I thought I would write which teams I think will bounce back in 2018 to make the playoffs that were not there in 2017. These choices are solely my opinion. I will write next week about the opposite, 2017 playoff teams that I think will not make it in 2018.

Here’s the list:

1. Green Bay Packers:

This is an easy one and because of one person: Aaron Rodgers. He is the focal point of this team and has led the Packers to 8 straight playoff appearances before 2017. With him holding the reigns, the Packers can never be counted out. With Davante Adams emerging as the WR1, and Jimmy Graham providing a large tight end presence in the end zone, the Packers offense can soar to new heights. On the defensive side, the Packers addressed their dire need for cornerback in the draft, and with Clay Matthews and Nick Perry wreaking havoc on opposing QBs, this team should be in contention to win the division. With the Vikings, another force in this division, the Packers will be a wild card team at the least.

2. Houston Texans:

Unfortunately, the Texans dream season ended in 2017 after Deshaun Watson tore his ACL. But there was reason to be optimistic for the future. Watson took the league by storm, showing his endurance, agility, and ability to shred defenses during the beginning of the season. The Texans were hit with injuries, but once healthy, they can be a force in the AFC. I expect this year for them to be in the running for the division crown with a healthy Watson, Watt, Mercilus. This team is elite on both sides of the ball with Hopkins leading the charge on the offensive side and Watt on defense.

3. Los Angeles Chargers:

If there’s been a team with bad luck last year, it was the Chargers. Kicking woes put them behind in the division and conference race with losses to the Broncos and Dolphins. Still, with transitioning teams in the AFC West, the Chargers should be frontrunners to win this division. Philip Rivers is still playing at a high level with the support of Keenan Allen, Melvin Gordon, and possibly Antonio Gates. On the defensive side, Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa are making a name for this defense by proving they are no fluke. This is a complete team that I see making it far in the playoffs when clicking on all cylinders. Once their kicking problem becomes fixed hopefully this season, I can see them being in the top-tier of the AFC, with the likes of the Pats, Steelers, and Jags.

4. Baltimore Ravens:

One bad play away from a playoff berth, the stunned Ravens had to go home after Andy Dalton sealed a berth for the Bills. Joe Flacco has been declining lately, but the addition of Lamar Jackson has reignited a fire in him and the addition of Michael Crabtree and John Brown with Hayden Hurst should help an underwhelming offense. A big weakness for this team a year ago was receiving corps and that has been addressed. Alex Collins was a bulldozer at RB and remains a solid choice. On the defensive side, Terrell Suggs and Co. still have proven they got it, remaining a stingy and solid defense for foes. Though the Steelers have a stranglehold on this division, the Ravens should be in the wild card mix.

5. San Francisco 49ers:

This last one is taking a risk, but hey, I may have been just as impressed with Jimmy G. as the rest of the country. The 49ers mean business this year, with Jimmy G. proving more than capable of taking over the team. Who knows if Dez Bryant will ever come here despite the rumors. With the addition of Richard Sherman, and the draft, the 49ers defense hopes to regain its form from the Harbaugh seasons. On the offensive side, obtaining Jerick McKinnon provides a versatile RB and Garcon, Goodwin, and several young guys headline a new WR group that remains relatively unknown to the fans. Though the 49ers may not win all their games with Jimmy G., I expect a more successful season. Like I said, this pick is a huge risk for me. This division has the up and coming Rams and the still Russell Wilson led Seahawks, so winning the division will be tough. If Jimmy G. can continue his magic, I see no reason why they cannot be in the wild card hunt.