NFL Power Rankings: Analyzing the Most Overlooked Playoff Contenders

Just because a team is coming off a losing season doesn't discount them from the postseason hunt. The Denver Broncos did just that in 2011 after going 4-12 in 2010, and the upcoming season has similar possibilities.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are a prime example because of coordinator Mel Tucker's impressive defense. Provided that Maurice Jones-Drew remains consistently dominant as a dual-threat back, there's no reason why the Jags can't contend in the AFC.

Before we dive more into the Jaguars, though, let's check some other overlooked teams with playoff potential. 

No. 17, Kansas City Chiefs

Despite all their injuries in 2011, the Kansas City Chiefs were still in the playoff hunt toward the end of the season. Finishing 7-9, K.C. began the year 0-3 and had four close losses to San Diego, Denver, Pittsburgh and Oakland.

Switch two of those to wins, and the Chiefs win the AFC West despite the injuries. Looking at 2012, it simply comes down to health.

The offense has a solid two-back system in Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis to set up the passing game, and the defense made a big addition in rookie Dontari Poe. Poe may have been a reach at No. 11 in the draft, but the Chiefs' defensive talent in Derrick Johnson, Glenn Dorsey, Tamba Hali, Brandon Flowers and Eric Berry will mold him well.

Despite a rather difficult schedule, Kansas City is going overlooked even with its abundance of talent.

No. 19, Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals still have some questions on offense, but selecting Notre Dame's Michael Floyd in the draft takes care of the passing attack.

Floyd provides a strong complement to Larry Fitzgerald. This duo will set up the ground game. Arizona's offensive line remains a concern, as 54 sacks were allowed last season.

Defensively, it's all about whether the Cardinals can stop the run. Patrick Peterson and Adrian Wilson make up a dominant secondary, so the front seven will have more opportunities to stop the run. 2012 could see a career year from Calais Campbell, as he's been consistent thus far.

San Francisco remains the biggest divisional threat, and few games outside the NFC West will challenge Arizona this year.

No. 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With all their improvements to each side of the ball, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have better postseason odds than they're given credit for.

We also have to remember that this team began 2011 at 4-2, which included wins over New Orleans and Atlanta. If the Buccaneers kick off 2012 in a similar fashion, a 10-game losing streak is far from what will happen.

Josh Freeman now has a legit receiver in Vincent Jackson and a two-back set in LeGarrette Blount and Doug Martin to run behind Carl Nicks. The defense added four impressive rookies in Mark Barron, Lavonte David, Keith Tandy and Leonard Johnson to slow down opponents.

Last season, Tampa Bay was horrendous on defense, so these rookies will be expected to heavily contribute and take the Bucs from the bottom up.

No. 28, Jacksonville Jaguars

The main concern with Jacksonville is whether Blaine Gabbert can develop in his sophomore campaign.

The Jaguars field a defense with top-five potential against the run and pass and have significantly upgraded the offense.

Receivers Laurent Robinson and Justin Blackmon will stretch and spread defenses to take pressure off the ground game, which will only make Maurice Jones-Drew that much more dangerous.

Jacksonville's only bump in the AFC South will be Houston, as the Texans field just as good of a defense and better offense. Elsewhere, the Jaguars see rough opponents in Green Bay, Buffalo, New England and Cincinnati in 2012.

Fortunately, defensive additions like rookie Andre Branch and corner Aaron Ross will help slow the explosive offenses. Jacksonville's key is to feed MJD and set up the pass. If that happens early on, the Jaguars are one dangerous team. 

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John Rozum on Twitter.