Fansided

5 NFL Teams who could be Surprise Playoff Contenders

By Andrew Garda

Aug 16, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) warms up before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) warms up before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Brice Butler (12) is congratulated by wide receiver Greg Jenkins (10) after catching a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Lions 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Brice Butler (12) is congratulated by wide receiver Greg Jenkins (10) after catching a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Lions 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland Raiders

Why it could happen: Tired of the Merry-Go-Round of sub-par quarterbacks, the Oakland Raiders traded for Matt Schaub to lead the offense in the hopes that they’d finally be able to compete in the AFC West arms race.

Given how much of a mess the quarterback position was last season, having a proven veteran like Schaub to work with the young receivers is a plus. The Raiders are gambling that Schaub can get back on track after a dismal 2013. We’ve seen some incredibly productive years from Schaub, so if that pays off the offense should be in good shape.

Defensively the team added some veteran talent to a unit which was just below average (ranked 22nd overall) last season, and should be much more effective for it.

Why it might not: If Schaub doesn’t get back on track, it’s going to be a disaster. We’re not sure how good rookie Derek Carr is, and now that he is concussed and suffering from broken ribs (per Will Brinson of CBSSports.com) it could be a while before we find out.

So if Schaub falters, this offense is in trouble.

As for the defense, veterans are all well and good, but this team got old. We’re still trying to make sense of letting Lamarr Houston go, especially when you replace him with nine-year veterans closer to the end of a career than the beginning.

We love Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley and Antonio Smith, but their play has already fallen off. If injuries pile up, the defense won’t just be old—it will be finished.

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