NFL Predictions: 5 Surprise Teams That Will Be Playoff Contenders

The lockout is a distant memory. The preseason is over. The final cuts are nearing completion. We are, at long last, ready to kick off the 2011 NFL season. With the dawn of a new season comes predictions, so here are five surprise teams that will be playoff contenders this season.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have been an afterthought since the Chad Henne controversy at the beginning of training camp. They have progressed nicely since the media spotlight moved elsewhere and are primed to surprise some people in 2011.

Brandon Marshall seems to finally be on the same page as Henne, which wasn't the case last season, and Reggie Bush has shown the explosiveness that made him the second overall pick in 2006. Davone Bess doesn't get the respect he deserves as one of the best up-and-coming possession receivers.

The biggest question mark on defense is the safety position, with Reshad Jones and Yeremiah Bell. They have a strong pass rush led by Cameron Wake and can stop the run thanks to Paul Soliai and Randy Starks. If the safeties can avoid disaster, the Dolphins will be in great shape this season.

Tennessee Titans

The AFC South discussion has been focused around two main points: If Peyton Manning doesn't return in a timely fashion, just how far will the Indianapolis Colts fall? And is it finally time for the Houston Texans to take the division crown?

Lost in the shuffle are the Tennessee Titans, who re-signed Chris Johnson to a mega contract and brought in Matt Hasselbeck for some stability at quarterback. If they can get enough production from Kenny Britt and Nate Washington, the offense should be in good shape.

The biggest key for Tennessee making a run toward the playoffs is improving its pass defense. It was the fourth-worst in the league last season, and that just isn't going to cut it in a division with Manning and Matt Schaub.

Detroit Lions

The Lions have been one of the trendy playoff picks for a couple seasons now, but haven't been able to live up to the hype because of injuries. Matthew Stafford enters the season healthy and focused on proving he was worthy of being drafted first overall.

Calvin Johnson is one of the most physically dominant wideouts in the league, and Titus Young has all the makings of a solid slot receiver. Brandon Pettigrew emerging as a viable second option in the passing game and Jahvid Best staying healthy will be the most important things for the offense.

The bigger focal point will be the defense, though. The unit allowed more than 23 points per game last season, but added Kyle Vanden Bosch to improve the pass rush and Nick Fairley (currently injured) to stop the run. If they can improve on that side of the ball, Detroit will finally live up to the hype.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers aren't getting the respect they deserve after a breakout 2010 campaign. Although they missed the playoffs, Tampa Bay finished 10-6, and Josh Freeman illustrated why he has such a bright future in the NFL.

While Freeman's main target will still be Mike Williams, he'll be glad to welcome back Arrelious Benn from injury. Kellen Winslow and Dezmon Briscoe are also solid options in the receiving game. LeGarrette Blount will need to back up his surprising 2010 season.

Rookie Adrian Clayborn will need to step right in and have a major impact on a defense that managed just 26 sacks last season. The secondary should continue to improve, especially Aqib Talib, who is slowly becoming one of the league's elite corners.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are the perfect example of how important a quarterback is in the NFL. Last season, they were a non-factor, as they had a jumbled mess under center. Enter Kevin Kolb, and Arizona is a playoff contender once again.

Kolb will love throwing the ball to Larry Fitzgerald, who is probably the most complete receiver in the league. He'll need somebody else to step up and make plays alongside Fitzgerald, though. Beanie Wells will need to improve on a disappointing 2010 season.

Patrick Peterson will quickly become a shutdown corner and should revitalize a defense that gave up the third-most points last season. The talent is there at every level of the defense; they just have to put it to use for 60 minutes every week.