San Diego Chargers
Despite contract disputes with left tackle Marcus McNeill, receiver Vincent Jackson, and linebacker Shawne Merriman, the Chargers continue to occupy the mantle of a contender, primarily since they have charter membership in one of the weakest divisions in football.

Though quarterback Philip Rivers has yet to add postseason success to his regular-season prowess, he gives the Chargers an annual chance to contend.

So while it's hardly automatic that they'll win in January, they should do enough from September to December to get them back to games that matter most, especially with the Broncos, Chiefs, and Raiders serving as their primary competition.

Green Bay Packers
The Packers have become a trendy pick to make it to the Super Bowl and win it in the third year of life without Favre. Though it's way too early to project the Pack for a trip to Dallas in February, they've got a great chance at getting back into the playoffs, either as a wild-card or by taking the division title away from the Vikings.

Like each of the other five teams on this list, the Packers enjoy solid and consistent quarterback play. The receivers make Aaron Rodgers look even better, and the offensive line would look better if Rodgers improves on getting rid of the ball.

Slideshow   2010 NFL preview Anquan Boldin will have a huge impact with Ravens, but that's just one of the storylines in this year's camp previews. Click here for more. Sporting News

The defense will need to remain strong in the second season of the 3-4 under Dom Capers, and a more effective running game could come in handy. But it all should add up to get the Packers' ticket punched for another playoff appearance.

And, yes, Who Dat nation, I've arrived at the end of my list and omitted the Saints. This means that they'll be on the list of the six teams most likely to get bounced.

Again, this process presumes that six teams who made it last year won't make it back. The trend could be bucked in 2010, and more than three of the 2009 NFC playoff teams could return. Or it could be like 2008, when only one of the five NFC playoff teams from the prior year (the Giants) made it back again.

Either way, Part 2 and Part 3 of this series will make it back again soon.

Also on NBCSports.com NBA: Rondo's big-game DNA shines in Game 7  |  Highlights French Open: Nadal will win 7th title  |  Serena will win, too Video: 'Dancing' man Castroneves talks Indy 500 PFT: Jets' Scott doesn't want son to play football Follow us on Twitter: @NBCSports  |  And Facebook