NFL: Breaking Down Each 2010 Playoff Team's Chances To Return to the Postseason

Breaking Down Which NFL Playoff Teams From a Year Ago Will Return to the Postseason Next Season

Unless you're a fan of the Green Bay Packers, the 2010-2011 season probably didn't end the way you wanted it to. 

However, with the end of each season comes the promise and excitement of the next (this article is being written with the belief that a new CBA will be reached before any games are missed). 

For 12 NFL teams, a playoff appearance last season should set the stage for bigger things in their coming season, and in principle, that makes a lot of sense.

History, on the other hand, tells us that not all 12 teams from last year's postseason will make it back. 

Lets break down which of the playoff teams from a year ago have the best chance at returning in 2011-2012. 

Kansas City Chiefs

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs rolls out against the Baltimore Ravens in their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwana

2010-2011 record: 10-6 (first in AFC West, No. 4 seed)

Playoff result: Lost 30-7 to Baltimore Ravens in AFC Wild Card

Breakdown: While many thought the Chiefs would turn their franchise around under the vision of Scott Piloli, few could have guessed Kansas City's transformation would be as fast as it was.

With just six wins in their two seasons prior, the Chiefs won 10 games and won the AFC West with the NFL's No. 1 rushing attack (164.2 yards/game) in 2010. 

While the rushing game should still be solid next season, quarterback Matt Cassel will be the deciding factor whether the Chiefs return to the playoffs or not. 

The Ravens exposed and battered Cassel throughout their Wild Card appearance, and the loss of Charlie Weis as an offensive coordinator could hinder the development of the Chiefs quarterback moving forward. 

With the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos undergoing coaching changes, however, and the San Diego Chargers losing defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, the Chiefs might have the most stable of the franchises in the AFC West. 

Still, both the Chargers and Raiders should give the Chiefs a healthy fight during the regular season. San Diego is a perennial underachiever, but they are still hands down the most talented team in the division. 

Prediction: With a more difficult schedule on the way next season, look for the Chiefs to fall back to .500 and second place in the AFC West.

New Orleans Saints

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints throws the ball in the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo

2010-2011 record: 11-5 (second in NFC South, No. 5 seed)

Playoff result: Lost 41-36 to Seattle Seahawks in NFC Wild Card

Breakdown: The Saints playoff loss was one of the more unexpected postseason results in recent memory, but New Orleans shouldn't get too worried. 

With Drew Brees still at the helm of one of the best offenses in the NFL (third overall in passing yards), the Saints will continue to be competitive in the NFC. 

Additions to an aging defense and unproductive running game this offseason would help New Orleans, but there are also some outside concerns heading into next season. 

Both the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have young and talented rosters, and the schedule for the Saints could be a daunting one next year. 

Prediction: It's more than possible that the top three in the NFC South could make the playoffs next season. However, I think Josh Freeman and the Bucs will be taking a playoff spot from either the Falcons or Saints, and New Orleans looks a little more vulnerable than Atlanta. 

Indianapolis Colts

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won 17

2010-2011 record: 10-6 (first in AFC South, No. 3 seed)

Playoff results: Lost 17-16 to New York Jets in AFC Wild Card

Breakdown: Injuries caught up to the Colts in a big way last season (16 players on IR), and while you can never predict the health of an NFL team, you'd have to expect Indy to have a little better luck next season. 

And though he'll turn 35 in March, Peyton Manning still commands an NFL offense better than anyone in the history of the game. 

Manning should have all his weapons back to full health next year, and the defensive end combination of Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney totaled 21 sacks in 2010 and is the best in football. 

What about the rest of the AFC South, however? 

Well, the Tennessee Titans are changing coaches for the first time in 16 years, the Jacksonville Jaguars made a surprise run last season, but lack the talent on defense and the Houston Texans deployed one of the best passing attacks, but also one of the worst passing defenses in recent memory. 

Prediction: Manning might not have many great seasons left in him, but in an inferior AFC South, he and the Colts will get a chance to play their way to the Super Bowl in Indianapolis. 

Philadelphia Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles passes against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Get

2010-2011 record: 10-6 (first in NFC East, No. 3 seed)

Playoff result: Lost 21-16 to the Green Bay Packers in NFC Wild Card

Breakdown: While Kevin Kolb was pegged to be the successor to Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia, it was the redemption story of Michael Vick that carried the Eagles' season. 

Vick had far and away the best season of his career (100.2 rating), and the Eagles featured arguably the most explosive offense in the NFL. 

However, was Vick's performance a sign of things to come or just a flash in the pan? 

It's most likely more of the latter, but it'd also be tough to expect the same kind of results from Vick next season. 

In addition, the Eagles are handing their defense over to Juan Castillo—their former offensive line coach—and there will be some bumps in the road as he adjusts to a completely new role. 

For a defense that struggled last season, only a slight dropoff could make all the difference. 

Prediction: The Eagles will still have a must-watch offense, but the New York Giants will hold off Philly for the NFC East title.

Seattle Seahawks

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles against the New Orleans Saints during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

2010-2011 record: 7-9 (first in NFC West, No. 4 seed)

Playoff results: Won 41-36 over New Orleans Saints in NFC Wild Card, Lost 35-24 to the Chicago Bears in NFC Divisional 

Breakdown: For being the biggest laughingstock in NFL playoff history, the Seahawks quieted more than a few critics by beating the defending Super Bowl champions in the wild-card round. 

While that certainly proved that parity still rules in the NFL, it doesn't prove that Seattle is ready to take the next step to championship contender.

In the NFC West, however, the Seahawks shouldn't have to do much to defend their division crown. 

The Arizona Cardinals might be forced to address their quarterback situation in the draft, and the San Francisco 49ers have a new, improved coach in Jim Harbaugh, but most likely the same average quarterback in Alex Smith.

The St. Louis Rams and Sam Bradford clearly present the Seahawks the greatest danger, but no team in the division can match the home-field advantage that Qwest Field gives Seattle. 

Prediction: It might be another ugly season in the NFC West, but Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks amazingly have the most complete team in the division and will head to the playoffs once again.

Baltimore Ravens

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Im

2010-2011 record: 12-4 (second in AFC North, No. 5 seed)

Playoff results: Won 30-7 over the Kansas City Chiefs in AFC Wildcard, Lost 31-24 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in AFC Divisional

Breakdown: The Ravens were a trendy Super Bowl pick heading into the season, but the magic act of Ben Roethlisberger was ultimately the downfall of another promising season. 

However, with talent across the board in Baltimore, the Ravens will get plenty of future opportunities to dethrone the Steelers.

And while Joe Flacco needs to keep progressing if the Ravens want to get over the hump, this is a team that should make another postseason run. 

Neither the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals have the fire power to take over one of the top spots in the AFC North, and two teams will make the playoffs from that division.

Prediction: They'll jockey with the Steelers for the top spot all season, but the Ravens will be in the postseason once again next January. 

Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Packers won 48-21. (Photo by

2010-2011 record: 13-3 (first in NFC South, No. 1 seed)

Playoff results: Lost 48-21 to the Green Bay Packers in NFC Divisional

Breakdown: The Falcons were the darlings of the NFC during the regular season, but they were run over by the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round at home. 

Obviously, this Falcons team wasn't ready to make the next step, but could a loss like that rattle a franchise for the next season? 

Maybe some teams, but not this one. With GM Thomas Dimitroff, coach Mike Smith and quarterback Matt Ryan running the show, the Falcons could very well make another run at the NFC's No. 1 seed. 

The defense is a liability, but at this point, Atlanta is still one of the NFC's top two or three teams.

Prediction: Another 13 wins might be a stretch with both Tampa Bay and New Orleans in their division, but no one would be surprised if the Falcons were hosting another playoff game next season.

New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/G

2010-2011 record: 14-2 (first in AFC East, No. 1 seed)

Playoff results: Lost 28-21 to the New York Jets in AFC Divisional

Breakdown: New England stormed through the regular season with just two blemishes on their record, but the New York Jets figured out their efficient offense in the divisional round. 

As painful as that loss might have been, the Patriots still have a lot to look forward to next season. 

A young defense will be a year older and wiser, and quarterback Tom Brady (36 TDs, four INTs) and coach Bill Belichick still reside in the New England area. 

Add in the fact that the Patriots have eight picks in the first four rounds of the NFL draft, and it seems almost impossible that New England wouldn't make a return trip to the playoffs. 

Predictions: This will still be a young, unproven defense and the offense lacks a true vertical threat, but the Patriots will be in the postseason again. 

New York Jets

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won 24-19. (Pho

2010-2011 record: 11-5 (second in AFC East, No. 6 seed)

Playoff results: Won 17-16 over the Indianapolis Colts in AFC Wildcard, Won 28-21 over the New England Patriots in AFC Divisional, Lost 24-19 in AFC Championship

Breakdown: The big-talking Jets made the AFC Championship game for the second straight season, but the Pittsburgh Steelers denied New York a trip to the Super Bowl.

Still, there will be two things we will know about the Jets next season: First, they'll play attacking defense, and two, the run game (No. 4 in the NFL in yards) will be the foundation of the offense. 

Will that formula mean success for the third straight season?

It'd be tough to bet against it. Mark Sanchez and the passing game hold this team back from bigger things, but both the defense and running game should guide the Jets once again.

Prediction: I'm far from sold on Sanchez, but you can still win in the NFL with solid defense and a run game. And while those qualities might not equal championships anymore, the Jets will be back in the playoffs because of them.

Chicago Bears

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears under center against the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter of the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Ly

2010-2011 record: 11-5 (first in NFC North, No. 2 seed)

Playoff results: Won 35-24 over Seattle Seahawks in NFC Divisional, Lost 21-14 to the Green Bay Packers in NFC Championship

Breakdown: More than a few people batted their eyes at the Bears' signing of Julius Peppers last offseason, but his acquisition made Chicago's season. 

The Bears defense was back to a dominant group (No. 2 in rush defense), and that took the pressure off Jay Cutler and an offense that floundered at times. 

However, that isn't an equation for long-term success. The Bears need to bolster their offensive line, find another play-making receiver and help an average secondary. 

Even with all those problems, the Bears should still make a run at a second straight playoff appearance. 

Prediction: Chicago was one of the tougher choices of all the playoff teams. However, their defense has the ability to carry them to another postseason.

Pittsburgh Steelers

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hands the ball off to Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Doug Pensin

2010-2011 record: 12-4 (first in AFC North, No. 2 seed)

Playoff results: Won 31-24 over the Baltimore Ravens in AFC Divisional, Won 24-19 over the New York Jets in AFC Championship, Lost 31-25 to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV

Breakdown: Surely a Super Bowl loss wasn't what the Steelers hoped for, but it's tough to argue with what Pittsburgh has moving forward. 

Their 3-4 defense will once again be amongst the top in the NFL (No. 1 in rush defense and points scored in '10), and a couple of additions to the offensive line could position them to be the best team in the AFC once again.

The Browns and Bengals shouldn't present the Steelers much of a challenge in their own division, and a wild-card spot would probably be the worst case scenario in Pittsburgh.

Prediction: The Steelers and Ravens will fight for the division title, but no matter which way that goes, Pittsburgh will be back in the playoffs for another Super Bowl run.

Green Bay Packers

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

2010-2011 record: 10-6 (second in NFC North, No. 6 seed)

Playoff results: Won 21-16 over the Philadelphia Eagles in NFC Wild Card, Won 48-21 over the Atlanta Falcons in NFC Divisional, Won 21-14 over the Chicago Bears in NFC Championship, Won 31-25 over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV

Breakdown: While there will be plenty of obstacles in the Packers' way of repeating as Super Bowl champions, the road to the playoffs should be smoother sailing. 

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has emerged as one of the NFL's better passers, and the Packers' defense proved time and time again that it belongs amongst the league's best (No. 2 scoring defense).

While Green Bay's first goal should be to dethrone Chicago in the NFC North, obtaining one of the NFC's top seeds and a home playoff game—something Rodgers has never done—are all within the grasp of the Super Bowl champions.

Prediction: The Packers will have a target on their back from the opening kickoff, but Green Bay should improve on their 10 regular season wins from a year ago and return to the postseason.