6 NFL Teams That Could Return to the Playoffs in 2015 |

6 NFL Teams That Could Return to the Playoffs in 2015

NFL OTAs have begun and before you know it the preseason will be here. This is the time of hope and fantasy for long-time losing franchises like the Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns. Players have changed teams, new draft picks come in with lofty goals and borderline unreachable expectations, and while we don’t know how the 2015 NFL season will change just yet, a combination of the aforementioned criteria will lead to at least one or two new teams in the playoffs.

Just as important as figuring out which teams that won’t make it back to the playoffs like they did in 2014, is which teams could take their place. Let’s break down the top five NFL teams that have a realistic shot at sneaking into the playoffs in 2015:

Miami Dolphins

Ryan Tannehill has gotten better every year and the Miami Dolphins have the talent and system to be a real problem offensively in 2015. What their defense does could be key in a suddenly extremely competitive AFC East, but on top of their own steady rise, I think this is the best year in a while to try to overtake the Patriots. Buffalo also is in the mix because of their defense, but they don’t have the quarterback the Fins do.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs lacked a deep threat and they went out and got Jeremy Maclin, so they appear pretty set offensively and now just need to continue to come together on defense. Andy Reid has built a winner and whether or not it’s a team that can make a Super Bowl run is a fair question, but it’s one that can be a playoff regular. Of course, they may have to find a way to finally get past the Denver Broncos atop the AFC West.

St. Louis Rams

St. Louis has had a running game and/or a really strong defense for years now. What’s been missing? A healthy, competent quarterback. Nick Foles may not be the next Kurt Warner but he’s steady enough and he should be able to get the job done. The Rams are also getting more creative offensively with a new system and that could finally put explosive slot man Tavon Austin to good use. Add rookie sensation Todd Gurley to the mix, and we may just have a winner here.

New York Giants

Odell Beckham Jr. changes the G-Men’s odds, almost all by himself. He was unstoppable as a rook and he’ll only get better and his chemistry with Eli Manning should only improve, as well. New York added the versatile Shane Vereen to spice up their formerly predictable offense and they also made huge improvements to a shaky defense. If that defense can return to a consistent high level of play, the Giants could be back in business.

Minnesota Vikings

Teddy Bridgewater looked like the real deal as a rookie and he could be even better in year two. He also has a speedy new toy in Mike Wallace and Adrian Peterson has also returned. The Vikes were already starting to make noise with a rising defense, so they could be one of the more balanced teams in the NFC in 2015. With just the Packers to worry about in their division, they could be a team to watch.

Atlanta Falcons

Formerly a fairly soft group, the Falcons got tougher the second they hired former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to be their head coach. Quinn has reshaped a weak defense that could make huge leaps in 2015, while the team also added Tevin Coleman to a lethargic offensive backfield. If these changes take form quickly, a team that was a potential Super Bowl threat just two years ago could be back and ready for a playoff run.