So what makes a "sleeper"? A "sleeper" is not necessarily a team that hasn't been predicted to win the Super Bowl, but rather a team that has been over looked by many. While "sleepers" are not necessarily Super Bowl "favorites", they still have a realistic chance at winning a title.
Cincinnati Bengals
The defending AFC North champions have come up short in the playoffs in 4 of the last 5 seasons. As many people's favorite to once again win their division, the Bengals have not been praised as possible Super Bowl contenders as much as they should. Behind newly franchised, 4th-year QB Andy Dalton, and receivers like A.J. Green, Mohamed Sanu and Brandon Tate. don't be surprised if the Bengals are playing in February.
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| Cincinnati Bengals' QB Andy Dalton throws the ball during a regular season game against the Miami Dolphins in 2013. (Matt Sullivan/Getty Images North America) |
Kansas City Chiefs
Another team that is a borderline "sleeper" would be the Kansas City Chiefs. The 2013 Chiefs, under first-year head coach Andy Reid, finished with an 11-5 record before giving 35 second-half points to the Indianapolis Colts in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Lead by QB Alex Smith, WR Dwayne Bowe and RB Jamaal Charles, the 2014 Chiefs are looking to bring Kansas City it's first Lombardi Trophy in 45 years.
San Diego Chargers
As the second AFC West team to make the list, the San Diego Chargers surprised football fans all over last year when they made the playoffs. The 2013 Chargers would defeat the Bengals in the wild-card round before losing a close game to their rival Denver Broncos in the divisional round. Led by veterans QB Philip Rivers and TE Antonio Gates, the Chargers look to ride last year's momentum, and attempt to capture San Diego's first NFL title.
Detroit Lions
The 2013 Detroit Lions finished with an upsetting 7-9 record. This prompted Head Coach Jim Schwartz to lose his job and several other roster changes to take place. Experienced coach Jim Caldwell leads this years team with players like QB Matthew Stafford, RB Reggie Bush, a star-studded Defensive Line, and one of the greatest receivers of all time in Calvin Johnson. This year's Lions look to bounce back and win the Super Bowl.
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| Detroit Lions' WR Calvin Johnson stiff-arms a defender during a regular season game against the Buccaneers. (USATSI) |
Chicago Bears
Another NFC North team on this list, the Chicago Bears are also looking to bounce back after a sub-par season. Under first-year head coach Marc Trestman the Bears finished at 8-8 missing a playoff berth. Now, with more NFL coaching experience under his belt, Trestman leads arguably one of the leagues best receiving cores with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey. With the addition of DE Jared Allen, the Bears look to win their first Super Bowl in 29 years.
Arizona Cardinals
Under first-year head coach Bruce Arians, the 2013 Arizona Cardinals barely missed the playoffs after finishing with a 10-6 record, which is remarkable considering they play in arguably the NFL's hardest division (that's right! They had to play both the 49ers and the Seahawks twice!). Led by future hall-of-fame WR Larry Fitzgerald, CB Patrick Peterson, S Tyrann Mathieu and 12th-year QB Carson Palmer the 2014 Cardinals are no doubt a "sleeper"
Houston Texans
Coming off of a disastrous 2013 season, this year's Houston Texans' team already looks to be back in their 2011-2012 form. As arguably the second best team in the AFC South, the Texan's brought in first-year head coach Bill O'Brien from Penn State to help lead the team consisting of DE J.J. Watt, RB Arian Foster and WR Andre Johnson. We've witnessed teams go from top-to-bottom before, and this year's Houston Texans certainly have what it takes.
Atlanta Falcons
Another possible "rags-to-riches" story could come out of Atlanta. After winning the NFC South in 2012 with a 13-3 record, the 2013 Atlanta Falcons disappointed their fans by finishing 4-12. This year's Falcons, under 7th-year head coach Mike Smith, added 3-time Pro Bowler Devin Hester to join Julio Jones and Roddy White at WR. With Matt Ryan under center and Steven Jackson at RB, the 2014 Atlanta Falcons already look like a possible Super Bowl contender.
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| Atlanta Falcons' QB Matt Ryan holds the ball during a regular season game in 2013. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America) |
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