The Chiefs won the AFC West last year, after going 4-12 in 2009. The Buccaneers won 10 games in 2010, after going 3-13 the previous year.
There are five teams that are ready to surprise the world in 2011. Let's take a look at these teams and see why they are ready for the big stage this season.
Oakland Raiders:
The Oakland Raiders made positive strides in 2010. They finished 8-8, which was their first non-losing record since 2002.
The Raiders enter the 2011 season as a confident bunch. They finished 6-0 in division play last season and had the sixth-highest scoring offense in the league. This year the Raiders are looking to make the playoffs.
Hue Jackson should be the next star at the head coaching position. Jason Campbell is primed to have the best season of his career, and Richard Seymour is one of the best leaders in the league on and off the field.
While the Raiders do have great veteran leadership, look for the young players to lead them to success. Darren McFadden, Rolando McClain, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Lamarr Houston and others will help the Raiders to their first winning season since 2002.
Detroit Lions:
The Detroit Lions are a team on the rise. For the first time in a long while there is a very positive feeling about the Lions heading into the 2011 season.
This was one of the worst drafting franchises in the 2000s, and they are only a couple years removed from a 0-16 season. The Lions are due for a competitive year and so is the city of Detroit.
The bad drafting that caused the Lions to struggle for so long is finally turning around. The Lions have drafted some young players who can help turn the franchise into a ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
