NFL Power Rankings: Underrated Teams Making a Push Towards the Top

John RozumJun 7, 2018

Barring a major setback such as injuries or a slump, we always see some underrated teams make a strong push during the course of an NFL season.

2011 brought us the Buffalo Bills' 5-2 start before injuries struck them. After a 1-4 start, the Denver Broncos hit a stride and held off the Raiders and Chargers for the AFC West title, despite coming off a 4-12 campaign in 2010.

Fast-forward to 2012 and we see some teams in the midst of an impressive offseason. That said, let's see who's going to make a run when the autumn wind kicks off.

TOP NEWS

Bleacher Report1w

Bleacher Report1w

Bleacher Report1w

Arizona Cardinals

Before the offseason even began, the Arizona Cardinals had built momentum for the 2012 season. After a 1-6 start, the Cards finished 7-2 as the defense really improved and they ended up second in the NFC West.

In the offseason, Arizona improved the secondary with William Gay and rookie Jamell Fleming, while Larry Fitzgerald got a complementary receiver in Michael Floyd. Quarterback Kevin Kolb has upgraded pass protection (Cardinals allowed 54 sacks in 2011) with Bobby Massie and Nate Potter; this will also create a more consistent running game.

Beanie Wells topped over 1,000 yards in 2011 and 2012 has increased expectations with the new additions.

Include a not overly difficult schedule and the Cardinals will be contending for a Wild Card spot, provided they begin the year in the same manner as they finished 2011.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The obvious question mark for the Jacksonville Jaguars is the quarterback position. Will Blaine Gabbert display improved performance and if not, can Chad Henne really lead the Jags to the postseason?

The good news, though, is that Jacksonville fields a potential top-three defense, as it was ranked No. 6 overall last season. Coordinator Mel Tucker has some new faces in corner Aaron Ross and rookie Andre Branch to augment an already top-10 unit, whereas the offense finally got Maurice Jones-Drew some help.

Justin Blackmon enters the equation as the expected No. 1 target in a significantly bolstered receiving corps that also presents Laurent Robinson and Lee Evans. All Gabbert (or Henne) has to do is manage games by relying on MJD to work on the ground and spread the field when passing.

Mel Tucker's defense will play stellar against all opponents, so it's simply a matter of not turning the ball over and letting the playmakers take over games. The Jags will challenge for the AFC South, or a Wild Card spot at the very least.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Arguably the most impressive offseason in the NFL has come from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The offense will be much improved because Josh Freeman gets to see Vincent Jackson out wide and a sound two-back set in the backfield.

LeGarrette Blount has been inconsistent, but the addition of rookie Doug Martin will be a great complement as Carl Nicks paves quickly developed running lanes. This in turn, sets up play-action and the Buccaneers present a well-balanced attack.

Defensively, the Bucs wisely improved through the draft with Mark Barron, Lavonte David and Keith Tandy. All three will make an immediate impact with Ronde Barber, which only helps out the young pass rush.

Also, don't discount the addition of Iowa State corner Leonard Johnson.

He'll help with depth in the secondary and run support on the perimeter to keep Tampa solid across the board. The Bucs' do have a fairly rough schedule as they play the entire NFC East and AFC West, but it's not so overbearing considering all the improvements Tampa has made.

Washington Redskins

Upon sprucing up the receiving corps with Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan to help Santana Moss, it was no surprise to see the Washington Redskins move up to No. 2 overall and take Robert Griffin III.

His mobility, accuracy and arm strength will make Washington's passing game a good threat to keep defenses off balance, which is important in the overrun-by-pass-rushers NFC East. RG3's complete skill-set will help setup the running game for coach Mike Shanahan as the Redskins do need to remain balanced.

The defense is rather solid with guys like London Fletcher, Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan in the front seven. However, the Redskins are vulnerable to the pass so RG3's ability to work at a fast pace will benefit Washington the most.

In a division that's completely wide open and arguably the most evenly competitive, the Redskins have a slight advantage over the Giants, Eagles and Cowboys. With the entire division having to play the AFC North and NFC South, that leaves two other NFC games outside of the east.

Washington's two opponents are St. Louis and Minnesota since it finished in last place in 2011. Those two games along with the divisional games will ultimately determine the Redskins' chances at a playoff spot in 2012.

2012 NFL Power Rankings

1. San Francisco 49ers

2. New England Patriots

3. New York Giants

4. Houston Texans

5. Green Bay Packers

6. Philadelphia Eagles

7. Baltimore Ravens

8. Denver Broncos

9. Pittsburgh Steelers

10. Atlanta Falcons

11. Detroit Lions