We've made our . We've selected our combatants. Now it's time to spotlight some teams we predict will rise Brook Lopez Jersey as dark horses this season. More specifically, we'll identify teams currently perceived as also-rans that are about to make some unexpected noise.There is literally no chance we will get any of these predictions wrong. Here we go.Gregg Rosenthal's pick: Minnesota VikingsIt's easy to forget that the ' defense, not the clownish quarterback carousel, torpedoed their 2013 season. New head coach is a top defensive mind and has some delicious talent with which to work. The defensive line (, , , ) is one of the most intriguing young groups in football. Safety , and rookie add explosive ability to the back seven.The offense also looks frisky. They have the best running back in the league, and a quality tight end in . Offensive coordinator won't turn Eric Bledsoe Jersey into Troy Aikman, but Ca sel is better than plenty of starters out there. When Ca sel falters, will be ready. The won't want to move back indoors after they sneak in a winning record this year.Chris We seling's pick: Washington RedskinsAs I mentioned on the last week, I am maintaining a semblance of faith in 's unique talent to teach myself a le son about not putting too much stock in an . will have his in from gimmick offense to pocket pa ser, but there's too much talent on this to fail in epic fashion.If the offensive struggles of the past month raise doubt, the play of 's defense has offered reasons for optimism. New starters and key an upgraded front seven, and Kyle Korver Jersey the back end should have fewer holes with the addition of veteran safeties and and the emergence of at cornerback.The might just have the widest range of outcomes this season. One of those outcomes is winning the NFC East and shocking a contender in the first round of the playoffs.Dan Hanzus' pick: Atlanta FalconsPerhaps the gruff uncle charm of Bryan Cox on Hard Knocks has left me with a rooting interest, but I don't believe the deserve to be overlooked as a team that can make noise in the NFC. Last season was an obvious failure on multiple fronts, but any team led by a front-line starting quarterback -- which is -- has a shot to win nine or 10 games.The of left tackle hurt, but first-round pick certainly has the potential to capably protect Ryan's blindside. Rookie showed flashes in the preseason and could be a weapon in the backfield. Meanwhile, the importance of ' return from a foot injury cannot be overstated. Don't be shocked if Jones and end up being at wideout in football.I expect Atlanta to move ahead of Carolina in the division and claim a Wild Card spot behind the . Bryan Cox will light a victory cigar. Last year's disastrous 4-12 campaign will be a distant memory.Marc Se sler's pick: Jacksonville JaguarsAfter picking , I'm doubling down with the as my sneaky team of choice Brian Winters Jersey . It boils down to new hope under center and a -led defense set to emerge in Year 2. , and meshed well in August for an amped-up line that racked up eight sacks and 36 quarterback hurries over four preseason tilts.Jacksonville's frisky defense will help keep the in games until Bortles replaces the painfully bland . We can point to the rookie's lack of work against opposing starters, but everything Bortles was asked to do in August, he than Henne. It recalls 's rookie season with the , during which he watched from afar in 2004 before replacing a milquetoast and dinged-up Tommy Maddox just two weeks Junior Bridgeman Jersey in.Bortles will grab the reins by and turn Jacksonville into a team nobody wants to play by December.The latest "" predicts and the major winners of the regular-season awards.