6 Teams That Will Miss the Playoffs in 2010

Everybody is aware of the parity that exists in the NFL today.

It is one of the main reason why the NFL is so popular.

At the start of every year any team can rise above the odds and make the playoffs.

But it goes both ways.

Just because you were good the year before, don't count on returning to the playoffs the following year.

Over the past five seasons at least six teams (half the playoff field) has failed to make it back the following year.

The top two seeds in each conference from the 2008-2009 playoffs (Tennessee, Pittsburgh, New York Giants, Carolina) all failed to reach the playoffs this past season.

I did this piece last year and last week I wrote about which teams will take their place.

Now for my picks for this year:

New England Patriots

The end of an era has finally come. These Patriots are no longer the ones that won three titles last decade. Their defense is a shade of its former self. Bill Belichick might finally be losing a step as evidenced by his decision to go for it against the Colts this past year.

The Pats have had a quiet offseason, resigning their players, but not adding much. They had a chance to draft Dez Bryant, but in typical Belichick fashion they traded down.  With the Jets and Dolphins taking making strides forward, expect the Patriots to be the odd team out.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals were the surprise team last season, winning the AFC North and finishing 10-6. However, It will be tough to repeat that feat this season. First, there is no way they go 6-0 in the division again.

The Ravens have improved adding Anquan Boldin, the Steelers will be back, and quietly the Browns have made some small improvements. Also I’m not a fan of the Antonio Bryant signing. He has never been consistent and has only preformed in contract years.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles finally bit the bullet this offseason and dealt Donovan McNabb after 11 seasons. Long term the move should pay off, but they will suffer in the short term. In Kevin Kolb, you have the unknown.

Is he the guy who played great in two starts for McNabb last year, or is he the guy who threw four picks in relief duty in 2007. Beyond Kolb, there are also questions about LeSean McCoy’s durability and some question marks on the defense.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals proved most pundits wrong last year by making it back to the playoffs, after they were called a one year one wonder. As impressive as that was, I don’t think they can pull it off two years in a row.

The NFC West has been terrible for two years, but improved this offseason. The 49ers beat the Cardinals twice last year and the Seahawks should be improved with Pete Carroll at the helm.

Minnesota Vikings

The NFC runner ups may struggle to reach the playoffs this upcoming season. A lot of that hinges on whether or not #4 decides to come back and if he does they should probably be removed from this list. But even if he does return, I’m still not sold on this team.

It will be hard for Favre to come close to the numbers he produced last season. Also the offensive line showed signs of breaking down at the end of last season and the secondary is a cause for concern.

New Orleans Saints

Now, I’ll admit this is a reach, but if someone told you the Steelers wouldn’t make the playoffs at this time last year you would have though they were crazy too. Never underestimate the Super Bowl hangover.

It’s a lot different playing the hunted, rather the hunter. Plus, arguably their best player last season, Darren Sharper, is coming off micro fracture surgery and is 34 so he can’t be counted on to have the same type of impact.

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