Five Surprising Teams That Can Make the NFL Playoffs Next Year

Never to early to start thinking about next year, right? 

Sure the Giants and Patriots will contest Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, but there's 30 other NFL teams preparing for the draft, evaluating their players with eyes on being one of the final two teams in next year's Super Bowl.

Here's five NFL teams who may be on the brink of a breakthrough come next fall.  A few moves in free agency, a good draft, coaching changes and who knows, the fans of these teams can look forward to 2012 with some confidence. 

Carolina Panthers

2011 Record: 6-10 (3-9 Conference, 2-4 Division)

Strengths:

• Cam Newton, the most exciting offensive player to come into the league since Michael Vick, was the number one pick in 2001.  He played beyond the hype, making believers out of most of his skeptics with an outstanding rookie year.  
• The Panthers have sounded Newton with weapons on offense. Steve Smith had his third best statistical season in his career after a couple of down ones.  In the year of the Tight End, Greg Olsen, and Jeremy Shockey didn't quite keep up with the league's elite but they produced and look to become bigger parts of the offense next year along with gifted running back Jonathan Stewart.
• Next year, the Panthers schedule sets them up with four games against the AFC West.  The division that Denver won with an 8-8 record doesn't intimidate.

Question Marks:

• The running game. Carolina's duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, while young and talented, have failed to find consistency. With Cam taking a lot of the carries now, can this group find a place in the offense?
• The defense was 24th or worse in four main statistical categories, Points allowed, Total yards, Passing Yards and Rushing Yards allowed. You'd have to think the Panthers are going to use their top ten draft pick and the majority of their draft looking to address those needs on the defensive side of the ball. 

Miami Dolphins

2011 Record: 6-10 (5-7 Conference, 3-3 Division)

Strengths:

• Rookie running back Daniel Thomas and Reggie Bush revitalized the ground game for the Dolphins after Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams were let go prior to the 2011 season. Their upward trajectory should continue in 2012.  
• Miami's rush defense was third best in the league allowing only 95.6 yards a game. They didn't allow a single 100-yard game based on one of the premier inside linebacker's in the game, Karlos Dansby. 
• Brandon Marshall came back from a rough start to the year and finished with 81 catches and 1400 yards.  If he's able to more effectively utilize his size and athleticism into more than 6 touchdowns, the 'fins should tack on a few more wins. 
• Next year's schedule outside of their conference has the Dolphins matched up against the perennially weak NFC West.  Outside of the trip to San Francisco, Miami would be favored to win the three other games.

Question Marks:

• Signing a healthy Peyton Manning at quarterback would be a game changer.  Otherwise the Dolphins are looking at unproven commodities in free agency or at the draft.  No one needs to remind Miami fans of the revolving door of QBs who've failed to fill the shoes of #13. 
• How will new Head Coach Joe Philbin do in his first year at the helm?  Owner Stephen Ross, much to the disappointment of many fans, retained GM Stephen Ireland.  How will the coach and GM work together at the draft, hiring new staff?

Arizona Cardinals

2011 Record: 8-8 (7-5 Conference, 4-2 Division)

Strengths:

• The emergence of Beanie Wells as the primary back in Arizona was a welcome sight.  His presence kept defenses honest, giving the Cardinals a real threat to complement Larry Fitzgerald.
• Patrick Peterson made an immediate impact on defense and special teams.  Picking two and returning four punts for touchdowns.  
• Having won five of their last six games, including a win against the Niners, the Cards must feel like their a move away from challenging for the divisional title and getting to the postseason again. 

Question Marks:

• The commitment to Kevin Kolb may handicap this team for some time to come.  His nine starts at QB did nothing to reinforce the belief that he's the long term guy in Glendale.  Whether Kolb or John Skelton was under center, the Cards only scored 36 first-quarter points all season,leaving them to come from behind nearly all year.
• The redbirds need to address the offensive line in the draft, having not taken an o-lineman before the fifth round since 2007.

Oakland Raiders

2011 Record: 8-8 (6-6 Conference, 3-3 Division)

Strengths:

• If Darren McFadden and Michael Bush are simultaneously healthy they make a potent backfield tandem. Despite the injuries last year, the Raiders ground game averaged 131 yards per game, good for 7th in the league.
• Only in Oakland can you say that the kicker makes a difference.  Sebastian Janikowski might only put up three points with his impressive boots but he's bailed the Raiders out on many occasions.  His accuracy from distance really stretches the field for the Raiders.
• The Raiders have owned their divisional rivals over the last three years, going 12-6 over the time period.  Adding a coach with plenty of insight on the AFC west should bode well for the Raider Nation.  

Question Marks:

• Who will start at quarterback? The Raiders sold the farm to bring Carson Palmer out of retirement. Before Jason Campbell went out with a broken collarbone, his improved play had the team out to a 4-2 start.  Palmer was at the helm for the Raiders late season swoon, losing four of their last five.
• The Raiders dumped Hue Jackson following their late season collapse.  In comes Dennis Allen, the defensive coordinator from division rival Denver Broncos. His experience on the defensive end should improve a unit that was near last in most categories.

Minnesota Vikings

(Ok, I know I'm going out on a limb with this one)

2011 Record: 3-13 (3-9 Conference, 0-6 Division)

Strengths:

• Don't underestimate Adrian Peterson and his ability to lead this team.  AP will be looking to come back strong in 2012 after the ACL tear cut his 2011 campaign short.
• Percy Harvin is a playmaker on offense, if he can stay healthy for a good portion of the season, his contribution to the young offense will be highly valued.
• The Vikes D stops the run and they get to the quarterback. Mainly it's defensive end Jared Allen getting to the quarterback but their front seven is solid, a vital asset in a division which includes Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford and Jay Cutler.

Question Marks:

• Christian Ponder's progression in his second year in the league will be key for the Vikes to make headway in 2012.  Serious speculation surrounds Minnesota's number three overall pick in April's draft.  The front office may opt to draft a receiver like Justin Blackmon on the outside to complement Percy Harvin or reinforce the offensive line around Ponder. 
• The Vikes are looking up at Green Bay and Detroit in their division, two teams that scored at will last year.  But Minny can look at Detroit's renaissance and take hope that their fortunes may change as soon as next year.