Contend Or Collapse: Top NFL Players Who Are Keys For Fringe Teams

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws a pass against the New York Jets during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

There are a lot of teams out there in the NFL right now that are sitting right on the cusp of competing for the playoffs. The feeling is they are one more player or even one good year from a player away from getting over that hump. Who are some of the names that need to have that successful season in order to create a favorable fate for their teams in 2015?

Ryan Tannehill (QB, Miami Dolphins)

His numbers have gotten better every year but the Miami Dolphins remain an 8-8 team that keeps falling just short of January. That means Ryan Tannehill, who got that lucrative contract extension he’s been looking for, needs to start playing like the superstar he’d being paid to be. If the defense and the running game are willing to step up to the challenge, then Tannehill has to take over the leadership of that team because they really don’t seem to have any. Soft-spoken he may be at times, Tannehill can’t linger in the background anymore.

Nick Foles (QB, St. Louis Rams)

His rise to Pro Bowl stardom was rather brief. A year after posting some of the best efficiency numbers the league has ever seen, Nick Foles crashed back to earth in 2014, bottoming out when he broke his collar bone. It didn’t take long after that for Philadelphia to sour on him and soon traded him to the St. Louis Rams. This team is a quarterback away from being a real threat in the postseason picture. They have defense, they have a running game and a great head coach in Jeff Fisher. All Foles has to do is command the huddle, not turn the ball over and make two or three big plays a game

Jeremy Maclin (WR, Kansas City Chiefs)

The number zero continues to linger in the minds of Kansas City Chiefs fans from last year. That is how many touchdowns their wide receivers collectively scored during 16 regular season game. Yet the team still managed to go 9-7 and just miss the playoffs. That was the main reason management went out to swipe Jeremy Maclin away from the Eagles. His comeback year was one for the record books and he represents that explosiveness their passing attack has lacked. Even if he only scores a handful of touchdowns, that could prove the difference in this team finishing strong it what feels like a balancing division.

Demontre Moore (DE, New York Giants)

This is not one of the more household names among the national media but Demontre Moore could mean so much to the New York Giants success in 2015. Their defense has struggled to find a defensive end who can become that critical second pass rusher to compliment Jason Pierre-Paul. Moore has flashed that ability that made him a 3rd round pick two years ago, but never found a niche under former coordinator Perry Fewell. However, with the return of Steve Spagnuolo this may be his chance. If he breaks out, that Giants team will finally return to form.

Brandon Browner (CB, New Orleans Saints)

Drew Brees and the offense did everything they could except be perfect. That is why the New Orleans Saints were so exposed last season. Their defense regressed in a big way and a huge part of the problem was their pass defense. The secondary couldn’t cover anybody. That is why Brandon Browner, one of the key heroes of the Patriots Super Bowl victory in February, was signed. His size and coverage prowess are ideal fits for their 3-4 system. Provided he stays out of trouble, he and Keenan Lewis could form a formidable tandem that may stabilize things.

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