5 NFL teams that are going to surprise as contenders

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HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 21: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts signals first down during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Colts 20-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

3. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts being contenders is going to depend on Philip Rivers.

If Rivers can find some magic in his 38-year-old right arm, Indianapolis. has a real chance to win the AFC South and host a playoff game. Of course, there’s risk in hoping Rivers can bounce back, but he could be a short-term answer before both he and Jacoby Brissett hit free agency in 2021.

The Colts made some significant moves over the past two weeks. The most important was a trade for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, bringing him over from the San Francisco 49ers. General manager Chris Ballard than signed the 26-year-old Pro Bowler to a four-year extension upon his arrival, while sending a first-round choice to the Bay Area.

While the Colts are without their top pick, they hold two choices at Nos. 34 and 44 overall in the second round. Ballard can package those choices or simply wait until he’s on the clock and pick the best remaining players. Perhaps this is the time for Indianapolis to add to its secondary and even bolster what is still a middling pass rush.