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NFL: Top 5 Darkhorse Playoff Contenders

By Evan Massey

Oct 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 26, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) runs with the ball during the after a catch during the second quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Buffalo Bills defeated New York Jets 43-23. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) runs with the ball during the after a catch during the second quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Buffalo Bills defeated New York Jets 43-23. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Buffalo Bills

There weren’t many that expected the Buffalo Bills to be in the playoff hunt, especially if they would have known that E.J. Manuel would be replaced by Kyle Orton early on in the season. Orton has done an excellent job of managing the Bills, and he has played a great season to put the Bills in a great position to make a run at the playoffs with a 5-3 record.

Buffalo doesn’t have the most talent in the playoff hunt right now, but they are definitely the most surprising team out of the bunch. They added Sammy Watkins this past offseason in the NFL Draft, and also have an above average defense. If they want to make the playoffs, Orton will have to continue playing at a very high level.

All of that being said, they have a legitimate chance to make a run at the playoffs. Buffalo fans have been waiting for this type of season for quite some time, and they have rallied behind their team in a big way. If the Bills are going to make a run at the playoffs, they will need to play with a lot of heart and feed off of the excitement and energy that their city is surrounding them with.

Next: 1. Cleveland Browns

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