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NFL 2015: Five new teams that will make playoffs

By Matt Verderame

Oct 19, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher , first round draft pick Todd Gurley and general manager Les Snead pose for a photo after a press conference at Rams Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher , first round draft pick Todd Gurley and general manager Les Snead pose for a photo after a press conference at Rams Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

The St. Louis Rams have not made the playoffs since Marc Bulger was under center and Mike Martz was roaming the sideline trying to figure out how to blow another timeout back in 2004. Since then, St. Louis has not been able to muster a single winning season. So why are the Rams going to come out of the shadows and make a run toward the playoffs?

St. Louis has finally addressed what has been a garbage offense for years. After trying to piecemeal the unit with Sam Bradford and a cavalcade of mediocre skill players, general manager Les Snead went bold this offseason by trading Bradford for Nick Foles and drafting running back Todd Gurley in the first round. Gurley is arguably the best weapon coming out of the draft, provided his repaired ACL is trustworthy.

On defense, the Rams are a terrifying group. The front four could be the best in football with Nick Fairley, Aaron Donald, Chris Long and Robert Quinn. The secondary is suspect, but the constant pressure being put on by the front will help negate those problems. Additionally, the NFC West might be the least pass-happy group in the NFL. The Rams can survive without a shutdown corner.

With head coach Jeff Fisher in his fourth year at the helm, this team is poised to break out. When you factor in an aging Carson Palmer and the complete meltdown that is the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis has things breaking right for it. Also, the Rams will play a last-place schedule, drawing the weakest opponents possible. It should be a good year under the Arch.

Next: 4. New Orleans Saints

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