One Reason to Believe Every NFL Team Has a Title Shot in 2012

A team may be at the top or at the lowest of the low, but one thing ties all fans in the belief of their team: Hope. 

Hope for the win on Sunday.

Hope for a good performance from the team's players.

For the worst teams, the hope that there isn't a blowout.

For the best teams, the hope of a Super Bowl title in the near future.

Coming up on the final week of the 2011 regular season, let's take a look ahead to the 2012-2013 season. Here's one reason to believe that every NFL team has a shot at the title next year. 

Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson

The Arizona Cardinals may have serious questions both offensively and defensively, but it's tough to not have faith when you see the team bring in guys like cornerback Patrick Peterson.

A rookie out of LSU, Peterson has been a leader on both the defense and special teams units. 

Even more importantly, the team has shown it can hang with almost anybody as long as they have some half-decent quarterbacking. Kevin Kolb will get a better shot in 2012 after disappointing this year, but in his stead, John Skelton has shown how far this team can go with even the most average of passing.

Atlanta Falcons: Explosiveness

It's tough to go against a team like the Atlanta Falcons with the way they have excelled offensively. With the addition of super rookie receiver Julio Jones (on top of a stacked unit featuring quarterback Matt Ryan, running back Michael Turner and fellow wide receiver Roddy White), it appears they can score with anybody.

With another playoff appearance in the books, it will be very interesting to see how the Falcons will be able to progress, especially with a rematch against the New Orleans Saints looming in the first round.

Baltimore Ravens: An Improving Offense

The defense of the Baltimore Ravens has been a strong side for years (even as the unit ages rapidly), but Ravens fans should be thrilled with how the team's offense has (relatively) exploded this season.

Quarterback Joe Flacco has looked very solid, and running back Ray Rice has proven himself to be a major threat for opposing defenses. Additions like rookie Torrey Smith have allowed the Ravens to stretch the field in ways they haven't been able to in past seasons.

This improvement has already been on display, as the team has been able to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers twice this season already (though those will lose value if they can't get another win against them in the playoffs).

Buffalo Bills: The Taste of Glory

Starting the season 5-2, the Buffalo Bills appeared to be the team to beat in the AFC East. In addition to seeing improved play from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Bills also saw the rise of running back Fred Jackson. 

While that hot start was not enough to propel the Bills to a playoff run (a 1-7 run will make things difficult), the team should be excited to have that initial taste of glory.

Building from that early success and having Jackson return should hopefully mean some good things in 2012. 

Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is the real deal. Shattering rookie records throughout this season, he has given the Panthers stability under center for the first time since pre-career collapse Jake Delhomme.

In addition to giving confidence to fans, Newton has completely energized guys like wide receiver Steve Smith who, before this season, was asking for a way out of town.

With the offense appearing to be moving smoothly, the team can now work to shore up its lackluster defense, which is among the worst for yards allowed. 

Chicago Bears: A Healthy Jay Cutler

The Chicago Bears will be happy to see the return of their starting quarterback Jay Cutler in 2012.

While he may not be the best quarterback in the league, the Bears have seen disastrous returns in trusting their season to the young Caleb Hanie, whom Grantland speculated may be one of the worst quarterbacks to throw more than 100 professional passes.

Cutler's return will likely provide instant results for the team's offense.

Cincinnati Bengals: An Improved Andy Dalton

It would be a shame if fans somehow thought less of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton should he lose the offensive Rookie of the Year award to the Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton, because Dalton has been spectacular in his rookie season.

Dalton's numbers may not be all that flashy, but he has been the face of one of the most unlikely turnarounds in the NFL this season.

The Bengals are a playoff team!

Fans should be excited for 2012, because Dalton should only get better with extra preparation time. He showed some struggles against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, but hopefully some extra preparation will help improve his chances next season.

Cleveland Browns: The End of the Madden Curse

Another year, another victim of the Madden Curse.

While only running back Peyton Hillis was selected for the game's cover, it appears that the whole team must have been behind him or at the photoshoot. The Curse has spread through the Browns like wildfire.

With that said, hopefully another player/team can be on the receiving end of the negative consequences resulting from starring on the Madden cover in 2012.

Dallas Cowboys: Young Talent

The Dallas Cowboys should be thrilled with the progress of Dez Bryant and rookie DeMarco Murray this season.

With only limited preparation time heading into the season, they have excelled. In the case of Murray, he's already made his mark on the team's record book, smashing a single-game rushing record held by Emmitt Smith.

They're only going to get better, which should make things easier for the Cowboys as they move the ball in 2012.

Denver Broncos: Preparation Time

The jig may be up for Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, as opponents have started to pick up on ways to slow him and the team's offense down. Losing a close one to the New England Patriots, the Broncos were blown out by the lowly Buffalo Bills. They should have an interesting time in the playoffs.

However, the Broncos have one advantage this offseason: time.

With more time to develop offensive schemes as well as Tebow's quarterback technique, they could find ways to continue excelling in 2012. Maybe the team's GM, Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway, could dish some pointers.  

Detroit Lions: Good Health

The Detroit Lions have excelled this year, making their first playoff since the 1999 season. One reason for this success has been the team's overall good health—primarily quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Stafford, who had developed a nasty track record of injuries, was able to stay passing this year, creating a continuity the lions lacked in previous years.

That bill of health, along with a stout defense, have all the makings of a team that's ready to be playoff (and Super Bowl) contenders the next few seasons.

Green Bay Packers: Consistency

As long as the Green Bay Packers can make even the slightest improvement to their defense, this team should have a tough time being beaten the next few seasons.

Right now, the Packers are the model for how to do things the right way. Under .500 teams, take notes.

Houston Texans: Having a Starting Quarterback

It's a lot easier to quarterback when you're on your feet.

Giving no disrespect to rookie quarterback TJ Yates, the Houston Texans were much better with starting quarterback Matt Schaub under center. With the team clinching its first playoff appearance in team history, it's cruel that Schaub won't be playing in it.

However, all signs point to him returning healthy in 2012, and with that, the Texans should continue being very serious AFC South contenders.

Indianapolis Colts: Better Quarterbacking

Nobody could be worse than Kerry Collins and Curtis Painter at quarterback this season, and it appears the Indianapolis Colts would have been better with anybody taking the lead.

They'll get that wish, as they face an interesting choice this offseason.

Keep Peyton Manning, or use a likely No. 1 draft pick on a quarterback like Stanford's Andrew Luck?

Either way, the quarterback situation in Indianapolis will be better, and with that improvement comes a better chance for a successful 2012.

Jacksonville Jaguars: A Fresh Start

The Jacksonville Jaguars are an organization in complete disarray, and one of the teams least likely to make a playoff run.

However, the team should be excited about an opportunity for a fresh start. New coaching, new management and a relatively new quarterback are all signs that this team is charting a new direction for itself.

It may not be pretty to start, but this process will create a new identity and, hopefully for Jaguars fans, the proper foundation for an overall better team.

Kansas City Chiefs: Time to Heal

The Kansas City Chiefs can still be a high-quality team, but this season, the Chiefs found themselves with too many injuries to their stars to effectively compete. 

In addition to losing running back Jamaal Charles and safety Eric Berry early, the team also found its starting quarterback, Matt Cassel, of commission.

However, with these players back, it may not be too big of a surprise to see this team compete in 2012.

Miami Dolphins: Momentum

The Miami Dolphins got off to one of the worst starts possible in 2011, but ignoring that initial seven-game losing streak, this team has been pretty competent.

Showing their skills in wins against the Buffalo Bills and the Oakland Raiders, the team has found some ways to win games (with some major credit going to the team's resurgent rushing attack).

The Dolphins will have one big question this offseason: Should they keep Matt Moore, who has been effective but unexciting in the team's improved play, or go with a new guy via free agency or the draft?

Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson

Please feel better, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who injured both his ACL and MCL last weekend.

You're the team's only hope.

New England Patriots: Tom Brady

The defense has been underwhelming this season, but the New England Patriots have done well this year with a big thanks to quarterback Tom Brady.

Brady has been nearly unstoppable, terrorizing opposing defenses and giving nightmares to defensive coordinators league-wide.

He may be getting up there in years, but Brady has shown no signs of slowing down. Look for the Patriots to be contenders the next several seasons.

New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees

They'll have to pony up big dough this offseason to keep him, but the New Orleans Saints should be solid contenders as long as they have quarterback Drew Brees.

Brees has been electric this year in overtaking the single-season passing record set by Dan Marino (with an extra game to spare). 

Paired with a solid defense and all-around contributors like free-agent acquisition Darren Sproles, the Saints should be very effective in the NFC for years to come.

Seriously, folks. 

Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?

New York Giants: Confidence

The New York Giants have discovered something they may have lost after they allowed a DeSean Jackson punt return for a touchdown ruin their 2010 season: Confidence.

This applies mostly to quarterback Eli Manning, who has led several late-game drives to give the team wins (his best against the New England Patriots in Week 10). 

Manning's surge in confidence goes nicely with his desire to be considered an elite quarterback. I'm not sure anybody is ready to give Manning that title just yet, but he should be proud of the way he has sealed his spot as leader and face of the Giants organization.

They'll need one more solid Manning performance Sunday as they face a win-or-go-home matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

New York Jets: Rex Ryan

The New York Jets will need some help this weekend to get in,—even if Jets fans will have to cheer for the Ravens—but Rex Ryan's pride is too high to see the New York Jets go as a fringe playoff teams for a second straight year.

The outspoken voice of the franchise, Ryan has been praised and criticized for his candor both in press conferences and with fans.

However, he can't do it alone. He'll need some good play from quarterback Mark Sanchez if the team is to shine in 2012.

Oakland Raiders: Special Teams

It seems crazy to list the Oakland Raiders' special teams unit as a reason for a title run in 2012, but it's really a sign of how dominant they have become.

Punter Shane Lechler is a force of nature when kicking the football, and he has become the gold standard of punters in the league, with only San Francisco 49ers kicker Andy Lee in the same conversation. Lechler's 80-yard blast earlier this season was a thing of beauty.

Likewise, kicker Sebastian Janikowski is one of the best in the league for a reason. He has a monster leg and great accuracy, which instills a confidence for Hue Jackson that few coaches can have in a kicker.

These two will ensure that the Raiders have the best shot to win close games as well as an ability to claim excellent field position defensively.

Philadelphia Eagles: Time

The Philadelphia Eagles have an overabundance of talent, but could not seem to gel in the 2011 season. After floating on the fringes for weeks, the team was finally eliminated from playoff contention. 

While the offense had some struggles, particularly in pass protection, the defense will most likely get the blame for the team's woes. 

The unit's line and secondary were loaded with talent (if not somewhat mismanaged), but the team's major flaw was a lack of solid linebacking talent. Many times during the year linebackers could be seen biting way too early on a run-fake or being out of position during a mid-range pass play.

Those kinds of mistakes cannot continue. Look for the Eagles to make improving that unit priority No. 1 in the offseason.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Big Ben's Toughness

Ignoring the off-field worries, few players demonstrate toughness like Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. 

While that's sometimes hurtful (see his play on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers), his overall determination is something to get fired up about if you're a teammate or a fan. It seems like Roethlisberger will not go out of the game unless he is forced to.

That defense isn't too bad, either.

With that in mind, the Steelers should continue to be a division favorite as well as a major Super Bowl contender.

San Diego Chargers: New Leadership

The San Diego Chargers have plateaued (or regressed) this year with head coach Norv Turner, and it appears likely that his exit is only days away.

There's no reason this team should miss the playoffs. The talent on the team is solid from top to bottom, and their struggles in a depleted AFC West is nothing short of disappointing.

While it may not be the ego stroke Turner would like, he should return to a coordinator position; he got San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith playing good football years before current head coaches made it cool to do so.

San Francisco 49ers: Jim Harbaugh

A complete turnaround has taken place with the San Francisco 49ers, and credit for the shift has to go to new head coach Jim Harbaugh. He's fired up his guys and has them playing some very inspired football.

In addition to seeing improved play out of players like quarterback Alex Smith, the main difference out of the team is a focus on limiting offensive turnovers—they lead the league by a healthy margin in turnover ratio—and penalties.

With the 49ers returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2003 and holding a good chance of sealing a first-round bye Sunday, fans can only think the sky is the limit with their new coach.

Seattle Seahawks: Marshawn Lynch

If anybody can get this team fired up (not looking at you, quarterback Tarvaris Jackson), it's running back Marshawn Lynch.

Two words: Beast Mode.

The team should also boast a pretty solid defensive unit in 2012. Safety Kam Chancellor was on a few lists as an unfair Pro Bowl snub.

St. Louis Rams: Getting Back on Track

It may be tough for the St. Louis Rams to consider a Super Bowl in 2012, but the team should have some hope of getting much better after a woeful 2011 season.

Quarterback Sam Bradford is sure to improve after a season where he both regressed and got hurt more than Rams fans would have liked. It's tough to improve when you're not on the field.

Likewise, the team's defense has been in shambles after a series of injuries; the Rams have placed at least eight cornerbacks on the injured reserve this season.

These kinds of injuries will create problems no matter how you look at it.  

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Experience

One of the youngest rosters in the NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be served well with another offseason to develop.

At 4-11 with one game to play, the Bucs will have to think about what didn't go right this year.

Despite winning performances against division rivals Atlanta and New Orleans, the Bucs were flat in blowout losses to the San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers.

The team is also on a depressing nine-game losing streak. 

Hopefully the development time they'll have the next few months will be enough to keep them competitive in what will be a very tough NFC South in 2012.

Tennessee Titans: Chris Johnson

With questions lingering about who will be the starter at quarterback for the Tennessee Titans in 2012 (though it's most likely Jake Locker), the Titans have to be hopeful for a turnaround from their star running back Chris Johnson.

Though he's only 14 yards from putting up a respectable 1,000 yards in 2011 (and receiving a nice contract bonus), his play for most of the year has been far from exemplary. 

If Johnson can return to his dominating ways, it would take a lot of pressure off his quarterbacks who have, at times, struggled without run support.

Washington Redskins: Better Quarterbacking

One reason for the Washington Redskins' struggles in 2011 has been their awful play at the quarterback position. 

The 'Skins have a defense in the better half of the league in yardage allowed, but their offense has done little to get things going.

Rex Grossman and John Beck have established themselves to not to be trusted with the starter role, so it will be interesting to see how the team moves to get a better guy.

With a better passer, it wouldn't be too big of a surprise to see this team actually hang with its NFC East rivals.