5 NFL Teams That Should Make the Playoffs Next Year After Missing out This Year

There are a number of solid NFL teams whose 2012 NFL playoff hopes were recently dashed, but some of them can find consolation in the fact that they will most likely be in the postseason in 2013.

Some teams (like the Philadelphia Eagles) suffered from a number of close losses, while others (like the Indianapolis Colts) were devastated by the loss of their quarterback and some were just plain underachievers (like the San Diego Chargers).

For whatever reason, certain teams performed below expectations this season. Here are five that did, but will bounce back next year by returning to the playoffs.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles had a terribly disappointing season after starting the year with expectations of a deep playoff run, but the good news is they are primed for a much better season in 2012.

The Eagles finished the year 8-8, but their record should have been much better. They lost five games in which they had a lead in the fourth quarter, a feat which is hard to imagine.

With all the talent this team has with the likes of Michael Vick, Jason Babin and LeSean McCoy, and the way that they crushed solid teams like the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets, it's clear that the Eagles will have a much better record next season.

San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers are the perennial underachievers of the AFC, and this year was no different. Despite starting the season 4-1 and having the talents of Philip Rivers, Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates at their disposal, the Chargers finished the year 8-8.

The Chargers are always one of the most talented teams in the NFL, and yet they rarely play up to their potential.

With Norv Turner getting one last chance in 2012, the Chargers should be primed for an excellent season.

New York Jets

Starting to see a trend? Like the Eagles and Chargers, the New York Jets are one of the most talented teams in the NFL, but they were serious underachievers in 2011.

After consecutive seasons in which they reached the AFC Championship Game, the Jets also finished this year at just 8-8.

If Mark Sanchez can finally get his head on straight, the Jets could even challenge the New England Patriots for the AFC East title. Either way, with Darrelle Revis and all that talent on the defense, the Jets will be back in the playoffs next year for sure.

Indianapolis Colts

This is a bold pick considering the Indianapolis Colts were one of the worst teams in the NFL last year at 2-14.

However, with either Andrew Luck or Peyton Manning taking over at quarterback, things will be very different for the Colts in 2012.

Indianapolis was just a field goal away from the AFC Championship Game in 2010, so there's no reason to think they won't be back to that level once they have an elite quarterback back under center.

Dallas Cowboys

If they hadn't collapsed by losing four of their last five, the Dallas Cowboys would have made the playoffs this season.

Once the Cowboys address their issues in the defensive backfield and bolster the offensive line (which they will do in the offseason), they will be even better next year.

With a win over the San Francisco 49ers and last-second losses to the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots in 2011, the Cowboys showed (like the rest of the NFC East) they really were better than their record. They will be vastly improved in 2012.