6. Arizona Cardinals (2013 Record: 10-6)
After nearly winning it all in 2008, the Cardinals had several down seasons before showing some promise in 2013, doubling their wins from the previous year. Veteran Carson Palmer had a career year under new Head Coach Bruce Arians, throwing for 4,274 yards in 2013. On the other side of the ball, the Cardinals are lead by former first-round pick Patrick Peterson. In three seasons, Peterson has been named to three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams to start his career. With Palmer showing some life in his career, and a young and talented defense becoming better with time, it won't be long before Arizona can make some noise in a stacked NFC West. Odds of making Super Bowl XLIX: 21%
5. Cincinnati Bengals (2013 Record: 11-5)
If Joe Montana had been anywhere else during Super Bowl XVI and XXII, the Bengals would have two Super Bowl championships to their name. Cincinnati came so close in the 1980's, but ran into the team of the decade in the San Francisco 49ers on both trips to the Super Bowl. Now in the new millennium, there seems to new life pumped into the Cincinnati Bengals. Head Coach Marvin Lewis has assembled young talent who are only getting better as time moves on. Andy Dalton has slowly improved each year since his days at TCU, Wide Receiver A.J. Green has had 1,000-yard seasons in his first three years as a pro, and Vontaze Burficit, the Undrafted second year player from Arizona State, has slowly developed into one of the most underrated Linebackers in the league, leading the NFL in tackles in 2013. If the Bengals can get over the Wildcard hump, they could very well contend for a conference or league championship. Odds of making Super Bowl XLIX: 30%
4. Atlanta Falcons (2013 Record: 4-12)
What happened to Atlanta in 2013? Since Matt Ryan became the Falcons QB in 2008, Atlanta has made the playoffs four times, and was less than a touchdown away from making Super Bowl XLVII last season, but the wheels fell off this year and Atlanta stumbled to a 4-12 record. Troubles on the offensive line and front seven on defense would be the leading cause of the Falcons' struggles, sporting one of the worst Rushing Offense and Defense in the league. However, Matt Ryan is still one of the best QBs in the league, and with proper protection on the offensive front, could propel the Falcons back in front of the NFC South. Odds of making Super Bowl XLIX: 41%
Chris Turner
Contributor
Student at the University of Missouri-Columbia who has an unhealthy love for College Football. There is no offseason, only eight months of re-runs. Studying the Art of Fat Guy Touchdowns.
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