NFL playoffs: How your team can make it

Making the case for the Washington Redskins is simple: Robert Griffin III. If Griffin can get back to his winning ways – don’t forget, he led Washington to an NFC East title in 2012 – the Redskins could absolutely surprise and make a run in the unsettled NFC East. Griffin has shown he can play at an elite level, but has never looked the same since his torn ACL in the 2012 Wild Card round.

The offense around Griffin stands to have some serious talent. On the outside, Griffin has both Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson, two of the more speedy receivers in the league. Behind the Heisman Trophy winner is running back Alfred Morris, who in three professional seasons has rushed for over 1,000 yards every time. Morris has been trending downward, though, rushing for less yardage and a lower yards per carry average each campaign.

The defense also got its anchor with nose tackle Terrance Knighton, who signed a one-year, $4 million deal in free agency. Knighton has some playmakers behind him in outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan and hard-hitting safety Dashon Goldson. The Redskins also went out and signed corner Chris Culliver, giving them a legitimate player on the outside. Washington also has Stephen Paea and Chris Hatcher on the line, adding some strength and experience.

In head coach Jay Gruden’s second season, the Redskins should have a better idea of scheme and how to execute. If Griffin can settle down and avoid another campaign of four touchdowns and six interceptions like he put forth in 2014, Washington has a chance to be productive and consistent.

Next: Green Bay Packers