Now, I realize that there have been no developments in the labour situation, but I am going to continue writing as if there will be football in 2011. I just can't see a scenario where the NFL actually misses regular season games, and I hope it doesn't come to this. We are now just under three weeks away from the NFL Draft, so it's time to get back to football, and ignore the situation playing out in the courts for now.

I am going to look at five teams that I feel could make the jump into the playoffs this season. All of the teams on this list were not in the playoffs a year ago, and I'm not including teams like the Dallas Cowboys who failed to make the postseason because of injuries.

San Francisco 49ers: As brutal as they were at times last year, the Niners almost made the playoffs in the horrendous NFC West. Their defence has been among the best in the league for a while, and weapons are emerging on the offensive side. However, until QB Alex Smith turns the corner, they will likely be on the outside looking in. Keep an eye on them in the draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Unfortunately for the Bucs, they play in the ultra-competitive NFC South. In any other division they may have made it last year. If QB Josh Freeman continues to develop, and if they bring in some new toys on offence, they could be an elite team. The defence needs some work, but they look like a playoff team in 2011.

Oakland Raiders: Yikes ... did I just say what I think I said? The RAIDERS in the PLAYOFFS? They showed significant improvement last year, and they look to continue that this year. However, they are another team with QB issues, and their best player from 2010 (Nnamdi Asomugha) is leaving to test the free agent market. The Raiders may be another year or two away, but they could surprise.

Houston Texans: Year after year, we ask ourselves if this will finally be the year the Texans get over the hump and make the playoffs. Well, there may not be a better time. Uncertainty in Tennessee, combined with the Jaguars never really knowing if they are going up or down, gives the Texans the look of a playoff team. They will need the defence to greatly improve, as they gave up far too many points a year ago. However, they have a lot of offensive talent, so they will be in the mix once again.

San Diego Chargers: Unlike the above teams, the Chargers have been a perennial playoff team over the last 10 years. They need to get out of their habit of starting the season slow if they hope to get back to the top of the division. QB Philip Rivers continues to play at an elite level, but he needs to win come playoff time. The defence will have to be a lot better as well.

One more team to keep an eye on is the Detroit Lions. They are only a couple years removed from their winless season, but they have a good young core of talent, and if Matt Stafford can stay healthy, they could come close to a .500 record.