As we often hear, the NFL is all about parity. Everyone has their playoff picks and who they think will be left out in the cold, but that rarely, if ever, actually comes to fruition. There are a number of teams that could continue the NFL’s ironic trend this season. Here are a few of the teams that I see making a big splash by the end of December.
Arizona Cardinals:
The Cardinals were one of the longest running jokes in the NFL until a few years ago. Then, they shocked everyone by getting into the playoffs. They followed that development by fighting through each round of the playoffs until they were matched up against the Pittsburgh Steelers. At that moment, the Cardinals snatched defeat from the jaws of victory and were left heartbroken.
Since that Super Bowl run, the Cardinals have declined significantly, especially after possible Hall of Fame quarterback, Kurt Warner, retired. Last season, they couldn’t find a guy that played well under center, and they were left in a state of flux. Now, with Kevin Kolb, they’re looking to rebound and make it back to the playoffs. A lot of guys have their eyes on the 49ers, but in the NFL’s weakest division, I’m keeping my eyes on the Cardinals to make it back into the post-season once again.
Detroit Lions
Everyone’s talking about the Lions, but the NFC is a tough conference, especially for those teams trying to make it into the playoffs as a wild-card team. That being the case, the Lions are well set up to not disappoint us for the first time in recent memory.
The Lions have possibly the best defensive line in the league. They have a young running back looking to break out. Their secondary is developing nicely, and their quarterback is poised for a breakout season. If the Lions can stay healthy, I’d take them over the Buccaneers for a wild-card spot in a heart beat. They better get out of the gates early though. Their week 1 match-up in Tampa Bay could likely be a very important tie breaker come late December.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Call this a homer pick if you want, but the Jaguars have nearly everything falling their way. They just cut starting quarterback David Garrard in favor of Luke McCown. Say what you want about the timing of the move, McCown can play. In fact, I believe the move gives them a better field general.
On top of the QB situation, Peyton Manning will likely miss the majority of the season. That, in my mind, makes the AFC South a two horse race between the favored Texans and the Jaguars. The Jaguars’ defense should be much improved, and if they could find a way to sweep the Texans, they could make a run at the division title and a playoff birth.
Dallas Cowboys
Everyone has been down on the Cowboys since last season’s disappointment, but they played well down the stretch last season, and I expect them to come out of the gates swinging this year.
Tony Romo’s health is paramount to the Cowboy’s ability to win games. Jon Kitna’s performance last season was admirable, but the team just wasn’t the same once Romo went down.
The players seem to be very happy with Jason Garrett at the helm, and Rob Ryan’s defense is very difficult to navigate as an offense. I think the NFC East is weaker than most believe it to be, and if that’s the case, the Cowboys could sneak in the playoffs as the other wild-card team.
