Chances That These 2011 NFL Losers Turn into 2012 Contenders

For the past 16 seasons, at least five new teams have advanced to the postseason that failed to qualify the year before. 

If that doesn't speak to the overwhelming annual parity in the NFL, I don't know what does. 

Last year, the San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Denver Broncos and Houston Texans made up the group of "fresh" playoff teams. 

Let's examine five teams that could contend in 2012 and provide their chances to gain "contender status."

Seattle Seahawks

No one can quite figure out the Seattle Seahawks right now, and part of the reason is due to their ongoing quarterback competition.

Matt Flynn was acquired in free agency, but 2012 draftee Russell Wilson has created his own buzz during the first two games of the preseason. 

Though not lined with household names—not yet, anyway—the defense is a stout unit with a good front seven and a relatively stingy secondary led by Brandon Browner and Earl Thomas. 

Everyone's aboard the San Francisco 49ers train to win the NFC West, but if the winner of the Flynn vs. Wilson quarterback battle adds a more dynamic dimension to the passing game, the division crown may be decided in the final few weeks of the season. 

Contender chances: 35 percent

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles didn't finish with a losing record in 2011, but even after winning their final four games, they finished with only eight victories. 

Based on the lofty expectations set for last year's team, the season was a complete failure. 

Big-name free-agent acquisitions like Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Jason Babin have had a year of experience to gel into a cohesive unit, and with another strong offseason, many have pointed to 2012 as the time the Eagles live up to the hype of last season.

Everything was set for the team to make a legitimate Super Bowl run until the second preseason game against the Patriots when quarterback Michael Vick took a devastating shot to his ribs from Jermaine Cunningham. 

If Vick is out for a considerable amount of time, or if his rib injury lingers, Philadelphia's season will once again be in jeopardy. 

If he fights through the injury and stays healthy for 14 to 16 games, the Eagles are primed to win the NFC East crown in what should be one of the most competitive divisions in football.

Contender chances: With Vick, 85 percent. Without Vick, 65 percent.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers went 6-10 in 2011, but it was a five-game improvement on a 1-15 2010 season that led to the selection of Cam Newton, who set numerous rookie records last season. 

Will the team's transcendent quarterback progress in his second year under center, or will he experience the fabled sophomore slump? 

The opposition has a full 16 games of tape to dissect Newton's tendencies, but Carolina's coaching staff will undoubtedly counter with new wrinkles and alterations in its game plan. 

Brandon LaFell is entering his third year in the NFL and is fresh off a 17.0-yards-per-catch season. 

The team also has a trio of capable running backs in Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert. With Newton's bruising yet deceptively agile running ability, the Panthers could field a top-five rushing unit this season. 

If the defense improves after allowing the second-most yards and points per drive last year, the Panthers could be in the thick of things in the NFC South title race. 

Contender chances: 45 percent

Kansas City Chiefs

Everyone knows what the deal is with the Kansas City Chiefs. 

If Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry and Tony Moeaki all return to 2010 form after suffering season-ending knee injuries in 2011, Kansas City will house one of the more balanced and formidable teams in the AFC. 

Well, Matt Cassel must play as efficiently as he did two years ago as well. 

Right tackle Eric Winston adds even more soundness to an already stellar run-blocking offensive line, and Jon Baldwin looks to progress as a dangerous complement to Dwayne Bowe. 

The AFC West is seemingly always up for grabs, so there's a good chance the Chiefs return to prominence in their own division this season. 

Contender chances: 65 percent

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills, a team that hasn't reached the playoffs since 1999, sent a message to the NFL when they signed Mario Williams and Mark Anderson this offseason. 

It could take time for the defensive line to unify, but the potential for the group featuring Williams, Anderson, Marcell Dareus and the vastly underrated Kyle Williams is scary. 

The team boasts two capable running backs with differing running styles in Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller, and Chan Gailey's passing offense had its moments as a top unit in 2011. 

More than likely, the defensive line will be dominant, which should lead to improved play in a secondary led by Jairus Byrd and George Wilson, and the running back duo will rack up significant yards per carry due to the natural running lanes provided within the spread offense. 

In the end, it'll all come down to the play of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. He was one of the hottest quarterbacks in football through the first six weeks last year, but injuries, the opposition's anticipation of his quick passes and general inaccuracy were the reasons the Harvard alum finished the most interceptions in football.

If Fitzptrick manages games well, there's no telling how good the Bills could be. If he doesn't, Buffalo may miss the playoffs, again.

Contender chances: 45 percent