3 Shock Playoff Contenders for the 2012 NFL Season

Three NFL teams can defy the odds and expectations this season, not just by being better than advertised, but by putting together surprise playoff runs.

In the AFC East, possibly the division's most overlooked team actually has enough talent on both sides of the ball to overtake a big-spending rival. Over in the NFC East, one team may have finally assembled the necessary pieces to make their rebuild a success in year three.

Here are three teams with the potential to emerge as shock playoff contenders during the 2012 NFL season:

Carolina Panthers

Questions will remain about Ron Rivera's defense until his young defensive line proves it can cause problems at the point of attack. However, if they can keep Jon Beason healthy, the Carolina Panthers will have arguably the league's best set of 4-3 linebackers, along with James Anderson and top rookie Luke Kuechly.

Whatever the issues with the defense, there are no such problems with the Panthers' offense. With Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams still in the fold and Cam Newton's ability to make plays with his feet, the Panthers have a devastating ground game.

Combine that with Newton's accurate rocket-arm firing passes to Steve Smith and Greg Olsen, and it's easy to pity those defensive coordinators charged with trying to stop the Panthers this season. They play in a tough division and face a challenging schedule. However, there won't be many capable of outscoring Newton and company this season.

Miami Dolphins

Starting Ryan Tannehill is the right move for the Miami Dolphins. With a strong running game and stout defense in place, if the rookie can simply keep things safe and steady, the Dolphins could be a shock wild-card contender in the AFC East.

Having his college coach, Mike Sherman, as his offensive coordinator will help ease Tannehill's rookie pains, and the Miami offense shouldn't need to pile up the points.

Switching to a 4-3 defense makes perfect sense for the Dolphins and should liberate top pass-rusher Cameron Wake. Having mammoth tackles Paul Soliai and Randy Starks plugging the middle means not many teams should be able to run the ball on the Dolphins' front seven.

The Dolphins played a lot of games close last season and have a favourable schedule, with games against the AFC South and NFC West. With the New York Jets seemingly in total disarray, they could sneak past the big-spending Buffalo Bills into second place in the East.

Washington Redskins

In all honesty, Mike Shanahan should probably be facing an ultimatum of playoffs or bust following only 11 wins in two seasons with the Washington Redskins. Actually, that might not be such a tall order for the two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach.

The chances don't necessarily hinge on the play of rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III. With all the attention paid to Griffin, not many have noticed that the Redskins have assembled a solid supporting cast around him.

The preseason showed that they have at least two running backs capable of producing big yards in Roy Helu and Alfred Morris. Wide receiver Pierre Garcon has also made a positive start to life in D.C. Fellow free agent Josh Morgan, youngster Leonard Hankerson, veteran Santana Moss and dynamic tight end Fred Davis should be all the weapons Griffin needs.

Defensively, the front seven appears capable of applying heavy pressure against any opponent. That should mean more turnovers, which can only aid a developing offense.

The Redskins face a tough beginning to the new campaign, but they are competitive within the NFC East. They bested the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants twice in 2011 and if they can improve their division mark, they will have a great chance for a shock postseason return.