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New England Patriots’ 5 Potential Playoff Opponents in 2015

New England Patriots’ 5 Potential Playoff Opponents in 2015

Julian Edelman New England Patriots
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Looking ahead to the 2015 NFL season, here are the five teams that the Patriots will have to contend with in the AFC Playoffs as they try to defend their crown.

5. Kansas City Chiefs

Jamaal Charles Kansas City Chiefs
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5. Kansas City Chiefs

Jamaal Charles Kansas City Chiefs
John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

A three-game skid late in the 2014 season cost Kansas City a chance to contend for the Lombardi Trophy. If they are able to add one more weapon this offseason to take some of the pressure off Jamaal Charles, they will certainly be a wild card team in 2015. After all, they were the only squad to beat both Super Bowl squads this past season.

4. Baltimore Ravens

Terrell Suggs Baltimore Ravens
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4. Baltimore Ravens

Terrell Suggs Baltimore Ravens
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The playoff battles between the Patriots and Ravens have been must-watch television, and I do not see them coming to an end anytime soon. It remains to be seen whether two key contributors, Haloti Ngata and Justin Forsett, will return to Baltimore next season. However, as long as Joe Flacco is under center, the Ravens will continue to be a dangerous draw in the playoffs.

3. Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts
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3. Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots have owned Indianapolis since Andrew Luck entered the league. Despite New England's ability to absolutely dominate the Colts through the run game, Indianapolis has had tremendous success against the rest of the league. They are the class of the AFC South, and should have no issues returning to the postseason. They may even get the AFC Championship rematch some players were calling for after DeflateGate.

2. Cincinnati Bengals

Andy Dalton Cincinnati Bengals
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

2. Cincinnati Bengals

Andy Dalton Cincinnati Bengals
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Will this finally be the year that Andy Dalton breaks through? Cincinnati has done just enough to get into the playoffs with the Red Rifle under center, but nothing more. This past season's hapless 26-10 loss to the Colts showed that the Bengals are still not ready to actually contend for a Super Bowl. Another wild card season is likely in store for the Bengals, just don't expect them to make any noise once they make it to the dance.

1. Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning Denver Broncos
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning Denver Broncos
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The story of the 2015 Denver Broncos will be written before the first snap of the regular season. If Peyton Manning's quad is able to heal, and he is back to 100 percent, they will win the AFC West. If Manning is unable to recover, this team will struggle mightily to win their division. Look for Denver to refocus after their embarrassing effort against the Colts in the 2014 playoffs. With a healthy Peyton, they are poised to make some noise.

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