As we’ve come to expect as the start of a new season, there are certain NFL teams looking poised to soar.
Clubs with a strong returning cast of characters that have begun developing rapport have a chance to surge, while other franchises that added key players to address their weaknesses could also see their stock rise.
These five NFL teams are on tap to delight their fans in a big way throughout the 2016 season.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Unarguably, it would take some minor miracles for the Buccaneers to oust the Carolina Panthers from their standing in the NFC South.
With that being said, it is highly possible that the Buccaneers will continue to build off what was a solid campaign in 2015. Last year, the team improved to six wins versus the paltry two accomplished in 2014.
Quarterback Jameis Winston has slimmed down (he lost 18 pounds!) and leads a roster loaded with young stars with the potential to break out.
Plus, the chemistry between Winston and Mike Evans should only improve.
Surprising his team last year, Doug Martin shed a two-year funk and recorded the second-highest rushing yards (1,402) in the league. Additionally, third-year back Charles Sims emerged as a legitimate receiving weapon. All signs would point towards the Bucs’ running back duo being ultra-productive again.
A defense that already ranked No. 10 last year made further enhancements this offseason to tighten some gaps.
The Buccaneers haven’t seen the postseason since 2007. Though, this could change for a team that could feasibly rack up as many wins (or more) than NFC South rival New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons.
4. New York Giants
Something will have gone terribly wrong by the season’s end if the Giants don’t manage more than the six wins accomplished in both 2014 and 2015. If you believe Odell Beckham Jr., a Super Bowl berth is all but in the bag.
The Giants boasted the eighth-best offense in the league last year while quarterback Eli Manning had one of his most pronounced seasons ever, throwing for a career-high 35 touchdowns while keeping the interceptions at bay.
Unfortunately, while the offense was in fine tune, the defense was surrendering an unforgivable average of 420.3 yards and 27.6 points per contest.
Making great strides to fix a defense in the dumps, the Giants paid big bucks to recruit some top defenders during free agency. Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison and Janoris Jenkins joined the crew at defensive end, defensive tackle and cornerback. Plus, the team spent its first-round pick on former Ohio State corner Eli Apple.
Thus, the Giants defense could be well-positioned to shut down its opposition.
Meanwhile, look for Manning, Beckham Jr., Rashad Jennings and a promising rookie in Sterling Shepard to destroy on offense. Victor Cruz could also be a factor, and he recently said he’s going to be good to go this preseason (more on that here).
Situated within one of the most unpredictable divisions in the league, the Giants are poised to conquer.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have been making so much noise this offseason that many are predicting that they will rise to the top and win the AFC South.
Heck, anything can happen, right?
During the offseason and through the draft, the Jaguars made some brilliant additions to bolster their defense. Defensive tackle Malik Jackson, cornerback Prince Amukamara, rookies Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack should all make a big impact. Plus, pass rusher Dante Fowler will return after having sat out his entire rookie season with an ACL injury suffered in rookie minicamp last year.
The Jaguars defense ranked in the bottom 10 last season. With any luck, these moves will pay dividends.
If this is the case, an improved defense will compliment a Jags’ offense that was not too shabby under second-year starter Blake Bortles. A more balanced attack with Chris Ivory pounding the rock could see the offense making strides as well.
Jacksonville has not been a divisional leader since 1999. A big year might just halt this streak.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have a terrific track record when it comes to their participation in Wild Card games. Since 2005, Cincinnati has played in seven such games but has sadly lost every single matchup.
Worse, the team has lost the last five Wild Card games in a row with quarterback Andy Dalton as a starter. Though, last year was a bit different. Perhaps if Dalton had not been sidelined with a thumb injury late in 2015 and played in the postseason, the team might have advanced.
Dalton made monumental strides last year. Before becoming injured, he led the team to a 10-3 record, completed a career-high 66.1 percent of his passes and decreased his interceptions dramatically.
With a stout offensive line, the passing game should continue to thrive. This will only be complimented by the Giovani Bernard/Jeremy Hill duo on the ground.
As for the defense, it ranked third in interceptions and 10th-best in sacks last season. Look for it once again to be a force in limiting offensive downs.
Edging beyond one-and-done this postseason could finally become a reality.
1. Green Bay Packers
The Packers offense should be more dynamic with the return of Jordy Nelson and hopeful rebound of an in-shape Eddie Lacy dominating on the ground.
Furthermore, the defense looks to improve by moving Clay Matthews back to his outside linebacker position. In the secondary, the Packers boast a promising safety pair in Morgan Burnett and Ha Ha Clinton Dix. At cornerback Sam Shields, Damarious Randall and an up-and-coming Quinten Rollins look solid.
And, we don’t need to toot the horn of Aaron Rodgers, who is one of the most polished and accurate quarterbacks in the league. He will be primed to take advantage of the fact that his Packers have the easiest schedule in the NFL for the upcoming season.
A bank of wins early on is completely feasible. And, while the Packers face some stiff competition within the NFC, they remain an elite team poised to rise up in 2016.
With all of the key factors for determining success sweetly aligning, the Packers might just manage their first Super Bowl run since 2010.