NFL Power Rankings: Teams Ascending into the Playoff Picture This Offseason

Those who "win" the offseason in the NFL rarely are the teams that are playing significant football comes December and January, but you can't build a playoff football team without making smart moves during the months of March and April. 

Several teams this offseason have done well in constructing a roster for 2012 that is better prepared to make a run at the postseason. The games will still have to be won once it really matters, but the following five teams have put themselves back into the playoff picture this offseason:

Chicago Bears (2011 record: 8-8)

Credit new Bears GM Phil Emery for attacking the major weaknesses once present on his inherited roster.  

He saw receiver was a major hole, and instead of signing a low-tier free agent like Roy Williams, Emery went out and traded for Brandon Marshall and drafted Alshon Jeffery in the second round. Once a weakness, receiver is now an arguable strength for Jay Cutler and the Bears. 

Same goes for backup quarterback (Jason Campbell), running back (Michael Bush), defensive end opposite Julius Peppers (Shea McClellin) and safety/cornerback (Brandon Hardin). Each addition is expected to be a contributor next season, although the Bears hope Campbell doesn't have to be used behind Cutler. 

Overall, Emery turned a flawed roster from a season ago into a bonafide NFC North contender in 2012. Tough to ask much more out of a GM's first offseason. 

Buffalo Bills (6-10)

They say you don't win games in March, and the team directly below the Bills on this list proved as much during the Dream Team season of 2011. But it's still hard to overlook the kind of impact free-agent signees Mario Williams and Mark Anderson could have on the Bills' 2012 season. 

The two pass-rushers have combined for almost 90 career sacks, and they should help shore up what was a big weakness for the Bills upfront last season. A little more pass rush on the defensive side of the ball could have been the difference between the Bills turning their early-season momentum into a playoff berth and the 6-10 record they ultimately finished 2011 with. 

GM Buddy Nix also made smart moves in adding Stephon Gilmore in the first round and locking up both Steve Johnson and Fred Jackson to extensions in Buffalo. For the first time in a long time, the Bills can honestly say they have a roster that is capable of making the AFC playoffs. 

Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)

Few teams in recent NFL history have been as active as the Eagles were last offseason, but their haul during the 2011 summer only netted the franchise eight wins last season. However, the reasons why Philadelphia's Dream Team failed in 2011 were likely shored up during this offseason. 

The heart of the defense was soft and underwhelming for the Eagles last season, but adding DeMeco Ryans (trade, Texans), Fletcher Cox (first round) and Mychal Kendricks (second round) should give Philadelphia the talent up the middle to be much better on defense in 2012. 

This team still has to get more consistency from Michael Vick and the offense next season, but Juan Castillo's defense shouldn't be the liability that it was at times during 2011. That improvement could be good for two or more wins in Philadelphia. 

Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)

I have the Chiefs somewhat low in my rankings (No. 21), but that's in part because of concerns at the quarterback position. Everything the Chiefs have done around Matt Cassel screams playoff contender in 2012. 

Adding right tackle Eric Winston was one of the steals of free agency, and Peyton Hillis may surprise some folks next season as a situational runner behind a recovering Jamaal Charles. 

The draft wasn't a huge hit, but Dontari Poe has huge upside and Jeff Allen should start at guard. Slot receiver Devon Wylie and cornerback DeQuan Menzie could be huge steals at where the Chiefs drafted them. 

If Chiefs can find some consistency from their passing game in 2012, there's no reason why this team can't oust Peyton Manning and the Broncos at the top of the AFC West. 

Seattle Seahawks (7-9)

Many have been critical of the Seahawks' drafting of Bruce Irvin in the first round, but if he approaches 10 sacks next season in a situational role, no one will be snickering at that pick. He was a high-upside player at a position of need on the Seahawks' defense. 

Where the biggest growth could be for Seattle next season is at quarterback, where Pete Carroll may have three starting-quality players at the position. Matt Flynn (free agent, Green Bay) is the front-runner, but don't sleep on Russell Wilson (third round). He has a special set of skills that translate to the NFL whether he's 5'10" or 6'4". 

If we can assume the Seahawks get better play at quarterback next season—and they've done everything they possibly could to get just that—Seattle should push for a spot in the NFC playoffs. 

NFL Offseason Power Rankings

1. New York Giants (2011: 9-7)

2. New England Patriots (13-3)

3. Green Bay Packers (15-1)

4. Houston Texans (10-6)

5. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)

6. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

8. Detroit Lions (10-6)

9. Chicago Bears (8-8)

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10)

11. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)

12. Denver Broncos (8-8)

13. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)

14. Atlanta Falcons (10-6)

15. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)

16. New Orleans Saints (13-3)

17. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8)

19. Carolina Panthers (6-10)

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7)

21. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)

22. New York Jets (8-8)

23. Arizona Cardinals (8-8)

24. Washington Redskins (5-11)

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12)

26. Miami Dolphins (6-10)

27. Oakland Raiders (8-8)

28. St. Louis Rams (2-14)

29. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

30. Indianapolis Colts (2-14)

31. Cleveland Browns (4-12)

32. Minnesota Vikings (3-13)