Odds of Each NFL Division Bottom Feeder to Go from Worst to First in 2012

The NFL has emerged as arguably America's best sport because of the league's parity. Five new teams earned the opportunity to perform in the postseason last year after missing out in 2010. During this offseason, there were plenty of quality free agents who landed with new teams over the last few months.

Potentially, a few of these top free agent signings could make a difference on a few teams that finished in last place in 2011.

With the 2012 NFL season less than a month away, can any of last year's bottom feeders find success in 2012?

Here are the odds of each last place winner finishing first in their division this year.

8. Minnesota Vikings

Odds: 200-1

The Minnesota Vikings made a few improvements in the offseason by adding to the offensive line and attempting to add young talent to a very weak secondary. Unfortunately, the Vikings play in a division that has three potential playoff teams.

Defensively, the Vikings do not display a consistent pass rush aside from Jared Allen, nor do they have an intimidating secondary that will put fear in the Pro Bowl caliber quarterbacks in the division.

It will be very difficult for the Vikings young offense to carry the team against any opposing defense. Can Percy Harvin consistently stay on the field and avoid missing time due to injuries? Will tight end Kyle Rudolph have a breakout season and become Ponder's most favorite target?

The Vikings are going through a major rebuilding phase and have a slim chance of becoming division champions this year.

7. Cleveland Browns

Odds: 200-1

The Cleveland Browns are in a identical situation with the Minnesota Vikings. They play in the only division that sent three teams to the playoffs last season. While the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers are carried by their talented veterans, the youth of the Cincinnati Bengals makes them a contender in 2012.

Despite an offseason where the Browns drafted their hopeful franchise quarterback and running back, the Browns must prepare to endure another losing season in the AFC North.

There is promise for the Browns offense led by Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson. However, their rookie seasons will consist of growing pains. Richardson is already taking precautionary measures after having his knee scoped.

Meanwhile, Weeden is trying to improve chemistry with receivers Greg Little and Josh Gordon.

Due to the lack of a consistent offense, as well as the young defense who will not have stud nose tackle Phil Taylor this season, will continue to face its challenges in 2012.

6. St. Louis Rams

Odds: 150-1

The St. Louis Rams are attempting to turn a new page in its franchise history after hiring Jeff Fisher as head coach, signing Cortland Finnegan, and adding draft picks for the future.

However, the Rams won't compete for the NFC West crown this year. In a division where the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks improved, the Rams didn't make enough additions to further enhance Sam Bradford's development.

Despite the number of draft picks used on receivers, it's unlikely that any of them will make an immediate impact and become reliable targets for Bradford. 

The defense does display a lot of young talent, but there is still plenty of work needed to be completed in order for Jeff Fisher's scheme to be fully executed.

5. Miami Dolphins

Odds: 120-1

The Miami Dolphins enter a new era with rookie head coach Joe Philbin taking over a franchise that hit the AFC East cellar last season.

They enter the upcoming season with uncertainty at the quarterback position. David Garrard appeared to be the leading candidate before undergoing surgery that will sideline him a few weeks. Matt Moore is likely to get the nod in Garrard's absence, followed by 2012 first round pick Ryan Tannehill.

In reality, the quarterback controversy isn't the biggest issue for the Dolphins offense. Since the departure of Brandon Marshall, there are major issues on the wide receiver depth chart that can make the impact needed for a bright season.

Fortunately, the Dolphins don't play the New England Patriots until December, leaving them hope of competing for a division crown. However, they will be unable to keep up with the improved Buffalo Bills along with the defending AFC champions.

4. Indianapolis Colts

Prediction: 100-1

The Indianapolis Colts will be a major surprise in 2012. Will it result in a division crown? The odds appear slim, but there have been bigger surprises in the NFL before.

Through one preseason game, it's evident that Andrew Luck is already comfortable in the offense and has built great chemistry with his wide receivers. Although the offensive line is a concern, Luck's athleticism has clearly helped him avoid the biggest weakness on the offense.

Chuck Pagano's aggressive 3-4 defensive scheme could be a difference maker in a division that has been unpredictable over the last few seasons. The Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans are in the race, but the Colts will be an intriguing team over the next few months.

3. Washington Redskins

Odds: 100-1

The Washington Redskins are moving in a positive direction under rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III, who is already improving a passing game that has been a major disappointment over the last few seasons under Mike Shanahan.

Can Pierre Garcon emerge as a No. 1 wide receiver? Will Chris Cooley return to being a productive tight end in the NFL?

If the offense makes enough strides, the Redskins veteran defense could clearly make an impact with their quality defensive front.

The NFC East appears to be a three team race, but the Redskins closed the gap this off season by making improvements to the offensive side of the football.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Odds: 30-1

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, known for being a frugal franchise over the past decade, silenced the critics by being very aggressive in free agency.

After a disappointing season from Josh Freeman, the clear focus was improving his pass protection along with upgrading the talent around him. They managed to commit plenty of money to All-Pro guard Carl Nicks and former San Diego Chargers standout Vincent Jackson.

Meanwhile, the addition of rookie running back Doug Martin could create a potential explosive backfield with LeGarrette Blount.

The Buccaneers also focused on improving the secondary in the offseason, most notably drafting safety Mark Barron to pair alongside Ronde Barber.

All four teams will compete for the division crown. However, the combination of youth and veteran leadership could lead to a potential surprising division crown for the Bucs in 2012.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Odds: 10-1

Two years ago, the Kansas City Chiefs were the NFL's biggest surprise by winning the AFC West convincingly. Last year, the Chiefs fell to last place after losing Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry and Matt Cassel for the majority of the season.

With all three players returning, the Chiefs are much different than they were two years ago. Romeo Crennel is now the head coach and helped improve a young defense that will only improve with Berry's return.

Cassel will be working with an improved offensive line and will have the opportunity to work with Dwayne Bowe and second year receiver Jon Baldwin.

The Chiefs are ready to return to promise and overtake the Denver Broncos as AFC West champions.

Matt Miselis is an NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com. Follow him on twitter.