5 NFL teams that will surprise in 2018

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 01: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) signals a receiver during the NFL game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts on January 1, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 03: UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen in action during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals enter the season as an extreme long shot to get anywhere near Super Bowl LIII. They are tied for last in the NFL with 100/1 odds. Arizona has nowhere to go up.

They do have the bones of a team that can compete for a playoff berth, though. In particular, the Cardinals’ offensive line could allow their offense to exceed expectations. A.Q. Shipley, Mike Iupati and Justin Pugh give the Cardinals a chance to run the ball effectively up the middle.

The team is also excited to get a healthy David Johnson back into the fold. He missed all but one game last season due to a wrist injury. New coach Steve Wilks can’t stop talking about how excited he is about having Johnson at his disposal this season. He told reporters that Johnson looked “outstanding” in workouts on Wednesday. He could have a giant season behind Arizona’s improved line.

That running game will lessen the stress on whoever ends up being the Cardinals starting quarterback. Sam Bradford could have a productive season if he can stay healthy, but Josh Rosen has the talent to really be a star. Don’t be shocked if Arizona gets at least average production out of the quarterback position.

The Cardinals aren’t going to be Super Bowl contenders this year, but their revamped offense can get them in contention for a playoff berth. They won’t be the sexiest team in the league, but their ground game can cause real problems for their opponents.