NFL: Five Surprise Teams In 2010

Training camp is just around the corner and teams are gearing up to start preparing for what promises to be another interesting season in the NFL.  There have been quite a few teams over the past few years that have seemingly risen out of nowhere, or risen from a seemingly perpetual state of mediocrity, to either make the playoffs, the conference championship game, or even make it to the Super Bowl.

So which teams have a shot at surprising us this year?  Which teams may end up making it to the playoffs after seasons of mediocrity?  Read on to find out.

Chicago Bears

The Bears did a lot this offseason to overcome the problems that have plagued them since going to the Super Bowl in 2006 and are poised to have a breakout season.  Adding some power on the defensive line (with Julius Peppers), as well as some additional help on offense (with Chester Taylor), along with other moves and additions, may finally get them over the hump this season and get them back into the playoffs.

Chicago’s coaching staff is in a win-or-else scenario, so they will do what it takes to win this year.  Adding an offensive coordinator like Mike Martz should help their offense keep up with other teams in their division and we may finally see the Bears turn into an offensive powerhouse.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers may finally be able to overtake the Cardinals in their division this year. Not only because Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner has retired, but also because this team has seen some good players on it that have steadily been getting better over the past few seasons.  With some consistency on offense, especially at the quarterback position, the 49ers could push their way into playoffs next season.

A lot of their fortune rests on the shoulders of quarterback Alex Smith.  Smith hasn’t had a lot of success in the NFL after being selected as the number one pick overall just a few years ago, but the 49ers are confident that they can make it work with him and that he is ready to take over the offense.

On defense, the 49ers appear to be pretty well set, although they could use some additional consistency from their secondary.  If they can short those positions up then they should be a decent unit next season.

Look for the 49ers to advance into the playoffs this season and, although they may make an early exit, they should come back even stronger in 2011.

Houston Texans

This may not really be too much of a surprise for some, but it would be if the Texans could overcome the Colts and win their division.  That’s not likely to happen, but what is more realistic is that Houston will make the playoffs as a wild card and, quite possibly, do some damage there. 

They had the best passing offense in the NFL last season and have done a lot of things to get better during the offseason and could be ready to take the next step. On offense, health is always an issue as quarterback Matt Schaub has missed some time due to injury in the past and he has to stay healthy in order for the Texans to succeed.  They also need their running game to improve and it should with some of the work that they have done during this offseason.

Houston has also had steady improvement on defense, which makes them a playoff candidate this season as well.  As long they can stay healthy and get a good start to the season, it’s entirely possible the Texans could make the playoffs for the first time in their short history.

Miami Dolphins

It’s not out of the question to think that the Dolphins can get back to the playoffs this season after missing them last year.  They have improved in some areas by getting some great talent in the draft and free agency, and are poised to quite possibly make the playoffs as a wild card or even a division winner if things pan out.

Getting a year of experience will really help quarterback Chad Henne as will adding a wide receiver the caliber of Brandon Marshall.  These two could get together a lot early and often and help propel the Dolphins into the playoffs.

With a solid front office and some great talent, this team is close to putting things together and getting back into the playoffs. With the Patriots weakening in the AFC East, along with the Buffalo Bills, the Jets are now the team to beat and the Dolphins could be the team to either give them a run for their money or possibly jump ahead of them.  Buffalo shouldn’t be a problem for this team.

Oakland Raiders

We probably won’t be talking about playoffs for the Raiders, but look for this team to be much improved over what they have been experiencing over the past few years.  Some of the things that should help them get better this season include the acquisition of an experienced quarterback in Jason Campbell, more familiarity with the defense, as well as an infusion of solid playmakers on both sides of the ball.

Knowing that he’s in a do-or-die type of situation, head coach Tom Cable should be able to put things together much better this season and get a few more wins out of this group.  Consistency will be the name of the game for the Raiders and if they can stay consistent then they could end up having a decent season.

While they may not pressure the San Diego Chargers for the lead in the AFC West, overall, the Raiders should be much more improved and could become a real contender by the 2011 season.