Fansided

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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Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton talks with quarterback Drew Brees (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton talks with quarterback Drew Brees (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Anytime you have Drew Brees and Sean Payton at the controls, you have a terrific chance to make the playoffs. The New Orleans Saints played poorly last year, finishing 7-9 behind a bad defense and a spotty offense. Most surprising were the struggles at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, leaving the Saints with a stunning 3-5 record at home.

However, Brees is still an elite talent, tying Andrew Luck for the NFL passing title with 4,952 yards. This season, Brees also has a real offensive line in front of him. After watching Brees get constantly hurried and harassed in 2014, general manager Mickey Loomis traded for Pro Bowl center Max Unger and drafted Stanford Cardinal offensive tackle Andrus Peat in the first round.

While the defense is still middling under defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, the offense should be improved enough to keep the Saints in the playoff hunt. If all else fails, New Orleans plays in the laughably bad NFC South. Last year the Carolina Panthers won it with a 7-8-1 mark, only the second time a team has ever won its division with a losing record in league history.

Brees has plenty of weapons to utilize with running back Mark Ingram, receivers Marques Colston and Brandin Cooks, and tight end Benjamin Watson. The offense doesn’t have the big-play explosiveness that it once did, but New Orleans is a tough out for anybody. If the Saints can start playing well at home again and simply protect Brees, expect a new NFC South winner.

Next: 3. Miami Dolphins

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