Poll: Which Non-Playoff AFC and NFC Team Have the Best Chance Next Season?

by Chris Pokorny on Feb 7, 2012 10:00 PM EST

Here is a hypothetical question that you can respond to in the comments section: out of those teams that did not make the playoffs this season, which AFC team and which NFC team have the best chance at making the Super Bowl next season?

AFC Pick: As much as I would like to say the Indianapolis Colts, so much has gone on with that team that it's impossible to get a clear picture of what type of team they'll be next season. The New York Jets will probably receive a confident proclamation from Rex Ryan, but until they move on from Mark Sanchez, they aren't going anywhere. There are several other teams I could dismiss, but here's the one I'll pick: the San Diego Chargers. I don't know what was with them this past year; they should have easily run away with the division. They are always an inconsistent team, but I still think they have a few of the elite players necessary to make a run. Once they get in to the postseason, they can frustrate a team like the Patriots.

NFC Pick: The Chicago Bears got off to a great run this past season, but I just get the hunch that they are too dependent on a couple of star players, each of whom could be injury prone for the foreseeable future. The Philadelphia Eagles' defensive train wreck can't be fixed in one offseason, and neither can DeSean Jackson's attitude. The Arizona Cardinals are a team that could make that leap if they acquired Peyton Manning, but I don't see it happening. My wildcard pick here is going to be the Carolina Panthers. That offense was amazing this past season, and if they score some more defensive studs this offseason, I think they overtake Atlanta in the division and can shoot out teams in the postseason.

Note, this post doesn't mean that I think the Chargers will face the Panthers in next year's Super Bowl. Out of the teams who missed the postseason this year though, I think each of them make a big jump next year.

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Giving an AFC shout out to former Browns coaches…KC. My first thought NFC was Bears if Cutler stays healthy.

When you consider more things from all angles, you'll get more things from all angles. We'll be kicking ourselves if we don't get Burflict.

by The New Kardiac Kids on Feb 7, 2012 11:05 PM EST reply actions

Sadly, not with Brian Daboll on board…

Honor. Courage. Commitment.

by Brownsbacker488 on Feb 8, 2012 1:09 AM EST up reply actions

Just a fun pick.

When you consider more things from all angles, you'll get more things from all angles. We'll be kicking ourselves if we don't get Burflict.

by The New Kardiac Kids on Feb 8, 2012 8:10 AM EST up reply actions

Lol Jets. When will Rex shut his trap?

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by Heavysoviet on Feb 7, 2012 11:21 PM EST reply actions

contrary to popular belief, rex ryan does NOT have to breath when he envelopes his prey in his unhinging jaw. it is quite magical to see; he lies there with his food in his mouth and slowly wriggles forward, each time rotating his head so that he may finally swallow his meal. this is the best time to hear him shut up.

Has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?

by pwndabear on Feb 8, 2012 7:38 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Not before he’s fired, I’m sure.

"...and Dawggone it, people like me".

by DawgsNHawgs on Feb 8, 2012 1:53 PM EST up reply actions

That’s funny because it’s probably true. Makes me wonder what happens if they don’t make it next year.

When you consider more things from all angles, you'll get more things from all angles. We'll be kicking ourselves if we don't get Burflict.

by The New Kardiac Kids on Feb 8, 2012 4:00 PM EST up reply actions

In the AFC, I am going to go with the Tennessee Titans, because there QB situation great, considering Hasselbeck can keep playing until Locker is ready to take over. I think Johnson will have a better year then the last, and WR crop is decent, and the defense is good enough.

In the NFC, I would go with the Eagles, there were suppose to be the dream team with the all the free agents addition they had last year, and I think they will figure out how to deal with the defense issues, and get back to the playoffs.

by pt_999 on Feb 7, 2012 11:43 PM EST reply actions

Titans? Yeah, that’ll take an effort by CJ2K equal to when he tore up the league. He hasn’t come close since. It would also take Kenny Britt staying healthy which he hasn’t been able to do.

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by bross09 on Feb 8, 2012 11:04 PM EST up reply actions

Well, the Eagles seem like an easy pick, but instead I’ll go with two teams that will look a lot better with new quarterbacks: Seattle and Miami.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Feb 8, 2012 12:39 AM EST via Android app reply actions

Cleveland Browns.

Honor. Courage. Commitment.

by Brownsbacker488 on Feb 8, 2012 1:09 AM EST reply actions 4 recs

Browns and Browns.

Excluding the Browns:
-I’ll second the Chargers pick for the AFC; I always think they’re going to do much better than they usually do. I wonder if any other team is in so many preseason “teams to watch for” type lists at the beginning of the year and in so many “most disappointing” lists by the end.

-I vote the Eagles for NFC. Vick is still a baller and a half, and while their defense certainly blew chunks they definitely have talent on that side of the ball.

"We just lost to the Steelers 20 hours ago and that still hurts. I need to get home and eat a burrito." -Phil Dawson

by Adrock2099 on Feb 8, 2012 2:21 AM EST reply actions

BROWNS!!! and da bears (cant believe i called them that)

by UnSafe 70 on Feb 8, 2012 8:38 AM EST reply actions

Tennessee Titans: easy division
Arizona Cardinals: this is in an imaginary scenario that Arizona lands Peyton Manning

by Jon @ DBN on Feb 8, 2012 8:51 AM EST reply actions

Arizona because they play in the worst division in football and SF wont repeat a season like this year with Alex Smith under center.

Cleveland because we will always make the playoffs next year.

by Justin Kowalczyk on Feb 8, 2012 9:22 AM EST reply actions

Cowboys and the I will buy into the Chargers. Again.

by Bernie19Kosar on Feb 8, 2012 12:07 PM EST reply actions

Going with the Raiders. With the death of Al, their FO has been blown up. They brought in a former Raider to oversee personnel. “Raider for life”. I don’t see them ‘blowing’ up the roster. Having Palmer there at camp, should make a big difference for them. They’re my pre-season fave to win the AFCwest. (Admittedy, I’m biased here. The Raiders have been my 2nd favorite team since, 2000. The Browns were my 2nd fave behind the Raiders from ‘80-’02.)
Philly would have to be my NFC fave to win the NFCeast. I think the ‘Dream team’ will cut ties with their ‘primadonnas’ and take a more ‘low key’ approach to starting the upcoming season.

"...and Dawggone it, people like me".

by DawgsNHawgs on Feb 8, 2012 1:52 PM EST reply actions

There’s usually one team each year that makes the playoffs who had a bad record the previous year. That could easily be the Browns this season.

by Brownie's Year on Feb 8, 2012 2:15 PM EST reply actions

Its something like 4 years in a row that a team drafting in the top 5 has made the playoffs the following season.

by Bernie19Kosar on Feb 8, 2012 5:24 PM EST up reply actions

And every year 5 teams that made the playoffs the previous year miss out. Its a remarkable trend and scary that the Browns havent found themselves lucked in in the past decade.

by Justin Kowalczyk on Feb 8, 2012 5:49 PM EST up reply actions