Predicting Three 2015 NFL Surprise Teams

Every year, there are teams that shock the league and either make the playoffs or completely obliterate expectations. Last year, we saw the Buffalo Bills go from being a team that was predicted to have one of the worst records, to being a team that finished at above .500.

With all being said, let’s take a look at three teams that will surprise the league and could either make the playoffs or obliterate expectations.

1. Minnesota Vikings

In my mind, the Vikings are not just going to surprise people by making the playoffs. I believe that they can win the NFC North and win at least 11 games this year. Yes, this Vikings team can snatch the division title out of the Green Bay Packers’ hands.

These Vikings are on the rise. They have a solid defense that consists of Anthony Barr, Harrison Smith, and Xavier Rhodes among others, and their offense will be much better as they finally get back Adrian Peterson this year. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will continue to improve this year, and I believe that this is the year Cordarrelle Patterson finally puts it all together and becomes a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver.

2. Washington Redskins

Robert Griffin III is now just a shell of his 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year award winning self, but when healthy, he could be a productive starting quarterback. With the Redskins drafting Brandon Scherff, the offensive line may be solid enough to protect RGIII from ending up on the ground after every play.

The key to the Redskins’ success in 2015 will not be because of RGIII however. The fate of the Redskins belongs in the hands of head coach Jay Gruden and how he manages Pro Bowl running back Alfred Morris. Gruden must utilize Morris as much as he can, whether he is running with the ball, or to confuse the defense on a read option. If the Redskins can go back to torching defenses on read options, they can be a wild card playoff team.

3. St. Louis Rams

The Rams can finally enter the NFL season and know for sure who will start for them at the quarterback position. After Sam Bradford tore his ACL twice in the past few seasons, he was shipped to Philadelphia in exchange for former Pro Bowler Nick Foles. Foles may be able to maximize the potential of his offensive weapons in St. Louis, which includes former 1st rounder Tavon Austin.

While Austin still has not lived up to being the superstar he was predicted to be, he has the chance to be a Desean Jackson type of player in his career, one who will blow by opposing defenders with his speed. Foles, who played with Desean Jackson in 2013, could be the quarterback that helps Austin become a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver.

The Rams also have a defense that has one of the better pass rush schemes in the NFL. With 2014 Defensive Rookie of the Year Aaron Donald and former Pro Bowler Robert Quinn, the Rams can both stuff the run and get to the quarterback with ease. Look for the Rams to be a dark horse contender in an extremely competitive NFC West.