The NFL always sees some heavy turnover when it comes to different teams making the playoffs. In the last decade, an average of five new teams have made the playoffs each year, and 2016 could see that happen again. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, NY Giants, Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles all have potential to make the jump this year.
Last season four new teams made the playoffs from the previous year with the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins getting in. With the bulk of free agency done and the draft coming up, it's a good time to take a look at what teams could make the jump this season. The New York Giants made a huge splash in free agency and that should help push the team towards the postseason, while the Cowboys will be getting healthy after dealing with injuries last season.
The Oakland Raiders added strong players this offseason in Sean Smith, Kelechi Osemele and Bruce Irvin, which should help the team compete for a spot in 2016. The Indianapolis Colts and the Philadelphia Eagles are also in position to make the playoffs next season after just missing out this year. Andrew Luck will be healthy for Indy, while Sam Bradford is coming back after signing a new deal with the Eagles.
Here is a look at a few of the teams that could make the leap:
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys dealt with major injuries last season to Tony Romo and Dez Bryant, which took away any real chance of making the playoffs. The team should have both players back healthy and that should be all they need to get back into contention. The addition of Alfred Morris should help give the team a strong one-two punch with Darren McFadden in the running game. The team also will add a top five prospect in the draft.
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders signed Smith, Osemele and Irvin to contracts and that should help shore up some major need positions for the team. Derek Carr has developed into a great young quarterback and with Amari Cooper and Latavius Murray on offense, Oakland has the chance to compete for the playoffs.
New York Giants
The Giants made a major splash in free agency by signing Janoris Jenkins, Damon Harrison and Olivier Vernon and that should give the defense a major boost. The defense was the worst in the NFL last season by yards allowed and that trio should make a difference. Throw in the possibility of Victor Cruz and Jason Pierre-Paul playing full schedules, and the Giants could be back in the postseason.
