Fansided

6 teams poised to finally return to the NFL playoffs in 2020

By Andrew Kulp

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 23: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 23: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Philip Rivers traded in one shade of blue for another and will now attempt to steer the Indianapolis Colts to the NFL playoffs.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 29: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Indianapolis Colts

Like Dallas, the Colts are only one year removed from a trip to the playoffs, though Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement was so seismic, it instantly rendered the franchise an afterthought. It also looked like Indianapolis might be relegated to mediocrity for some time.

Then along came Philip Rivers.

Tempting as it is to believe Rivers is washed up after hurling 20 interceptions with the Chargers a season ago, other measures show a signal caller who can still sling the rock. Yes, he’s 38, but he completed 66% of his passes for 7.8 average with 23 touchdowns.

All Rivers needs is a little help, and he’ll get it in Indianapolis. He’s reunited with former offensive coordinator Frank Reich, now the Colts’ head coach, behind a solid offensive line Los Angeles lacked, and surrounded by established weapons such as wide receiver T.Y. Hilton and running back Marlon Mack.

Indianapolis wisely decided to go all in on Rivers’ final years, too, trading a first-round pick to the 49ers for All-Pro defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, and using a pair of seconds on receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and and ball carrier Jonathan Taylor.

The Colts may not be the sexiest team in 2020, but they are a legitimate contender nonetheless.

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