. Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is out with a torn triceps, leaving the team short on the interior, and strong safety Talanoa Hufanga’s recovery timeline remains uncertain over a month after injuring his wrist. However, linebacker Dre Greenlaw is reportedly “close” to returning from the Achilles injury he sustained during the Super Bowl, according to general manager John Lynch.

San Francisco’s upcoming schedule presents tough challenges, including games against the Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, and a home match against the Detroit Lions. Nevertheless, if they can improve their performance in close games—currently sitting at 1-3 in games decided by six points or fewer—and stay healthier, the 49ers could quickly rise in the NFC West rankings.

Arizona Cardinals

Once a popular pick to breakout, the Arizona Cardinals stumbled to a 1-3 start. Their early losses came against teams currently leading their divisions, which made their struggles understandable. However, under Jonathan Gannon’s leadership, the team has bounced back to 5-4 and seized first place in the tough NFC West.

Going forward, the Cardinals have a favorable schedule, with only one game against a team with a winning record (the Minnesota Vikings) and five games against teams with losing records (the New York Jets, two against the Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, and Carolina Panthers). Despite some bad luck in turnovers—ranking second in lost fumbles with eight—Arizona’s rushing attack remains strong, sitting second in yards per carry (5.3). Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing still needs to find consistent ways to involve talented rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

If the Cardinals can secure some wins before facing the Los Angeles Rams and 49ers in the last two weeks, they might be in a great position for their first division title since 2015.

New York Jets

You might laugh, but even as Aaron Rodgers hasn’t yet convinced fans of a “run the table” mentality, there remains a viable path to playoff contention.

Following a five-game losing streak, the Jets ended on a high note with a 21-13 victory over the Houston Texans last week. The Jets (3-6) demonstrated several positive signs moving forward. They need to avoid costly mistakes like the one committed by Malachi Corley, who fumbled at the goal line, and not rely solely on Garrett Wilson’s incredible catches that go viral on social media. However, if Rodgers can build a solid connection with Wilson and Davante Adams, the offense may stabilize, even if it never reaches the heights many anticipated. Meanwhile, their defense, which recorded eight sacks against C.J. Stroud, could continue to provide a welcomed safety net.

If the Jets can use their mini-bye week to secure a victory over the Cardinals, their favorable schedule—no games against winning teams until facing the Buffalo Bills in Week 17—could ignite a promising second half of the season.

The team may find it challenging to overcome its league-worst 13-year playoff drought, but it seems more likely to end up near the playoff spots than in the running for a top-five draft pick.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Despite losing their last three matches and four of the last five, the Buccaneers (4-5) might seem an unusual choice for this list. With wide receiver Mike Evans sidelined this week due to a hamstring injury and Chris Godwin out for the season with a torn ACL, Tampa Bay’s struggles may worsen.

Nevertheless, they will face one of the easiest schedules in the league for the remainder of the season. Five of their last seven matchups are against teams with just two wins, including one game against the struggling Cowboys. Even with ongoing defensive issues—Tampa Bay ranks 27th in the NFL for yards allowed per play (5.8)—Baker Mayfield and his teammates possess enough offensive strength to improve their record. Although it’s probable they will lose their three-year hold on the NFC South, the Buccaneers still have a strong chance to reach ten wins, allowing them to surpass several teams currently ahead in the conference standings.

Atlanta Falcons

Though they have not yet emerged as top contenders in the league, and their long-standing issues with pass rush—leading to just nine sacks, the lowest in the NFL, and a 16.7% pressure rate which ranks 30th—continue to hinder them, Atlanta (6-3) is in a better position than others on this list. The team seems ready to seize the NFC South title, which they haven’t achieved since their Super Bowl appearance in 2016.

Despite the fact that five of the Falcons’ six wins have been by six points or fewer, there’s optimism that they may experience fewer narrow escapes going forward. Half of their upcoming opponents have the league’s worst record, standing at 2-7 (New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, and Carolina Panthers). Furthermore, other teams that could pose a playoff threat (Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Commanders) have records that may not accurately reflect their performance. As long as Atlanta avoids another setback like their recent 34-14 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks, they could achieve their first 12-win season since 2012.