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With Super Bowl 50 in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to look ahead to next season. There are a number of teams that failed to play up to expectations in 2015 that are undoubtedly capable of competing for Super Bowl LI. Here’s a look at five teams that fall into this category.
5. New York Jets
Credit: Getty Images5. New York Jets
The New York Jets didn't make the playoffs in 2015, but they had a successful campaign in head coach Todd Bowles' first year at 10-6. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick had the best season of his career and projects to be re-signed unless an unforeseen trade takes place. Assuming the Jets make a few adequate additions on offense, the team will be incredibly balanced on both sides of the ball. In a somewhat weak AFC, the Jets could easily make noise in the playoffs next year.
4. Dallas Cowboys
Credit: Getty Images4. Dallas Cowboys
If Tony Romo can somehow figure out how to stay healthy next season, the Dallas Cowboys will be in the mix again in the NFC playoff picture. Despite floundering on offense without Romo particularly during the second half of the 2015 season, Dallas' defense never quit playing and gave up the fewest points in the NFC East (374) over the entire campaign. The Cowboys will be active in free agency and aggressive in the draft, ultimately making enough moves to compete in 2016.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Credit: Getty Images3. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts were ransacked by injuries in 2015, and despite Andrew Luck only starting seven of a possible 16 games, they managed to go 8-8. With a healthy Luck back and some adequate additions made particularly on the defensive side of the ball, the Colts will have something to say about how the AFC playoff picture develops.
2. New York Giants
Credit: Getty Images2. New York Giants
It was clearly time for the New York Giants and Tom Coughlin to end their relationship, as his message just wasn't getting through to the team anymore. Ben McAdoo did an excellent job with Eli Manning and Co. during his time as the team's offensive coordinator, and he takes over a team that is capable of making noise next season if proper additions are made on defense through the draft and in free agency. The Giants are tired of being mediocre after a four-year stretch of missing the playoffs and will do what it takes to be relevant again.
1. Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports1. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings made the playoffs in 2015 and would have made it to the divisional round at minimum had kicker Blair Walsh not missed a chip shot field goal against Seattle. Head coach Mike Zimmer has this team heading in the right direction, and RB Adrian Peterson projects to play at an elite level for a few more seasons. Minnesota undoubtedly needs QB Teddy Bridgewater to accept a larger role in its offense, but the third season of a quarterback's career is typically when they make their biggest strides, so I expect to see a different player in 2016. The Vikings clearly have the pieces in place to make a Super Bowl run.
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