NFL: Last year's worst, this year's playoff birth?

NFL training camps, and the 2014 regular season, are set to fully get underway this week. There is true optimism in the air for every team. And why not? The NFL is synonymous with producing fresh faces each year in the playoffs. In fact, a recent trend has been gaining steam.

The rise of the last place team.

In 2011, Cincinnati and Denver qualified for the playoffs after finishing last in their respective divisions in 2010. Indianapolis, Minnesota, and Washington pulled off the feat in 2012. And last season, Philadelphia and Kansas City kept the trend going.  

If you are a fan of an NFL team that finished last in their division in 2013, then have no fear. History suggests that at least one of you fan bases will have a magical turnaround season, culminating in a seat at the big table...and a chance for a spot in this year's Super Bowl.

Of course, all 8 teams from a year ago are in play, but these four fan bases should be particularly encouraged....

The Atlanta Falcons: 

Dirty Bird fans suffered through their first losing season in a while. Injuries to their primary weapons were largely to blame. Wide receiver Julio Jones was lost for the year with a foot injury. His "Robin"...wide receiver Roddy White fought through his injuries for the most part, but was not the same player. And running back Steven Jackson, who was supposed to be the bell cow, was rendered helpless with a nagging season long hamstring injury. 

Quarterback Matt Ryan should have his horses back, and at full strength when the season starts. A healthy Jones and White are arguably the best tandem in the league. That in itself will help a defense that was on the field entirely too long last year. Their NFC schedule is favorable, having somehow avoided the Eagles, 49ers, and Seahawks this year. 

The Houston Texans

Let me paint a scary picture for you. Not only did Houston lose 14 straight games last year. Wait...how do you lose.....????

Let me digress:

Their victories in week one and two came on the game's final play. That could have very well been a goose egg.

So why should Texans fans be encouraged?

Well for starters....it can't possibly get any worse. Like the Falcons, Houston was also devastated by the injury bug. Their best weapon, running back Arian Foster, missed considerable time with a season ending injury. They have a new coach, a move that was long overdue, and they add Jadeveon Clowney to the league's third best pass defense. Throw in the fact that the AFC South is bad, and the Texans could very well bounce back and steal a wild card birth.

The Oakland Raiders:

I have to admit, New York Nick Johnson put me up on this one. And he makes a good case. Oakland came in last, but they were not one of the worst teams in the AFC. Denver, KC, and San Diego all played well last year. 

The Rhhhhaaaaidas added quality veteran leadership on both sides of the ball via free agency. Charles Woodson is a Hall of Famer, and a champion. He also has about a quarter of a tank of gas left, which should push him through another year. Running back Maurice Jones Drew was a disappointment in Jacksonville last year, but he was injured through most of the season. He still has prime years left, and playing with better talent in a new location might revive his career.

Oakland also hit in the draft, selecting LB Khalil Mack and QB Derek Carr with their first two picks. Their schedule doesn't get tough until November, and one of their games with Denver is in week 17. Peyton Manning and Company may be sitting that one out. Worth considering if the wild card race is tight. 

Oh, and for the record...Nick predicted the Chiefs last year. Good job man.

The Washington Redskins:

What a roller coaster ride for Washington fans. From worst to first (2011-12), to first to worst (2012-13). I'm catching a ride on the pendulum. Last season was the disaster in DC. When we all caught wind that RGIII would start week one....after not taking a snap the entire preseason...after a major surgery on his knee less than a year prior...we all saw that result coming.

The entire franchise reeked of dysfunction. The receivers were throwing the qb under the bus, the qb was throwing the coach under the bus, and the coach said to hell with it....he knew he was fired so threw the whole season under the bus.

That regime has been cleaned out, and RGIII gets a much needed fresh start. He get's the benefit of a full off season, and full preseason. He also gets a weapon in wide receiver Desean Jackson. Like RGIII, Jackson has something to prove after being released by Philly. With Pierre Garcon, Washington has a much better passing unit to pair with their 5th ranked rushing unit. And let's not act like the NFC East is the SEC West, anyone can win that division....any season.

For the teams that didn't make the playoffs, but didn't come in last...my advise.....either get better at winning, or get better at losing.