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Oakland Raiders’ 5 Potential Playoff Opponents in 2015

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Oakland’s 5 Potential Playoff Opponents in 2015

Oakland Raiders fans
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders are on the verge of a breakout season this year. By making sensible football decisions, owner Mark Davis seems to have finally stepped out of his father's shadow and is putting the Raiders back on course to become Super Bowl contenders once again.

Here are the Oakland Raiders' five potential playoff opponents in 2015.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in desperate need of a functional running game to take some pressure off the aging Ben Roethlisberger. After failing to make it past the first round of last year's playoffs, the Steelers will have to play both free agency and the NFL Draft well this year to make it back atop the AFC North.

4. Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson
Downing-USA TODAY Sports

4. Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson
Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Normally, the Denver Broncos are in first or second place on AFC playoff power rankings. However, with a new coaching staff and Peyton Manning's age finally catching up to him, the Broncos are a big question mark this season. Key players who were crucial to Denver's playoff success are high priced free agents and might not return this year. Still, a Manning-led Broncos team is a dangerous combination that should not be taken lightly.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

3. Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88)
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens are in despite a need for some good PR. As the saying goes, winning cures everything. Even with all the drama and problems surrounding the Ravens camp, they do still possess a very strong team. By taking a WR in the first round of the 2015 draft and upgrading its defensive secondary, Baltimore will likely make a deep run in this year's playoffs.

2. Indianapolis Colts

Oakland Raiders fullback Marcel Reece
Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

2. Indianapolis Colts

Oakland Raiders fullback Marcel Reece
Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts were stomped by the current Super Bowl champs, 45-7, in last year's playoffs. This season, the Colts will be looking to avenge that humiliating loss and cement themselves as true Super Bowl contenders. By adding key players through free agency and depth through the 2015 draft, Indianapolis is poised to revamp its entire defense. Adding a running back on offense would put this team over the edge.

1. New England Patriots

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

1. New England Patriots

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots are coming of a thrilling victory over the Seahawks and are looking to make history by making two sets of consecutive trips to the Super Bowl this season. Tom Brady is in his prime at 37 and playing some of his best football of his life. Look for New England to take advantage of the momentum gained in last season's Super Bowl victory and make another strong push for a fifth Lombardi Trophy.

James Forsythe is an NFL contributor at www.RantSports.com. You can Follow him on Twitter @9erJim , “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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