Most folks head into every NFL season believing they have a good idea of how the standings in each division will play out. We think we know who will make the playoffs, even if the rest is unknown. But the NFL is also known for throwing some surprises at us. There’s always a chance that the unexpected happens or we simply overlooked a certain team. Having said that, let’s take a look at one dark horse candidate from every NFL division that could surprise the league by winning their division in 2021.
AFC East: Dolphins
We’re not brave enough to pick the Jets as a dark horse. But the Dolphins have a chance to challenge the Bills. Miami’s defense was almost good enough to take the Dolphins to the playoffs last year.
The Dolphins have also done a nice job of getting enough receivers around Tua Tagovailoa to give him a chance to have a breakout season.
AFC North: Bengals
Granted, a lot will have to go wrong in Cleveland and Baltimore for the Bengals to have a chance.
However, Joe Burrow was impressive as a rookie last season, Cincinnati is also stacked at wide receiver, so the Bengals will score a lot of points if the offensive line can hold up.
AFC South: Jaguars
The Titans and Colts are clear favorites but don’t overlook the Jaguars.
The combination of Urban Meyer and Trevor Lawrence is perhaps the most intriguing wild card in the NFL. It’s rare to go from 1-15 to division champs, but Jacksonville might have a chance.
AFC West: Broncos
It’ll likely be a long time until someone in the AFC West can topple the Chiefs at the top of the division. But the Broncos have a fair amount of talent on defense, especially if Von Miller can return to form.
They also have a great group of receivers, so a veteran like Teddy Bridgewater could get the Denver offense moving more than the inexperienced Drew Lock did last season.
NFC East: Giants
In a fair, the NFC East isn’t good enough to have a clear favorite or a dark horse. But the G-Men do fit that description after just one winning season in the last eight years.
On the off chance that Daniel Jones has a breakout season, the Giants have the offensive skill players to make some noise. Of course, the offensive line will also have to play much better than we’ve seen over four straight losing seasons.
NFC North: Bears
We know the Chicago defense has some serious talent. If Justin Fields just so happens to prove to be ready to play right away, the Bears will surely provide some competition for the Packers and Vikings.
Fields will be interesting to watch and a potential game-changer in this division.
NFC South: Panthers
It’s possible that getting away from the Jets is just what Sam Darnold needs. We also don’t want to forget the impact that a healthy Christian McCaffrey can make.
Plus, outside of the Buccaneers, this division is wide open and the Carolina defense has the pieces to surprise some people.
NFC West: Cardinals
There’s no true dark horse in this division; all four teams are good. But if Kyler Murray takes another step forward, the Cardinals could go from 8-8 to Super Bowl contenders.
There have also been upgrades to the Arizona defense, including J.J. Watt, and so the Cardinals deserve to be on level footing with the rest of the division.