NFL Power Rankings: The 5 Biggest Surprise Teams of the 2012 Season

A rookie quarterback. Free agent departures. Off-the-field issues.

The Cincinnati Bengals began the 2011 season with an endless list of reasons to fail, but they have somehow managed to rack up an 8-6 record and are still in the running for a shot at a playoff berth.

They're not the only team that has turned some heads this season, though.

Here's a look at five NFL franchises that have far exceeded all expectations in 2011. 

Cincinnati Bengals

It wasn't long ago that ESPN predicted the Cincinnati Bengals would finish with the NFL's worst record in 2011.

Following the departure of quarterback Carson Palmer and wideouts Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, the Cincy roster looked depleted, to say the least.

Fast forward to today, however, and the Bengals are 8-6 with a legitimate shot at locking up an AFC Wild Card spot.

Powered by solid defense and the outstanding play of rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, the Bengals have made for one of the best stories of the NFL season. The future of football in Cincinnati is as bright as ever.

Most Impressive Victories: Tennessee Titans, Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks

Much like Cincinnati, the Seattle Seahawks entered the 2011 NFL season with incredibly low expectations.

With a defense full of no-names and an offense led by a notorious loser in quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle looked destined to slump into the depths of the NFC West.

Today, however, Pete Carroll's 'Hawks are a respectable 7-7 and are still in the running for a long-shot Wild Card berth. 

Most Impressive Victories: New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals began the regular season in miserable fashion, losing six of their first seven contests, but they have since turned things around in a major way.

Having now won six of seven, the Cardinals are 7-7 heading into a crucial Week 16 matchup with Cincinnati.

Simply put, the Cards are young, they're talented and they look to be heading in the right direction despite their early-season woes.

Most Impressive Victories: Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers

While many football followers expected big things from the 49ers in 2011, few predicted San Fran to dominate the way that they have.

Under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Niners are 11-3 and running away with the surprisingly competitive NFC West.

Their defense is stout, their offense is efficient and their future is incredibly bright. San Francisco could very well be a playoff regular for years to come.

Most Impressive Victories: Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers

Denver Broncos

Remember when Kyle Orton was the starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos?

Me neither.

Since naming Tim Tebow their starter in Week 7, the Broncos have won seven of nine and have raced to the top of the AFC West.

Now with an 8-5 record and two winnable games left on the schedule, Tebow and the boys look destined to make the playoffs—something few saw coming.

Most Impressive Victories: Oakland Raiders, New York Jets, San Diego Chargers

Honorable Mention

• Oakland Raiders (7-7)
• Houston Texans (10-5)
• Detroit Lions (9-5)