NFL Predictions 2012: Teams That Will Show Most Improvement

As hard as it is for NFL teams to stay on top, it is even harder to escape from being an NFL bottom-feeder.

These two teams, though, should make that leap this year. They should surprise a lot of people as they play their way into playoff contention.

Minnesota Vikings

In the NFL, the three most important positions are quarterback, left tackle and defensive end.

For this reason, the Vikings are a team to watch in 2012.

Matt Kalil should be rock-solid as a rookie at left tackle, and Jared Allen is a monster at defensive end.

Therefore, the key to the season is at quarterback, where Christian Ponder looks to improve from an average rookie season.

He should do just that, as Ponder has every tool in his arsenal to improve this season.

First of all, whether Toby Gerhart or Adrian Peterson starts the season at running back, the Vikings will be very solid in the running game. That alone should help Ponder manage games effectively.

More importantly, the Vikings have an awesome arsenal of weapons for Ponder to take advantage of.

Percy Harvin is the star of the group, and his ability on screens and short passes should make Ponder's stats look solid.

Beyond Harvin, the Vikings have one of the better young tight ends in the league in John Carlson. They also have Michael Jenkins and Jerome Simpson to provide size and athleticism in the receiving corps.

This, coupled with better protection, should help Ponder take the next step as an NFL passer.

Last season, Ponder already proved he had the moxie and arm to be an excellent quarterback. With improved decision making and an improved surrounding cast, Ponder has the ability to pilot the Vikings to at least a .500 record.

The only reason the Vikings should miss the playoffs this year is because of the insane depth of the NFC North. Even if the Vikings are the worst team in that tough division, though, expect at least a 7-9 finish and many improved seasons to come.

Indianapolis Colts

As important as Andrew Luck will be for this franchise, he can't do it alone.

Sure, having Andrew Luck guarantees the Colts will at least be better than last year. However, to qualify for playoff contention takes more than just a talented rookie quarterback.

Lucky for Indianapolis fans, the Colts have made more improvements than just the quarterback position.

First of all, the defense should be much improved. New head coach Chuck Pagano will demand excellence from his defense, and he should get it. New veteran players like Cory Redding and Tom Zbikowski fortify the talent of this defense.

Meanwhile, Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney could find new leases of life as stand-up pass-rushers. With their acceleration, they fit the mold of 3-4 pass-rushers perfectly, which should increase their productivity even more.

On the offensive side of the ball, Luck has already shown that he is everything the Colts could have asked for.

Luck always appears to be in control of the offense. He also has the accuracy and arm strength to continue to improve as the season goes on.

Luck's weapons will be key in making his rookie year a special one. Thankfully, the Colts have enough talent to keep defenses honest.

The Colts made a great move by adding multiple targets for Luck in the draft. Tight ends Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener should provide mismatches on a regular basis, while T.Y. Hilton provides an element of speed that was previously lacking.

With Reggie Wayne still in town, the Colts have plenty of talent on the outside.

An improved running game would be the icing on the cake. The Colts should expect that with the addition of Vick Ballard and in what is a make-or-break season for Donald Brown. One of these two should provide the punch needed to finally improve the Colts' running game.

The Colts have the benefit of playing in a relatively weak division. They might not unseat the Texans as the top team in the AFC South, but Luck and company have more than enough talent to finish at .500 and challenge for a wild-card spot.