NFC: Going back to the NFL playoffs in 2014 if…

New Orleans Saints

If: Sean Payton’s club makes a few tweaks offensively, especially when it comes to the running game. Only seven teams in the NFL gained fewer yards rushing than the Saints in 2013. Don’t be surprised if former first-round pick Mark Ingram jump starts an improved ground attack that also features underrated running back Pierre Thomas.

And: New free safety Jairus Byrd, along with second-year strong safety Kenny Vaccaro help the team do a better job forcing turnovers. New Orleans managed a mere 19 takeaways in 16 regular-season outings a year ago.

But: If Rob Ryan’s defensive unit doesn’t step it up when it comes to stopping the run, quarterback Drew Brees and friends won’t be on the field as often as he would like. Defenders such as Cameron Jordan (12.5) and Junior Galette (12), who combined for 24.5 sacks in 2013, won’t get those kinds of numbers if the opposing running back has the ball.

Conclusion: Year two in Ryan’s defense should make for an interesting year in the Big Easy. So should the addition of wide receiver Brandin Cooks, the Saints’ first-round pick in May. Look for Brees to find tight end Jimmy Graham early and often and more utilize his wideouts such as Marques Colston, Kenny Stills and Cooks. This team has plenty of playmakers on both sides of the ball and figures as the favorite in the NFC South…and perhaps much more.