Detroit and Buffalo: Two Cities with Surprisingly Winning Teams

This NFL season has been an interesting one so far. Teams that are constantly at the forefront, like the Packers and Patriots, are still leading the pack. Overhyped teams, like the Jets and Eagles, are struggling to live up to the lofty expectations placed upon them by the media and fans.

Then there are a few surprising teams, like the 49ers, Bills, and Lions, which were perennial basement dwellers, that have scraped together talented teams and are plowing their ways to the playoffs.

However, Detroit and Buffalo are unique and similar cases. Both cities have blue-collar, industrial histories and have been hit hard by the failing economy.

Both cities are considered small market teams, struggling to make money in a league where having some extra cash is the difference between winning and losing.

Both teams have scores of ravenous and dedicated fans hoping to see a day when their beloved team finally turns its luck around. Somehow, both teams have managed to find a winning combination without spending ridiculous amounts of money, and have reignited the flames of hope in their fans.

The similarities between the cities are remarkable and staggering. Neither Buffalo nor Detroit has been in the playoffs since 1999. Both teams have been through at least four head coaches in that same stretch.

Buffalo drafted two quarterbacks since 1999 that have since proven to be busts: J.P. Losman and Trent Edwards. Detroit drafted Joey Harrington and Drew Stanton, who were also busts. Both have recently drafted probable All-Pro defensive tackles: Marcell Dareus with the Bills and Ndamukong Suh with the Lions.

Both teams have great wide receivers. Calvin Johnson is having the season of his career for Detroit and Stevie Johnson has proven to be a true No. 1 receiver in Buffalo.

Both teams have quarterbacks that have something to prove. Buffalo's Ryan Fitzpatrick has to prove that that Harvard's first starting QB in NFL history isn't something to scoff at. Matthew Stafford has to overcome major injuries and the label of "bust" and prove he is the right man for the job in Detroit.

Both teams are in divisions with perennial powerhouses. Buffalo slew the beast that was the New England Patriots in Week 3, showing it has the ability to threaten the Pats for the AFC East crown.

Detroit has yet to play Green Bay, but Week 12's matchup is looking to be the game that determines who wins the NFC North.

Buffalo and Detroit have the second and fourth hardest schedules this season, respectively. Both teams play the AFC West, while Detroit plays the NFC South and Buffalo plays the NFC East.

The Lions and Bills are ranked 10th and 11th, respectively, in total offense this season.

Buffalo and Detroit are gearing up for what looks to be a season that has been long overdue. If they can keep up with the Patriots and Packers, there could be a playoff run for one or both of these teams in the near future.

And who knows, we might have a Buffalo/Detroit Super Bowl in Indianapolis this year. Fans of both teams desperately hope so.