5 Potential Dark Horses to Watch in the NFL Season
As the NFL season approaches, there are always a few teams that emerge as surprise contenders. These dark horses often fly under the radar during the offseason but have the potential to make a deep run into the playoffs. Here are five teams that could be this year’s dark horses:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have been one of the worst teams in the NFL over the past several years, but they have made some significant changes this offseason that could lead to a breakout season. They have added several key players on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne, and wide receiver Christian Kirk. If Lawrence can take a step forward in his second season, the Jaguars could be a surprise contender in the AFC South.
2. New York Jets
The Jets have also been a struggling team in recent years, but they have a lot of young talent on their roster. Quarterback Zach Wilson is entering his second season, and he has shown flashes of potential. The Jets also have a strong defense led by cornerback Sauce Gardner and linebacker C.J. Mosley. If Wilson can continue to develop and the defense can stay healthy, the Jets could be a surprise team in the AFC East.
3. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are another team that has been rebuilding in recent years, but they have a lot of pieces in place to make a run in 2022. Quarterback Sam Darnold is entering his second season with the team, and he has a lot of weapons to work with, including running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver D.J. Moore. The Panthers also have a strong defense led by cornerback Jaycee Horn and linebacker Shaq Thompson. If Darnold can stay healthy and the defense can continue to play at a high level, the Panthers could be a surprise contender in the NFC South.
4. Detroit Lions
The Lions have been one of the worst teams in the NFL for years, but they have a lot of young talent on their roster. Quarterback Jared Goff is entering his second season with the team, and he has a lot of weapons to work with, including running back D’Andre Swift and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions also have a strong defense led by cornerback Amani Oruwariye and linebacker Alex Anzalone. If Goff can continue to develop and the defense can stay healthy, the Lions could be a surprise team in the NFC North.
5. Houston Texans
The Texans are another team that has been rebuilding in recent years, but they have a lot of young talent on their roster. Quarterback Davis Mills is entering his second season with the team, and he has a lot of weapons to work with, including running back Dameon Pierce and wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The Texans also have a strong defense led by cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and linebacker Christian Kirksey. If Mills can continue to develop and the defense can stay healthy, the Texans could be a surprise team in the AFC South.
These are just five teams that could be dark horses in the NFL season. There are many other teams that have the potential to surprise, so be sure to keep an eye on these teams as the season progresses.