Dark horses

Last year, the Ravens surprised everyone (themselves included) by winning Super Bowl XXXV. This really shouldn't be too far-fetched, when we realize that the Rams performed the same kind of "out of thin air" Houdini act in the 1999-2000 season.

The question is -- is this a pattern? Is the NFL now such a tough place to play, that a tough, die hard schedule makes it next to impossible to get to the Super Bowl? Are the mediocre teams of last season in a better position to strike with a weaker schedule?

The Ravens and Rams are proof of this, and in so doing have made us think about what "dark horses" are out there.

Here are three teams that were "on the bubble" last year, and could be poised to do quite well this post season.

1. Seattle Seahawks

Hey, it surprised us too! Matt Hasselbeck has a lot to learn about the NFL. However, the guy that drafted him, Aaron Brooks, Mark Brunell, and this guy name Favre that he spent the better part of three years learning behind, does know a thing or two about QB's. Don't be surprised to see Holmgren lead this team into the post-season.

2. Green Bay Packers

When Ahman Green is your starter, and Dorsey Levens is your back-up, you're pretty much set on RB's. Now, if they only had a QB... No, but seriously folks, Favre led this team to one of the best records in football in the second half of the year last season. With Detroit's new offense, the Bears being what they are, and a Tampa team still struggling to find their identity, look for Green Bay to bite a couple on their way to sneaking into the post-season.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

In what is one of the more lopsided divisions ever to grace the NFL, the Jags have a legitimate shot of being near the top of the AFC Central. Yes, the Titans are good. Yes, the Ravens won the Super Bowl last year. However, with the offensive talent that the Jags have (see Brunell, Taylor, Smith & McCardell), and six games against Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati -- expect them to make a strong bid as a wild card.