5 NFL Franchises on the Rise

Honorable Mention: Washington Redskins- Mike Shanahan is slowly building a contender in Washington, they are just a piece or two away from competing in the NFC East.


5 Buffalo Bills 
     What, the Bills? The same Bills that started off 5-2 and are now 6-9? Yes, those Bills. Think about it. They were 4-12 in 2010 and they made strides in 2011. If Fred Jackson doesn't get injured, the Bills would've played more like a 9-6 team than a 6-9 team. Not only that, but the defense is young and improving. Add in another draft pick or two and the Bills should be in the wild card hunt next season and a contender in the near future.

4 Denver Broncos
     The defense is young, the offensive line is steady and they have some solid pieces in the offensive skill positions. The only big question is whether Tim Tebow is the quarterback of the future. Either way, the Broncos play in a usually weak division and if their rate of improvement continues at this pace, they will be a division winner year in and year out with their stellar young defense led by Von Miller.

3 Houston Texans 

Cam Newton, CAR

     The Texans broke through this year even with a ton of injuries all over the field. They are just beginning to take shape. No matter how they fare in the playoffs this year, that is without Matt Schaub and Mario Williams. The offense and defense are both two of the best in the NFL and they're also young. The Texans are a Super Bowl contender as early as next year.

2 Carolina Panthers 
     The Panthers struck gold when they selected Cam Newton this year. So the Carolina offense is pretty much set for the next decade, but they now must rebuild their defense. It might take some time, but with Cam Newton, the Panthers are not an easy W on any given Sunday for even the best in the NFL. If their defense can improve quicker than expected, the Panthers will be a contender for the next decade. 


1 Cincinnati Bengals 
     The Bengals had the best draft out of any team in 2011 when they selected A.J. Green and Andy Dalton. I see the Bengals being just like the Lions, but they are in fact on a quicker pace than the Lions as to making the playoffs. The Bengals have everything in place, a young and potentially electric offense in the future and a stingy defense that can compete with the hard nosed defenses in the AFC North. The Bengals will be an experienced, playoff savvy team for the next 8 years at least.