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Playoff turnover in the NFL is a common thing. I can't remember the last time a postseason had the same teams from one year to the next. Has it ever happened in the eight division era? The wildcard era? I'll leave that for someone else to gogle.
In 2011 the NFL Playoff teams were as follows; Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and the Green Bay Packers.
Last season the Indianapolis Colts surprised most by making it in the AFC, while the Steelers failed to return to the playoffs. In the NFC, the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Washington Redskins replaced the Giants, Saints, and Lions.
Change happens.
Which team do you think will leapfrog into the 2013 playoffs that failed to make it in 2012?
Windy City Gridiron member boydvv54, has been making his Outrageously Premature Predictions about each division, and that series can be found in the FanPost section. So far he hasn't been too outrageous, but it's some solid analysis.
WCG writer and resident wielder of the shiniest Ban Hammer, Kev, has gone on record saying the Miami Dolphins will be a 10-6 team in 2013. Will that be enough to put them in the playoffs? It wasn't last year for the Chicago Bears, but I think it's enough in the AFC this season.
My pick, the Kansas City Chiefs.
They have a new head coach, a new quarterback, a #1 overall draft pick to add to an already good offensive line, and running back Jamaal Charles is a stud. Looking over their schedule I can find 10 wins, and that should get them into the playoffs.
Who do you think will be a surprise playoff team in 2013?
I'll quickly address the elephant in the room, and go on record that I believe the Bears will make the playoffs after missing them since 2010. I also, in my opinion, wouldn't classify that as much of a surprise, since this was a 10-6 team last year that will have a big boy offense for the first time in years.