2012 NFL Schedule: Teams That Will Make Playoff Runs Due to Favorable Schedules

While the 2012 NFL schedule will be officially released Tuesday, April 17 at 7 p.m. ET, we already know who each NFL team will play next season. The order of each team's schedule is the only piece of information we currently don't have. 

With that in mind, let's take an earlier look a couple non-playoff teams from 2011 who could make serious playoff runs next season based on an easy schedule.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills surprised out of the gate last season, but faded down the stretch. Next season, Buffalo may be able to keep that momentum going for a full season due to a much easier schedule.

Based on last year's win-loss records, Buffalo will face the league's third-easiest schedule next season. Given the improvements the Bills have made this offseason, this could be a playoff team in 2012.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans finished 9-7 a year ago, missing the playoffs based on nothing more than tiebreakers. In 2012, Tennessee should have the chance to control their own postseason destiny.

The Titans face the league's fourth-easiest schedule and could see a big jump from second-year quarterback Jake Locker. Combine those two factors, and Tennessee could win 10 or more games next season. 

Washington Redskins

Drafting Robert Griffin III is the main reason behind the inclusion of the Redskins here, but the schedule won't be overly difficult either. Washington will take on the league's eighth-easiest schedule, while the rest of the NFC East grapples with some of the NFL's toughest.

It might be overly optimistic to consider the Redskins a playoff contender in 2012, but we've seen crazier things happen. Worst to first isn't uncommon in the NFL. 

Kansas City Chiefs

With some key pieces returning next season from injury, you might be able to consider Kansas City the AFC West's most complete team. Of course, that Peyton Manning guy might have a say in that eventually, but there's a lot to like on paper in Kansas City.

The schedule won't be bad either, as the Chiefs face the division's easiest schedule. It wouldn't be shocking if Kansas City hosted another playoff game as the AFC West champion.