Fansided

5 potential sleepers in the NFL playoffs

By Ian O'Brien

Dec 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) talks with head coach Pete Carroll during a first quarter injury timeout against the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) talks with head coach Pete Carroll during a first quarter injury timeout against the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) acknowledges the fans following the game against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 49-17. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) acknowledges the fans following the game against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 49-17. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings will be playing for the third seed when they take on the Packers. They have already clinched a playoff spot and will snag the No. 5 seed if they lose and the Seattle Seahawks fall to the Cardinals. This would provide them with a golden opportunity to win a playoff game right off the bat unless the Washington Redskins shock everyone and win. The Redskins have already clinched the No. 4 seed after winning a weak NFC East, so they would be underdogs against any team, including the Vikings.

The No. 6 seed is a possibility for the Vikings too, though, since the Seahawks beating the Cardinals would drop them there if they lose to the Packers, whom they would play again in this scenario.

The Vikings may not be the flashiest or Super Bowl-ready team, but they have a strong defense that has only allowed 19.3 points per game. This ranks sixth in the league, and it doesn’t need to be said that running back Adrian Peterson always gives the offense a chance to succeed. If quarterback Teddy Bridgewater can step up and make big plays when needed, the Vikings will become an even sneakier but dangerous sleeper. However, Bridgewater limits the Vikings’ upside, especially if opposing defenses can key in on Peterson and stop him.

Next: 4. New York Jets

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