NFL 2010 Preview: Teams That May Move Out of Their Division's Basement

One of the best parts of the NFL is seeing teams that move from the basement of their division to inch their way closer to becoming a contender.

This is not to discredit the other teams in the following teams' respective divisions, but someone has to finish last and these teams do not want to reside at the bottom anymore.

The following are the top five teams who have a chance to move up.

Honorable Mention: Seattle Seahawks

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AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 5: Safety Earl Thomas #12 of the Texas Longhorns nrearly intercepts a pass intended for Tim Taylor #10 of the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks as defensive back Aaron Williams #4 gets his hand in on the play in the second quarter on Sept

Key Additions: Head Coach Pete Carroll, LT Russell Okung, S Earl Thomas, RB Leon Washington, TE Chris Baker, WR Golden Tate

2009 Record: 5-11 (third in NFC West)

Note: The Seahawks get a mention here since they technically were not in the basement in 2009, but naming them No. 5 also didn't make any sense due to the fact the Rams will most likely still dwell at the bottom in 2010.

With new coach Carroll leading the Seahawks in his third attempt at being a successful NFL coach, Carroll is looking for the "three times a charm" saying to come true.

The 2010 offseason for the Seahawks was electric, adding many pieces to the puzzle which could change the landscape of the NFC West, since it is an open competition now that the Arizona Cardinals lost Pro Bowl quarterback to retirement and now the Cards are no longer the front-runner to win the division title.

Seahawks get a mention because they could possibly complete with the 49ers and Cards at the top of the NFC West.

No. 4: Kansas City Chiefs

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DENVER - JANUARY 03: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs prepares to take a snap against the Denver Broncos during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on January 3, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Chiefs defeated the Broncos 44-24. (

Key additions: RB Thomas Jones, S Eric Berry, RB/WR Dexter McCluster, CB Javier Arenas

2009 Record: 4-12 (last in AFC West)

The Chiefs are in year number two under the management of general manager Scott Pioli and look to take the next step during the 2010 season, especially with the additions of new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and new defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.

With many young players on the roster, the Chiefs have great potential and a talent level that is improved over one season ago.

Add the fact that head coach Todd Haley remains in the seat with Weis and Crennel at his side, the Chiefs are looking like the New England Patriots version 2.0.

The Chiefs will have to compete with both the Chargers and Broncos, who are each front-runners to win the division title and then there are the Raiders, who are on the rise too.

No. 3: Detroit Lions

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SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 27: Calvin Johnson #31 of the Detroit Lions runs after a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on December 27, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Key Additions: DT Ndamukong Suh, RB Jahvid Best, G Rob Sims, DE Kyle Vanden Bosch

2009 Record: 2-14 (fourth in NFC North)

The Lions are a long-shot on this list, but that is also why they are ranked No. 3.

With many key components in place, the Lions look to make a move in the NFC North, but it will be very tough to surpass the Brett Favre-led Minnesota Vikings.

Adding hopeful impact rookies like Suh and Best will give the Lions more stability on both offense and defense, which is a great stepping stone to move on up in 2010.

No. 2: Washington Redskins

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ASHBURN, VA - APRIL 15: Washington Redskins Donovan McNabb works out at the Washington Redskins training facility on April 15, 2010 in Ashburn, Virginia (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Key Additions: Head Coach Mike Shanahan, QB Donovan McNabb, LT Jammal Brown, RT Trent Williams

2009 Record: 4-12 (fourth in NFC East)

The Redskins have added a new front office, a new head coach, and a new starting quarterback this offseason and they look to move up from the basement of the NFC East.

A huge obstacle to overcome is that the Redskins are in the NFC East, which has been considered the most competitive division to play in by most NFL experts and analysts, so the climb up will be tough in 2010 for Washington.

No. 1: Cleveland Browns

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CLEVELAND - JANUARY 03: Joshua Cribbs #16 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 3, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

Key Additions: Team president Mike Holmgren, QB Jake Delhomme, CB Sheldon Brown, CB Joe Haden, RB Montario Hardesty, LB Scott Fujita

2009 Record: 5-11 (fourth in AFC North)

Many of you are probably wondering why the Browns are No. 1 on this list?

It is solely due to the fact that the city of Cleveland needs hope badly right now due to the loss of one of its hometown sports icons, and the Browns can take Cleveland by storm and give renewed hope.

The energy of Cleveland needs to be fueled by something to get back on track and the Browns are just the team to do that and move on up.

Even though there are many questions surrounding their quarterback, wide receivers, and defensive backfield, the Browns are poised to make a move in the AFC North, especially with the uncertainties circling around Pittsburgh as of late.

It will not be easy since they have to contend with the Baltimore Ravens (who are favored to win the division), the Cincinnati Bengals (who won the AFC North in 2009), and the always competitive Steelers.

A tough road is ahead for the Browns in 2010, but crazier things have happened in the NFL in the past.