Predicting the Next Playoff Appearance for All 32 NFL Teams

The NFL is one of the most unpredictable sporting leagues in the world.

Teams continually go from conference bottom-feeders to Super Bowl contenders.

Franchises improve their team in a variety of ways, but the most important one is the draft. Stockpiling new talent at a number of positions is the quickest way to gather a talented roster and turn one of the worst teams in the league to one of the best.

All 32 teams hope for playoff appearances each season, but only 12 are fortunate enough to clinch a spot in the postseason.

Here are predictions for the year each team in the NFL will make their next playoff appearance. 

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals were favorites for the NFC West title this season after signing quarterback Kevin Kolb to a huge deal.

The deal locked up the the former Eagles backup for multiple years and provided Arizona with stability at the quarterback position.

The Cardinals have fallen way below preseason expectations, as they have stumbled out to a 4-8 start. Kevin Kolb has been a major disappointment in his first season in the desert, and the defense continues to be one of the most inconsistent in the league.

Arizona has the ability to be one of the most talented teams in the league if they can continue to stockpile young talent, and if Kevin Kolb can perform at the high level he is capable of. 

In a weak division, the Cardinals should clinch a postseason berth in the next few seasons.

Next Playoff Appearance: 2013

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are one of the elite teams in the NFC.

They possess one of the most explosive offenses in the league right now, led by young star quarterback Matt Ryan and dynamic wide receiver Roddy White.

Atlanta has the ability to beat anybody on any given day, as they possess tremendous balance on both sides of the ball. The Falcons are able to run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense. This is very difficult to achieve in the the modern era, as the league has turned into a pass-oriented game.

The Falcons are in prime position to clinch a wild-card spot this year, as other playoff contenders like the Lions, Bears and Giants are all tumbling.

Next Playoff Appearance: 2011

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are arguably the best team in the AFC.

They boast a stingy defense led by numerous Pro Bowlers, as well as terrific balance on offense. 

Joe Flacco has improved over the last few weeks, and explosive running back Ray Rice continues to be one of the most dynamic backfield threats in the league.

The Ravens have a cake-walk schedule for the rest of the year, and are in a primary position to clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Next Playoff Appearance: 2011

Buffalo Bills

After a terrific start to the season, the Bills have lost five straight and fallen outside the playoff picture.

Buffalo has young talent on the offensive side of the ball, but need major upgrades on defense in order to make a playoff run.

The Bills are shaky at almost every defensive position except nose tackle, and will need to make smart draft picks in the near future in order to create a balance roster.

In an extremely tough division, Buffalo will not make the postseason in the near future.

Next Playoff Appearance: More than Five Years

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers were one of the worst teams in the league before drafting Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton with the first pick in the 2011 NFL draft. 

Newton has provided a spark to Carolina, and has turned them into competitors in the NFC South. The Auburn's ability to run and throw the ball keeps opposing defenses off balance, and makes the Panthers offense one of the most dangerous in the league.

If Carolina can make upgrades in the secondary over the next few seasons, and Newton continues to perform at a high level, then they could easily be playoff contenders in the near future.

Next Playoff Appearance: 2014

Chicago Bears

Chicago was one their way to a second consecutive postseason appearance before being rattled by key injuries.

In a matter of weeks, the Bears have lost both their star quarterback and running back, and are now tumbling out of postseason contention.

The Monsters of Midway will miss the playoffs this season because of the lack of offensive firepower, but will reestablish themselves as contenders next year after the healthy returns of Jay Cutler and Matt Forte.

Next Playoff Appearance: 2012

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals looked to be heading into chaos before drafting Andy Dalton and AJ Green in the first two rounds of next year's draft.

Now, Cincinnati looks like postseason contenders, as they are consistently able to challenge some of the best teams in the league. 

The Bengals possess one of the NFL's best young defenses, as they are able to shut down some of the most dynamic offenses in the AFC. 

On offense, Andy Dalton and AJ Green form a deadly combination in the passing game, while Cedric Benson manages to provides a formidable running game. 

Cincinnati's lack of experience will cost them a playoff spot this year, but Marvin Lewis and company are one of the up-and-coming teams in football. 

Next Playoff Appearance: 2014

Cleveland Browns

The Browns boast one of the most underrated defenses in the league, as well as a terrific offensive line.

However, Cleveland's offense is one of the most dismal in the game today, as they fail to move the ball down the field consistently.

Colt McCoy has shown little improvement in his first two seasons in the league, and has proven that he is not the long-term solution at quarterback.

The running game continues to struggle, and the receiving corps is one of the worst in the AFC. 

Cleveland needs major upgrades at several key positions and seems years away from a postseason appearance.

Next Playoff Appearance: More than Five Years

Dallas Cowboys

Even with all their talent, the Dallas Cowboys still struggle to find consistency on a week-to-week basis.

Dallas' problems stem from mental mistakes by the coaching staff, the quarterback and the many other offensive and defensive weapons.

The talent that the Cowboys possess on both sides of the ball is unmatched, as they boast a terrific quarterback in Tony Romo, an outstanding running back in DeMarco Murray, a high-end receiving corps and a dynamic defense. 

However, Big D will fail to make the postseason this year due to their lack of consistency and solid play in the clutch. 

Dallas owner Jerry Jones will shape things up in the offseason, and the Cowboys will be back contending for the divisional title in 2012. 

Next Playoff Appearance: 2012

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos have gone from the laughing stock of the league to viable playoff contenders in a matter of weeks.

Tim Tebow has reinvigorated the franchise, leading them to five straight wins and first place in the AFC West.

The Florida product has trouble with accuracy at times, but his ability to run the option, as well as perform highly in the clutch, has impressed everyone in Denver.

The Broncos defense, led by dynamic rookie pass rusher Von Miller, is playing at an extremely high level and is holding onto slim leads in the final minutes.

In a weak division, the Broncos will shock everyone and sneak into the playoffs.

Next Playoff Appearance: 2011

Detroit Lions

After starting the season 5-0, the Detroit Lions are in free fall.

The inexperience and naivety of a young roster is taking its toll, as the players continue to make dumb decisions that end up costing Detroit wins.

The Lions are loaded on offense, as they boast one of the most dangerous quarterback-to-wide receiver combinations in football, in Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. 

Detroit also owns one of the league's most feared pass-rushes, led by a superb, young defensive line. 

Jim Schwartz and company will have to avoid sloppy penalties, but they will eventually clinch a wild-card spot due to the Bears woes and a manageable schedule. 

Next Playoff Appearance: 2011

Green Bay Packers

Green Bay is the best team in football; it is not even close. 

Aaron Rodgers is having an unbelievable season for the defending champions, and the offense continues to dismantle opposing defenses.

The 12-0 Packers have a cake-walk schedule to end the year and look destined for perfection.

A dynasty is emerging in Wisconsin, as the Green and Gold have young and skilled players at almost every position. The Packers will be a threat for the Lombardi Trophy for the next decade.

Next Playoff Appearance: 2011

Houston Texans

Many fans and experts believed that the Texans' playoff chances vanished after they lost star quarterback Matt Schaub to injury reserve.

Houston has proven the experts wrong though, as they have established themselves as one of the elite teams in the AFC, even without Schaub.

The Texans defense has improved drastically since last season, as they have gone from one of the league's worst defensive units to one of the stingiest. 

Arian Foster and Ben Tate lead an explosive Texans running game that is capable of dominating any opposing defensive front, and Andre Johnson captains a solid receiving corps.

Houston is just a game away from clinching their first division title in franchise history. They are a lock for the postseason.

Next Playoff Appearance: 2011

Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts went from Super Bowl contenders to winless in December in a matter of months.

Without Peyton Manning, Indianapolis has been the worst team in football. Former stars like Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark are invisible without their future Hall of Fame quarterback, and the defense is sloppy and inconsistent.

This season has proven that Peyton Manning is the most valuable player to his team in the NFL. The Colts are terrible without him and will likely finish the season 0-16.

With a healthy return of Manning in 2012, the Colts could easily make a playoff run. But if Peyton continues to haunt the sidelines due to injury, then Indianapolis will be awful again.

If Indianapolis does draft Andrew Luck, it will likely take him a few years to develop into a viable NFL quarterback, as the talent around him is scarce. 

Indy has a lot of work to do in the draft and in free agency this offseason.

Next Playoff Appearance (If Manning is Healthy Next Year): 2012

Next Playoff Appearance (If Manning Does not Return): More than Five Years

Jacksonville Jaguars

Life is hard for a football fan in Jacksonville. The Jaguars are awful and are likely going to move to Los Angeles in the next few seasons.

The Jaguars defense, stockpiled by veterans, is a formidable unit, but the offense is horrific.

Dynamic running back Maurice Jones-Drew does insert some life into the offense, but rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert has been extremely disappointing.

The Missouri product has thrown just eight touchdown passes into eleven games, and he has shown that he is unable to lead clutch drives or make consistently accurate passes. 

Without a viable franchise quarterback, Jacksonville needs to rebuild around its star runner and gather loads of young talent in future drafts.

Next Playoff Appearance: More than Five Years

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs looked like a team on the rise after a divisional title last season, but some key injuries have led to a disappointing year in Kansas City. 

Jamaal Charles, Matt Cassel and Eric Berry, three of the Chiefs' best players, have all been placed on injury reserve. 

This has led to severe struggles on the offensive side of the ball, as Kansas City fails to find balance. 

The defense has shown that it can play at an extremely high level. The pass rush, led by Pro Bowler Tamba Hali, has been terrific, and the secondary, full of young stars, has been superb.

If the Chiefs stars can get healthy for next season, then the team could quickly become consistent playoff contenders for the next decade. 

Next Playoff Appearance: 2013

Miami Dolphins

After a horrendous start, the Miami Dolphins have really put it together of late.

Winner of four of their last five, the Dolphins have been one of the most complete teams in the league over the last month.

The defense is clicking on all cylinders, and the running game continues to develop into one of the most effective in the AFC.

Miami boasts terrific young stars on both sides of the ball, including cornerback Vontae Davis, tackle Jake Long, linebacker Karlos Dansby, defensive end Cameron Wake and wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

The only piece Miami is missing is a franchise quarterback. If the Dolphins can upgrade their quarterback position in this offseason's draft, then the team could be postseason contenders for the next few seasons.

Next Playoff Appearance: 2014

Minnesota Vikings

When Minnesota selected quarterback Christian Ponder in the 2011 NFL Draft, they made it evident that they are a rebuilding franchise.

The team has been disappointing this season, as they have blown big leads numerous times. The defense has been one of the worst in the league against the run and the pass, and the offense lacks playmakers outside of Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin.

The offense can be built around Ponder, Peterson and Harvin and can easily be an effective unit in a few years.

The defense is the franchise's main problem. Outside of Jared Allen, the defensive unit lacks effective starters. Minnesota will have to significantly upgrade its defense in the next few drafts in order to compete for a playoff spot. 

Next Playoff Appearance: More than Five Years

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots continue to be the class of the AFC. 

Led by future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady, the offense is one of the most explosive in the game. The numerous weapons Brady possesses make the Patriots offense impossible to defend.

Although New England has gaping holes at the linebacker and safety positions, the team has too much talent to be beaten consistently.

Even if the defense struggles, the Patriots will simply outscore their opponent on the way to a victory.

Next Playoff Appearance: 2011

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints may be the only team in the NFL capable of outscoring the Green Bay Packers.

Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees leads an unbelievable Saints offense full of dynamic weapons such as Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles. The New Orleans offense has become much more balanced this season, as they have finally been able to find a running game.

The New Orleans defense is more of an opportunistic unit and can have its struggles at times. But just like the Patriots, the Saints have no problem outscoring their opponent week in and week out. 

As long as Brees is in the Big Easy, the Saints are Super Bowl contenders.

Next Playoff Appearance: 2011

New York Giants

The Giants have had a roller coaster season in the Big Apple, as they have gone from one of the league's hottest teams to one of the coldest in a matter of weeks.

New York finishes the season with two huge contests against the Dallas Cowboys in the final four weeks. The winner of those games will claim the division.

Big Blue will ultimately claim the NFC East because of the superb play of quarterback Eli Manning and the defense's ability to pressure the quarterback.

If athletic pass-rushers Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora can get on the same page, then the Giants defense could force constant mistakes by opposing quarterbacks and put the offense in good position.

New York will continue to be playoff contenders over the next several years behind elite quarterback Eli Manning and its other young stars. 

Next Playoff Appearance: 2011

New York Jets

The Jets have been the most inconsistent team in football in 2011. 

Mark Sanchez and company continue to astound critics with their bipolar play, as it has led them to some huge wins and some crushing losses.

New York is led by their stifling defense, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the league. The Jets blitz early and often, and are centered around putting pressure on the opposing quarterback. 

Gang Green's offense, led by USC product Mark Sanchez, continues to be very inconsistent, with their main problem being the unit's inability to put points up early in the game. 

However, the Jets offense is littered with clutch players, such as Santonio Holmes, Shonn Greene and Plaxico Burress. The unit has completed numerous game-winning drives this season, including the last two weeks against the Bills and the Redskins.

New York's manageable schedule and improved play will land them in the postseason for the third straight season with a record of 10-6. 

Next Playoff Appearance: 2011

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders have been postseason contenders for the last few years, but have not been able to get over the hump.

Oakland once again established themselves as contenders for the AFC West title this year after marching out to a 6-3 start, but have since been decimated by injuries and inconsistency. 

The Raiders defense is a middle-of-the-road unit that mostly relies on the offense to win games. The offense is led by beastly running back Darren McFadden out of Arkansas. McFadden has established himself as one of the best runners in the game over the last few years, as he has the unique ability to be a factor in both the running and passing game.

Oakland's difficult schedule and troubling injuries will keep them out of the postseason this year, but a healthy Raiders squad will do some damage in a weak division over the next few seasons. 

Next Playoff Appearance: 2013

Philadelphia Eagles

After an unbelievable offseason in which they signed numerous star players, the Eagles looked destined for the Lombardi Trophy.

14 weeks into the season, Philadelphia will be lucky to finish with seven wins. The team has choked under the immense pressure of being the "Dream Team" and having a target on their back. 

The talented roster has not gelled together very well, and the defense continues to be thoroughly disappointing.

Despite a rocky first season, the Eagles will still establish themselves as Super Bowl contenders over the next few seasons.

With an entire offseason to lick their wounds, the talented Philly squad will finally be able to get on the same page. The lower expectations of the team next season will allow it to perform at a high level without constant pressure. 

Next Playoff Appearance: 2012

Pittsburgh Steelers

Along with the Patriots, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been the best NFL franchise over the last decade. 

The Steelers defense continues to be one of the stingiest in the league, as playmakers such as Troy Polamalu, James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley strike fear in opposing quarterbacks' hearts. 

The offense remains balanced, as Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Wallace and Rashard Mendenhall form a dynamic trio that is impossible for defenses to contain. 

Pittsburgh has an easy schedule to end the year, and will clinch yet another playoff berth in 2011.

Next Playoff Appearance: 2011

San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers were a sexy pick for the Lombardi Trophy early in the year, but a late collapse has their playoff chances on life support.

San Diego has lost six of seven and looks like a complete mess on the field.

Philip Rivers has not performed at the elite level he is capable of, and the defense continues to be a liability.

After another disappointing season in Southern California, the Chargers will see major changes in in the front office and on the roster.

If San Diego can find the right coaching pieces and rework a struggling offensive line, then they have the talent to make a Super Bowl run in the near future.

Next Playoff Appearance: 2012

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers have been the NFL's most pleasant surprise in 2011.

Coming off a disappointing 6-10 season, the 49ers entered this year with low expectations. Rookie head coach Jim Harbaugh was expected to begin a rebuilding process in the Golden Gate City.

Despite the low expectations, the 49ers have put together one of the franchise's best seasons in recent memory.

The team is led by its superb defense, which is the best in the league against the run. San Francisco's linebacking corps is the best in football, as it possesses tackling machine Patrick Willis, rookie sensation Aldon Smith and resurgent youngster NaVorro Bowman. 

The secondary can struggle at times, but are still capable of shutting down opposing quarterbacks on any given day.

The 49ers offense has improved over the course of the season due to the excellent play of Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore.

Jim Harbaugh and company have already clinched a weak NFC West division and look destined to be a postseason contender for years to come.

Next Playoff Appearance: 2011

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks are the most underrated team in football.

The defending NFC West champions receive little respect from the media due to major struggles at the quarterback position.

Outside of the quarterback position, Seattle has one of the most talented teams in the league.

Running back Marshawn Lynch continues to be effective despite sub-par play from the offensive line and the lack of a true passing game.

Seattle's defense is the most disrespected unit in the NFL. Despite consistently great performances, the national media fails to recognize its talent. 

If Seattle can bring in a franchise quarterback through the draft (Landry Jones anyone?), then the franchise could quickly become playoff contenders in a weak NFC West.

Next Playoff Appearance: 2013

St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams are a mess.

The franchise has gaping holes at almost every position but quarterback. The Rams' receiving corps is one of the worst in football, with the only consistent weapon being Brandon Lloyd. Steven Jackson has been a dynamic backfield threat for years, but is quickly reaching the dreaded 30 mark. The offensive line has allowed the most sacks in the NFL.

The defense has been dominated by the run all season, as they currently rank dead last in rushing yards allowed. The pass defense has been decent, but the Rams secondary is one of the oldest in the league.

St. Louis needs to begin rebuilding this offseason, starting with major upgrades at offensive tackle and wide receiver. The cornerback position needs to be addressed in future years as well.

The Rams are many years away from competing at a high level. 

Next Playoff Appearance: More than Five Years

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers looked like a team on the rise after a 10-6 record last year.

However, Tampa has suffered a disappointing season thanks to key injuries and lackluster defensive play.

Josh Freeman's 2011 season is one to forget, but he still is a one of the league's best young signal-callers and the future of the franchise.

The Buccaneers have young talent spread out across the offense, including running back LeGarrette Blount and wide receiver Mike Williams.

Tampa Bay's biggest concern is on the defensive side of the ball, as the team currently ranks in the bottom six in run and pass defense. The entire unit has struggled, but it still possesses young bright spots such as defensive end Gerald McCoy and cornerback Aqib Talib.

The Bucs are just a few years away from really contending in a heated NFC South, especially if they can manage to successfully rebuild at the linebacker and secondary positions. 

Next Playoff Appearance: 2014

Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans are another franchise disrespected by the media.

Despite solid play all year long, Tennessee receives little national attention. The Titans are one of the up-and-coming teams in the league today, as they possess loads of talent throughout the locker room.

Tennessee boasts stars at the running back and wide receiver positions, in Chris Johnson and Kenny Britt, as well as a solid defense.

The Titans front office made a very wise decision bringing in veteran Matt Hasselbeck to mentor young quarterback Jake Locker. He should help turn Locker into the face of the franchise in a few seasons.

If Locker can perform at a high level when he takes the reigns in a few seasons, then the Titans could quickly become consistent contenders in a jumbled AFC. 

Next Playoff Appearance: 2014

Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins are years away from contending in the NFC East.

Washington does own one of the league's top linebacker corps, as well as an underrated secondary, but they have too many gaping holes on offense.

The Redskins are without a future answer at quarterback and are still a mess at the wide receiver position.

Even if they manage to claim a stud quarterback in this year's NFL Draft, the team still needs to fix rebuild on the defensive line and the receiving corps before making a run at the postseason.

Next Playoff Appearance: More than Five Years