Every season in the NFL, a few teams seemingly come out of the blue and shock you.This time around, I want you to be prepared.The beauty in this league is that everyone has hope -- especially at this time of year. In late July, everyone envisions the season extending into January. That's because every season there are surprise teams spinning Horatio Alger tales of rags to riches.For this installment of The Schein Nine, I've spotlighted a series of clubs to keep an eye on. Am I actually planning on picking these teams to make the playoffs? Well, maybe not. But that doesn't mean I don't see the potential upside. And you shouldn't ignore it, either, as you prepare to watch battles unfold in Yermin Mercedes Jersey training camp, where teams form an identity for the coming campaign.Which squads might stun everyone this fall? Who are the potential dark horses? I have a few franchises in mind -- but I'm also realistic about their respective prospects.Let's take a look at nine postseason sleepers for 2015, viewing each through the fantastical lens of hope ... and the cold, hard prism of reality. And this file spans the entire league landscape because, as you'll notice, the following teams cover all eight divisions. Like I said before: In the NFL, during the dog days of summer, idealism abounds!1) Washington RedskinsThe case for hope! This past week on my SiriusXM Radio show, "Schein on Sports," CBS' Phil Simms and ESPN's Mark Dominik both listed Washington as their sleeper team in the NFC. Here's what I think: Scot McCloughan is a capable general manager with a great eye for talent, something Washington has lacked for a long time. was a fantastic pickup for the middle of Washington's defensive front. And that D, which , should be improved in 2015. , and are legit weapons on offense. Jay Gruden is a superb X's-and-O's mind. (Despite all of the drama at quarterback and beyond in Gruden's first year on the job, Washington still . Not horrible.) The NFC East is relatively underwhelming at the top, and I think whichever team finishes last will win seven games.Having said that ... I don't trust as a quarterback or leader. I don't trust him to stay healthy. And after last year, I think it's pretty clear that Gruden agrees with me. Still, 's succe s is crucial to this team's overall prosperity. And therein lies the problem. At the end of the day, my gut says the 'Skins hang around James Shields Jersey all year ... but finish at 7-9.2) Oakland RaidersThe case for hope! Oakland has a real quarterback in , who is going to further his development in Year 2. Rookie wideout will aid Carr in a major way; the Alabama product will step in and produce, putting himself right in the mix for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Jack Del Rio is a big-time coaching upgrade over Dennis Allen. The defense will improve under Del Rio, with -- a budding star in this league -- leading the way.Having said that ... Realistically, I think Oakland has the ability to go 7-9. While that would represent a vast improvement -- and count as the team's highest win total since 2011 -- it would still leave the in last place in a competitive AFC West.3) New York JetsThe case for hope! With and back in the fold -- and draft darling joining the party -- the should have a top-five defense this year. New coach Todd Bowles is the right guy with the right demeanor to replace the cartoon character Rex Ryan had become in New York. Trade acquisition is just what the doctor ordered at receiver. He should really help . So should new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. And rookie wideout could take the top off the defense. Pretty nice setup for the team's young quarterback.Having said that ... I Miguel Gonzalez Jersey thought Geno was ready to even out his play last season. That didn't happen. The offensive line and backfield could be better. And on defense, emerging stud has been . When all is said and done, I think the will be in the eight-win range, and this will prove to be a building-block season.4) Atlanta FalconsThe case for hope! The NFC South is the weakest division in the NFL. Atlanta needed a culture shift, a jolt -- that's exactly what Dan Quinn brings to the table, providing a refreshing change of pace from Mike Smith. And, of course, the can still score in bunches with and fueling the aerial attack.Having said that ... Quinn's a defensive master, but he isn't a magician. Atlanta still needs to upgrade its talent on that side of the ball. I think the could win seven -- meaning they'd be in contention come December -- but they'd need to show me something in the trenches (and all over the defense) to return to the postseason.5) Tenne see TitansThe case for hope! Rookie quarterback adds sizzle and credibility -- two things this franchise has sorely lacked of late. The have a solid O-line to protect the franchise's new investment. Defensively, Tenne see has nowhere to go but up, having finished last season and . And there's one big reason to believe the unit will rise: Dick LeBeau. Adding the iconic coach to this staff was huge. Oh, in case you forgot, Ken Whisenhunt did take a long-downtrodden franchise to the at his last head-coaching stop.Having said that ... I'm very interested in watching Mariota and the this preseason, but by and large, this nondescript roster still lacks overall talent. While I think Tenne see will significantly increase its win total from last season, that starting point is still just two.6) St. Louis RamsThe case for hope! The defensive line is absolutely loaded, with er , reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year , , and even offseason addition . Good luck blocking that group of maulers. Overall, this defense should be a major strength. On the other side of the ball, I loved the selection. , Gurley will join to give the a very enticing young backfield. And actually exists, unlike , whom I have dubbed "Big Foot" because the oft-injured quarterback seems more like an urban legend than a franchise player.Having said that ... The NFC West has two of the Alex Colome Jersey conference's three best teams in the and . And beyond these familiar foes, the draw the AFC North and NFC North -- two highly competitive divisions. That's a tough row to hoe. And while the defensive line is superb, the O-line is littered with holes.7) Cleveland BrownsThe case for hope! Mike Pettine's defense has incredible talent and can do it all. Pettine is a fantastic defensive mind, and he should maximize the pieces at his disposal. Meanwhile, the run game has plenty of promise, with rookie joining capable second-year pros and . At quarterback, Cleveland should be better than it was in 2014. will be, if nothing else, in a more focused place and in a better position to succeed. offers more than what we saw from down the stretch last year.Having said that ... Cleveland is still woefully short in the pa sing attack: The receiving corps is headlined by and . The AFC North is tough, per usual -- 7-9 equals last place.8) Chicago BearsThe case Michael Kopech Jersey for hope! John Fox is the perfect antidote to Marc Trestman after a disastrous season; Fox revs up his teams and instills energy and hope. The seemingly rolled over and played dead in many games last fall. Fox won't let that happen again. Adam Gase is a bright young coordinator who can help an offense that inexplicably .Having said that ... It's tough to truly pump up a team when your quarterback is , when he consistently looks like he lost his puppy and would rather be elsewhere. I don't think Chicago can truly wake up from this slumber until follows Trestman out of town.9) Jacksonville JaguarsThe case for hope! I love Gus Bradley. He's the Energizer Bunny. has a year under his belt, and mismatch nightmare will help the young quarterback grow in his sophomore campaign.Having said that ... No. 3 overall pick Jr. during Jacksonville's first rookie minicamp se sion and is done for the year. What a painful offseason gut punch. But watch these Jags win some games you don't expect them to. Bradley is that good.Follow Adam Schein on Twitter .