The hype machine is humming as the NFL wraps up offseason workouts this week, with every talking head projecting which teams will emerge as a surprise contender this upcoming season. While I do not have a “Magic 8-Ball” at my disposal that predicts the future, my football senses tingle when I review my notes from the flurry of offseason transactions that have positioned some teams as dark horse playoff contenders.
Given the turnover of playoff teams each year, here are five teams on the rise as playoff contenders:
Chicago Bears
General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus might have surrounded the No. 1 overall pick with the best supporting cast around a rookie quarterback in NFL history. The additions of Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, and D’Andre Swift to a lineup anchored by D.J. Moore and Cole Kmet should help Caleb Williams produce fireworks in the Windy City.
As an ultra-talented gunslinger with supreme confidence, the USC product could make Bears fans forget about Jim McMahon’s role in the Super Bowl Shuffle if he helps this high-powered offense reach its potential under his direction as a rookie starter. Though the veteran-laden defense must close out games with Montez Sweat, Tremaine Edmunds, Jaylon Johnson and Kevin Byard leading the charge, the Bears’ high-powered offense could force opponents to chase points against a unit specializing in taking the ball away.
Given the Bears’ explosive potential on each side of the ball, Eberflus’ squad could surge to the top of the NFC as a dark horse contender.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin has worked wonders in Pittsburgh without a marquee quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement in 2022. While questions persist over the potential of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields following their roller-coaster journeys with their previous teams, the Steelers could help each player revive their careers by leading a team that adheres to an old-school formula (defense + run game + quarterback with…
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Publish date : 2024-06-14 16:38:29
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