After months of player-level takes, opinions, and news stories, teams are taking the spotlight once again in the NFL zeitgeist.

With most franchises getting at least a minor remodel this summer, the equation once again is a mystery as to which teams will be great and which will be “mid,” as some might say.

However, every season, there are at least one or two teams that seemingly come out of nowhere.

Here’s a look at three teams that shouldn’t be going under the radar.

Minnesota Vikings

Even with Kirk Cousins out of the picture, the Minnesota Vikings look more composed than many NFL franchises with their quarterbacks. This year, the team will be putting their hopes on J.J. McCarthy to lead the team into the future. Sure, Sam Darnold likely will see some action early in the year, but this will be McCarthy’s unit before long.

With Justin Jefferson healthy and returning to the fold, Vikings fans have at least one big reason for hope. McCarthy proved he could win it all with the correct coaching in college, so there is reason to keep an eye on the rookie as he settles in with Kevin O’Connell.

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys perennially get more attention than any franchise in the NFL. However, much of the attention this offseason has been negative. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb remain unsigned, and Mike McCarthy might be coaching his last year with the team.

However, despite the negative press, the Cowboys are still in great shape this year. Many franchises would be thrilled if they were to wake up tomorrow and have Prescott, Lamb, and McCarthy for the season. With Prescott coming off a year in which he won his division and led the league in touchdown passes, it would be surprising if the Cowboys were to fall apart with most of the same pieces from last season.

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals finished their second consecutive four-win season last year. However, the unit will be refreshed in 2024 in a way they have not been recently.

Kyler Murray is back to full health. Additionally, with the team potentially adding a true successor to Larry Fitzgerald in Marvin Harrison Jr., the Cardinals could feel like a rejuvenated franchise that takes the league by storm.

Jonathan Gannon also has worked through his rookie head-coaching season. As such, the former Eagles coordinator remains somewhat of a mystery, to his benefit. Defenses will be guessing about how Gannon’s scheme will use Murray and Harrison, which gives the Cardinals an additional advantage.

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