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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FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 13: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans reacts after the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. Tennessee Titans

The Titans ability to move up the NFL food chain depends a lot on how their coaching change turns out. On the surface, Matt Vrabel seems like an upgrade over Mike Mularkey.

Much of Vrabel’s success will hinge on his ability to get the most out of quarterback Marcus Mariota. Specifically, the former Oregon star needs to find a way to limit his turnovers. His interception total jumped from nine in 2016 all the way up to 15 in 2017. Mariota needs to stay aggressive, but he’s got to cut down on the disaster plays.

If Mariota and the Titans running game can get going, the team has enough defensive talent to stay competitive in most games. Adding Rashaan Evans at middle linebacker could pay serious dividends. His ability to run sideline-to-sideline to make tackles should help everyone on Vrabel’s defense look better.

Tennessee also has a chance to have one of the best secondaries in the NFL. Adoree Jackson played really well in his rookie season and now he’s got Malcolm Butler on the other side. Butler didn’t make the active roster for New England in the Super Bowl, but Vrabel knows him well. He signed the talented cornerback for a reason.

The Titans are set with 40/1 odds to win the Super Bowl this season. They don’t have the talent to pull that off, but winning in the playoffs aren’t out of the question for Mariota and Co.