2012 NFL Schedule: Playoff Underdogs Assisted by Weak Opponents

May 1, 2012   ·   John Rozum   ·   Jump to comments

When it comes to the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl, it's easy to look at which teams are the favorites. Obviously, franchises such as the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers are near the top, but it's the cellar-dwellers that are just as interesting.
Regardless of the postseason odds and Super Bowl chances, every team begins the season 0-0. To that end, the odds are even up, and the underdogs are still alive. Even more notable, though, are the teams that finished 2011 near the bottom but have a weak schedule in 2012.
In turn, this means a better opportunity to make the postseason, despite 2011 being a season to forget.
 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Before we get to Tampa's schedule, the Buccaneers have already significantly increased their playoff chances by addressing team needs. With receiver Vincent Jackson out wide and Carl Nick creating better running lanes, the Buccaneers' offense will be nice and balanced.
Now look at the...

Read Complete Article at Bleacher Report - NFL
Article is property of BleacherReport.com