Three sub .500-teams that could rise to the NFL playoffs next season: Detroit Lions
Why they will » They were only outscored by seven points last season, and if not for one questionable rule, they would have finished 7-9. Quarterback Matthew Stafford will return, and the defense is ascending thanks to a strong line.
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Why they won’t » Stafford will be entering his third season but has proved one thing: He gets hurt too much. Stafford is not the most accurate passer — and wasn’t in college, either. Oh, and Green Bay is in their division.
Dallas Cowboys
Why they will » They’re a season removed from 11 wins plus a postseason victory. They still have an excellent quarterback in Tony Romo, and there’s still plenty of defensive talent. Plus, they finished 5-3 under Jason Garrett. Receiver Dez Bryant’s return will be big, too.
Why they won’t » The Cowboys need a lot of help in the defensive backfield at both cornerback spots and safety. Their offensive line is aging. The defense plummeted in the rankings and was 31st in points allowed. Can the Cowboys improve that much?
St. Louis Rams
Why they will » The Rams improved by six games this past season. They also lost four games by four points or less. Quarterback Sam Bradford should get better in his second season — after throwing 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He did this with his top receivers hurt all season. Their defense was 12th in points allowed.
Why they won’t » The offense was 26th in points scored, and Bradford only had a 76.5 rating and averaged just 5.95 yards per pass attempt.
– John Keim
