TJ Watt, Steelers
Nov 26, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt (90) looks over the field against the Green Bay Packers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
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5 NFL teams that could ascend to playoffs in 2019

Matt Verderame NFL

With OTAs and minicamps over with, the NFL heads into its annual slumber. For the 32 teams, now is the time for optimism, hoping that a new season brings with it a chance to advance deep into January with hopes of playing in Super Bowl LIV.

Here are five teams that missed the postseason last year that could reach the second season this time around.

5. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota was expected to be in serious competition for the Super Bowl in 2018 after signing Kirk Cousins. Instead, the Vikings fell to an 8-7-1 record, leaving them outside the playoff picture. If Minnesota doesn’t get back into the postseason, it’s possible that head coach Mike Zimmer isn’t on the sideline come 2020.

4. New York Jets

The Jets haven’t been to the playoffs in almost a decade, but this isn’t the same team. New York went out and added a ton of talent in free agency including running back Le’Veon Bell, slot receiver Jamison Crowder and inside linebacker C.J. Mosley. Factor in the pick of defensive Quinnen Williams with the third-overall choice and the expected maturation of quarterback Sam Darnold, and the Jets should be in contention for a wild card spot.

3. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are a talented team that was crushed by injuries last year. In Week 1 against Philadelphia, Atlanta watched safety Keanu Neal and linebacker Deion Jones go down with significant maladies. With the team back at full strength heading into 2019, there’s much reason for optimism. Atlanta should be competing for the NFC South alongside New Orleans, and with a good break or two could be in play for home-field advantage in the NFC. The only question is whether the Falcons are good enough in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

This is simple. The AFC North is in flux, with the talented-yet-inexperienced Cleveland Browns being pegged as the favorites. Pittsburgh still has Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Tomlin as the power duo, alongside talents such as T.J. Watt, JuJu Smith-Schuster and an awesome offensive line. If Pittsburgh gets into the playoffs, it’ll be a very tough out.

1. Green Bay Packers

The Packers finally have a new head coach in Matt LaFleur. They also have one of the league’s all-time great quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers. That alone is reason to believe the Packers can bounce back and not only reach the playoffs in 2019 but be a real threat to get to the Super Bowl.

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