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Sep 23, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) reacts after a touchdown by the New York Giants during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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5 NFL teams going under the radar in 2019

Matt Verderame NFL

5. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville was only six minutes from the Super Bowl less than two years ago. Then it all came crashing down, with the team earning another top-10 pick in this year’s draft. Now, though, there is reason to believe the Jaguars can bounce back and reach the playoffs for the second time in three years. Even with Telvin Smith taking the year off, the defense remain rock solid and the offense gets a huge upgrade from Blake Bortles to Nick Foles. Jacksonville isn’t going to win 13 games, but it could be a threat to win the division.

4. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota was suppose to go to the Super Bowl last year, only to disappoint with an 8-7-1 record. The Vikings are bringing back a tremendously talented roster including receivers Stefan Diggs and Adam Thielen, quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Dalvin Cook and a defense capable of finishing in the top five. With head coach Mike Zimmer somewhat on the hot seat, the Vikings have pressure on them. Not always a bad thing.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have been one of the most successful franchises over the past 50 years, and yet they are being forgotten heading into 2019. The Cleveland Browns are everyone’s favorite story, and the Baltimore Ravens are coming off last season as division champs. Still, Pittsburgh is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, not to mention a Hall of Fame quarterback and head coach. If the Steelers aren’t fighting for the AFC North come December, it will serve as a shock.

2. Houston Texans

Everyone is so infatuated with the Indianapolis Colts, that the Houston Texans have been completely overlooked. The Texans won the AFC South last season with an 11-5 record, even after starting 0-3. Houston isn’t without its warts — the offensive line and secondary remain huge concerns — but this is a team with Deshaun Watson throwing to DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller. The Texans are more than talented enough to make another run at a division title.

1. Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta gets forgotten because the team was besieged by injuries a year ago. With Grady Jarrett and Deion Jones getting new deals, the defense is both locked up and looking quite talented. The offense remain one of the league’s best with Matt Ryan at the controls. Ryan can hand off to Devonta Freeman and throw to the trio Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Mohamed Sanu. Atlanta is a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

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