NFL
Teams That Missed The Playoffs Last Year That Can Win It All
The 2017 NFL Playoffs were a rollercoaster ride from the start. From the Jaguars-Steelers shootout to the ‘Minnesota Miracle,’ fans were provided with one of the more entertaining postseasons in recent memory. This tumultuous rollercoaster ride made its last stop in Minneapolis, Minnesota: home of Super Bowl LII. In an action-packed game, the Philadelphia Eagles dethroned ‘Tom Terrific’ and took home their first Super Bowl title. The Eagles went from 7-9 to winning it all — and we may see one of the following teams follow suit. Here are the teams that are poised to win it all in 2018.
Green Bay Packers
The 2017 season reminded the Pack that they aren’t as good of a team as they thought they were. Missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008, cheeseheads across the country got a taste of what life may be like without Aaron Rodgers at the helm. So what’s the good news? Luckily, they won’t have to think about that problem for some time. The most talented QB in the league will be ready to go Week 1 (fingers crossed). This Packers team is looking to steal the division from a talented Minnesota team — and hopefully bring another Lombardi home.
Baltimore Ravens
4th and 12 — those words still pierce through the heart of the ‘Ravens Flock’. Andy Dalton’s completion on the 4th secured the Bills a playoff berth and gave the Ravens the primitive boot, a massive blow to a team that can win it all if it has a berth. For once, the defense couldn’t bail them out. As a result, the Ravens corralled a crop of offensive talent during the offseason. From University of South Carolina product Hayden Hurst to former Arizona Cardinals burner John Brown, this Ravens team may become one of the most balanced teams in the NFL if this offense can click. Combine that with a new offensive coordinator and a defense that has Pro Bowl-caliber corner Jimmy Smith returning after his 2017 season was cut short, and Baltimore may have another Super Bowl in its future.
Dallas Cowboys
‘America’s Team’ has been very active this offseason. From getting younger on the offensive side of the ball to securing all-world DL Demarcus Lawrence, Dallas is gearing up for an ever-competitive NFC East. Vander Esch and Ealy also fill much-needed positions on defense, with a slew of healthy talent to back them up. Such talent includes former 2nd-rounder Jaylon Smith, making this Dallas defensive unit one of its best in years. The speedy Tavon Austin, alongside third-year stars Dak Prescott and ‘Zeke’ Elliott, will be sure that the offense doesn’t go unnoticed either. Look for this Cowboys team to turn heads— and possibly bring a Lombardi back to Jerry World.
