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NFL 2015: Darkhorse teams to win each division

By Matt Verderame

May 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out for rookie mini camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out for rookie mini camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) talks with running back Jerick McKinnon (31) and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) talks with running back Jerick McKinnon (31) and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are going to make the playoffs if they are healthy. Minnesota has a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball with the burgeoning second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, along with returning All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson and ultimate deep-threat, Mike Wallace. Provided the Vikings have an offensive line of five breathing men, offensive coordinator Norv Turner will have them moving the ball.

Defensively, Mike Zimmer has some talent to work with. In the draft, general manager Rick Spielman was able to land corner Trae Waynes in the first round before picking up inside linebacker Eric Kendricks in the second round. With those two joining the core of safety Harrison Smith and defensive linemen Everson Griffen and Brian Robison.

Minnesota has an uphill battle because of the Green Bay Packers, but the Vikings could compete and perhaps beat them out if Bridgewater matures quickly. The Vikings have been without a true franchise quarterback (outside of the ancient Brett Favre) since Daunte Culpepper. With Bridgewater in the house, there is real hope.

6. New York Giants

The Giants have not made the playoffs since beating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI in 2011. Since, New York has looked old and slow on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Eli Manning has endured his good and bad moments, while being put behind a bad offensive line. Additionally, the defense has been a sieve, with the talent eroding every year.

However, things look different in 2015. General manager Jerry Reese had a terrific draft, picking up offensive tackle Ereck Flowers with the 10th-overall pick before adding Landon Collins with the first pick of the second round. Collins promises to be one of the more dynamic safeties to come out of college in recent years, giving the Giants both a thumper and center-fielder.

Furthermore, New York has a trio of terrific receivers in all-world rookie Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle. Manning is getting older, but he remains one of the more prolific quarterbacks in the league and can certainly take advantage of the pieces around him. If the Dallas Cowboys see a bit of regression out of their defense, the Giants can swoop in and win the NFC East.

Next: The Rams on the rise

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