5 Dark Horse Contenders for Super Bowl XLV

By Travis Pulver

A new identity is starting to form for some teams with the start of training camp. Many teams drafted very well, filling many of the holes they had; others have been active in the trade department. Either way there are a handful of teams that have been either skirting the edge of success or have not seen it in sometime that may be in a good position to make a run for the Super Bowl in Dallas. Now we’re not advising you to start taking bets on these teams. Merely to just be aware that if the stars align correctly, these team actually have a shot at winning.

Seattle Seahawks

It has been sometime since Pete Carroll has been in the NFL. There were many that believed the NFL game was too much for him; that he was meant for the college ranks alone. With a good draft and some savvy trades, the Seahawks are looking primed to return to the post season for the first time since 2007.

San Francisco 49ers

At one time the 49ers were the most feared dynasty in the NFL. That era is long gone now, but with the tough nosed approach of head coach Mike Singletary the team is looking to return to dominance. With Alex Smith starting to follow  through on his promise, the emergence of Vernon Davis, and the talented Michael Crabtree and Frank Gore the 49ers needed just one thing really- an offensive line (which they drafted).

Houston Texans

Houston has been one of the most dangerous passing games in the NFL ever since they picked up Matt Schaub. Smart drafting has turned the defense into a force to be reckoned with as well. Now if one of the many running backs they have in the stable can emerge as a reliable starter, the AFC better look out for these guys.

New York Jets

I include these guys simply because they had no business being in the playoffs last year. Mark Sanchez still needs to prove that he can lead the team and be the answer as well when called upon. Letting go of Thomas Jones was an interesting decision and it remains to be seen if Shonne Greene can be the lead guy or how much LaDainian Tomlinson has left. The defense will stop people, but will the offense score?

Philadelphia Eagles

These guys are also included as a dark horse because they are banking on seeing Kevin Kolb do what he did in two games for an entire season. What’s to say that the University of Houston product would not have flopped for the remainder of the season? The tools are in place, but the pressure is different when you are the starter. If Kolb can handle it than the rest of the NFL better watch out for the Eagles.