5 NFL Sleeper Teams That Could Sneak Into 2016 Playoffs

With the 2016 NFL Draft now behind us, it’s a great time to look ahead to the upcoming campaign. A number of teams have done a phenomenal job this offseason, and could be primed to return to the playoffs next winter. Here’s a look at five that appear to fall into that category.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback Jameis Winston flashed glimpses of brilliance at times as a rookie, and should only get better. Solidifying their secondary was paramount for the Buccaneers, and they did so by adding Brent Grimes and Vernon Hargreaves. Expect 10 wins.

Quarterback Jameis Winston flashed glimpses of brilliance at times as a rookie, and should only get better. Solidifying their secondary was paramount for the Buccaneers, and they did so by adding Brent Grimes and Vernon Hargreaves. Expect 10 wins.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars Getty Images
Jacksonville crushed the NFL Draft by selecting Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack, and have Dante Fowler Jr. coming back from injury. Couple their draft success with what they did in free agency, and the Jaguars are primed to win 10 games.

Jacksonville crushed the NFL Draft by selecting Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack, and have Dante Fowler Jr. coming back from injury. Couple their draft success with what they did in free agency, and the Jaguars are primed to win 10 games.

3. Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Every year, NFL aficionados proclaim the Raiders are back and will make the playoffs, yet it never happens. However, Derek Carr has blossomed into an above-average quarterback, and additions to their defense will finally put them over the top.

Every year, NFL aficionados proclaim the Raiders are back and will make the playoffs, yet it never happens. However, Derek Carr has blossomed into an above-average quarterback, and additions to their defense will finally put them over the top.

2. Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins Getty Images
Everything went wrong for Miami in 2015, but the Dolphins hired the right man for the job in Adam Gase, and made a number of solid additions this offseason. Expect a retooled offense to lead this team to the promised land.

Everything went wrong for Miami in 2015, but the Dolphins hired the right man for the job in Adam Gase, and made a number of solid additions this offseason. Expect a retooled offense to lead this team to the promised land.

1. New York Giants

New York Giants Getty Images
The Giants went 6-10 in 2015, and it resulted in the firing of Tom Coughlin. However, GM Jerry Reese spent a boatload of money on defense this offseason, and New York's offense shouldn't skip a beat with Ben McAdoo taking over as head coach.

The Giants went 6-10 in 2015, and it resulted in the firing of Tom Coughlin. However, GM Jerry Reese spent a boatload of money on defense this offseason, and New York's offense shouldn't skip a beat with Ben McAdoo taking over as head coach.

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