Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and 12 Teams To Watch in 2011

Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and 12 Teams To Watch in 2011

Sadly, the NFL season is winding down. With just a few more regular season weeks, it's time to start looking ahead to next year. More importantly, which teams should we be on the lookout for next year?

Will the Cowboys bounce back from a dismal season?

Will the Bills build on the work Ryan Fitzpatrick did this year?

Who else is on the rise?

Read ahead to find out and please let us know what you think.

12. Tennessee Titans

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 19: Jason Babin #93 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after a defensive stop against the Houston Texans to seal the win at LP Field on December 19, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Texans, 31-17. (Photo by

Current 2010 Record: 6-8

Estimated 2011 Win Total: 10-12 wins

Playoffs: Yes

Analysis: After starting the season 5-2, the Titans hit the skids and suffered a six-game losing streak before winning this week.The good news for Tennessee is that they have a plus-40 scoring differential this season.

Next year, a few pieces on the defense will be a year older and more experienced, and the Titans get a few key pieces back from injury. I am not sure if Vince Young will be back and starting, but the Titans will address the quarterback position in one way or another.

I think those components will help make the Titans better next year.

11. Indianapolis Colts

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts passes against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Current 2010 Record: 8-6

Estimated 2011 Win Total: 12-14

Playoffs: Yes

Analysis: Indianapolis has had a very disappointing season. They were thought of as one of the favorites in the AFC prior to the season, but they had to win this Sunday over the Jaguars to keep their playoff hopes alive. Now sure, they could make a huge run and still win the Super Bowl, but this team has too many holes.

Next year, I fully expect the Colts to bounce back after addressing the holes on the offensive line and the running game. Indianapolis will be back in contention next year, and Peyton Manning will be back to playing winning football.

10. Oakland Raiders

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 19: Jason Campbell #8 of the Oakland Raiders in action against the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 19, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Current 2010 Record: 7-7

Estimated 2011 Win Total: 10-12

Playoffs: Yes

Analysis: Oakland has made a leap this year. They only won five games last year and haven't won more than six since 2002 when they were last in the Super Bowl. Darren McFadden as emerged as a solid playmaker on offense, and the defense has gelled as a solid unit.

Next year, I think the Raiders continue to make strides forward. Tom Cable looks like a solid coach, and Al Davis must have stopped trying to make all the decisions in the organization because they are making good personnel choices. 

With just a few more holes to fill, the Raiders could be a dark horse Super Bowl team next year.

9. Green Bay Packers

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Matt Flynn #10 of the Green Bay Packers reacts during the fourth quarter of the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won the game 31-

Current 2010 Record: 8-6

Estimated 2011 Win Total: 13-14

Playoffs: Yes

Analysis: Green Bay would be in the Super Bowl discussion this year if it weren't for a massive amount of injuries suffered by key Packers players. The most damaging injury came in Week 1 when Ryan Grant suffered a severe ankle injury. Without Grant, the Packers have not had much of a running game all season.

Next year, the Packers get back Grant, Jermichael Finley, Brandon Chiller, Mark Tauscher, Nick Barnett and Brady Poppinga. Throw in a draft pick to help fix the offensive line and the Packers will be back in the mix next year.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scrambles during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (Photo by Larry Frenc

Current 2010 Record: 8-6

Estimated 2011 Win Total: 12-14

Playoffs: Yes

Analysis: The Buccaneers are another team that made significant strides forward. Josh Freeman has looked like a future stud this year. Receiver Mike Williams and running back LeGarrette Blount have both stepped in and made solid contributions as rookies.

Next year, head coach Raheem Mooris gets back Brian Price, Aqib Talib and Gerald McCoy from injury. Plus the organization gets another chance to find some key pieces in the draft.

The Buccaneers will supplant a playoff team next year.

7. Dallas Cowboys

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans at Cowboys Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Current 2010 Record: 5-9

Estimated 2011 Win Total: 12-14

Playoffs: Yes

Analysis: The Cowboys had the goal this year to play in the Super Bowl that will be played in their home stadium. They fell short of that goal, and the season hasn't even ended yet. Head coach Wade Phillips was fired after the team started 1-7, and Tony Romo broke his collarbone and hasn't played since late October.

Next year, I think Jason Garrett will have the interim tag removed from his title, and he will be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Tony Romo and Dez Bryant will both be back from injury, and the team will have a high draft pick to add to an already solid roster.

The Cowboys could be a possible Super Bowl team in the NFC next year.

6. Minnesota Vikings

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 20: Quarterback Joe Webb #14 of the Minnesota Vikings replaces Brett Favre against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium on December 20, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Current 2010 Record: 5-9

Estimated 2011 Win Total: 8-10

Playoffs: No

Analysis: No Brett Favre, no problem? This year has been a disappointing one in Minnesota. Last year, they were in the NFC Championship game; this year they are at the bottom of the standings in the NFC North.

Next year, the team has question marks. Who is the coach? Who is the quarterback? But despite those questions, there is just too much talent on the team to believe they won't be better.

5. Houston Texans

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans appeals to the officials after a being called for a penalty against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on December 19, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Texa

Current 2010 Record: 5-9

Estimated 2011 Win Total: 8-10

Playoffs: No

Analysis: The Texans looked like they were making the leap at the start of the year. However, after 4-2 start, Houston has lost seven of eight. Many people are looking for a scapegoat. Is it Gary Kubiak? What about Matt Schaub? All I know is there is too much talent for them to be this bad.

Next year, Houston has a chance to get into the playoffs, but with both Indianapolis and Tennessee expected to be better, I think Houston still isn't quite there. However, they will not finish last in the AFC South as it looks like they will this year.

4. Cleveland Browns

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 12: Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns runs against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo won 13-6. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Current 2010 Record: 5-9

Estimated 2011 Win Total: 8-10

Playoffs: Yes

Analysis: The Browns have been a frustrating team this year. One week, they could beat New England or New Orleans, then another week they will lose to Cincinnati or Buffalo. Some players have emerged for the Browns like Peyton Hillis and Colt McCoy, but this team still has some pretty big holes.

With a solid draft, the Browns will have a chance to really make a run at a playoff berth next year. Sure, Hillis will not be an unknown, but I think McCoy will be ready to make a leap in his second year. If the Browns are able to draft a solid receiver for McCoy, the Browns could have a great offense next year.

3. Detroit Lions

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 19: Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions warms up prior to the start of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Current 2010 Record: 4-10

Estimated 2011 Win Total: 8-10

Playoffs: No

Analysis: The Lions have had some bad luck when it comes to quarterback Matthew Stafford. He has only played 13 games in his first two years because of shoulder injuries. However, there have been times this season that Detroit looked like a team on the rise. In Week 6, the Lions beat the Rams 44-6.

The good news when it comes to Stafford is that his shoulder injury is similar to the one suffered by Sam Bradford during his last year at Oklahoma, so he can come back and be successful next year. However, he needs help on the offensive line to keep him upright.

Next year, the Rams probably won't make the playoffs, but they will be markedly better.

2. St. Louis Rams

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ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 19: James Laurinaitis #55 of the St. Louis Rams is introduced prior to playing the Kansas City Chiefs at the Edward Jones Dome on December 19, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Chiefs beat the Rams 27-13. (Photo by Dilip Vishwana

Current 2010 Record: 6-8

Estimated 2011 Win Total: 10-12

Playoffs: Yes

Analysis: The Rams are the posterchildren for what can happen when a team gets the right quarterback leading an organization. A season ago, the Rams had only one win, and they were a lock for the first overall pick in the draft with which they picked Sam Bradford.

In his rookie year, Bradford has to be the rookie of the year. His Rams are looking at a possible playoff berth despite terrible receivers and a below average defense.

Next year, I expect the Rams to add another playmaker to their offense through the draft and become the premier team in the NFC West. 

1. Buffalo Bills

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills throws against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida.The Bills defeated the Dolphins 17-14. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Current 2010 Record: 4-10

Estimated 2011 Win Total: 10-12

Playoffs: Yes

Analysis: Coming into the season, I expected the Bills to be a lock to get the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. I thought they would struggle with bad quarterback play and poor defense. Well, I had part of that right. The defense has been poor, but Ryan Fitzpatrick has been a revelation, and the Bills are out of the running for the top overall pick.

Next year, I think Ryan Fitzpatrick will have a Pro Bowl-caliber season, and the Bills will find a way to address the defense. I am not sure which team ahead of them will falter, but I think the Bills become a Cinderella story next year and make a run to the playoffs for the first time since 1999, when they lost in the Music City Miracle.

The Bills are in need of some good karma, and next year, they finally get it.