The 2013 Kansas City Chiefs shocked many around the NFL, finishing a hefty nine games better than the year before. It was a reversal that set the standard for any team looking to make a quick turnaround.

Now, two teams emerge as contenders to be this year’s Kansas City Chiefs. These teams have the pieces in places to move out of the league’s cellar and into the playoff discussion.

AFC

Buffalo Bills

Yes, the Bills lost star linebacker Kiko Alonso to a torn ACL, but I think this team is as deep as it has been in years. The team signed Brandon Spikes to be his replacement at middle linebacker before the injury, so that won’t be a problem going into the season.

Yes, the Bills also lost safety Jairus Byrd to the Saints. He was an integral part of the team’s pass defense over the past few years, but the Bills feel that Da’Norris Searcy can fill the void well enough to keep the pass defense in the Top 5 in the league.

Not to mention, having Leodis McKelvin, Stephon Gilmore and Corey Graham in the secondary helps a lot. With a pass rush that includes Mario Williams and possibly Marcell Dareus, the Bills pass defense should still be top-notch.

Then, there’s the Bills offense, which has been plagued by injuries over the course of the past two seasons. E.J. Manuel, who was injured for much of last season, will take the helm. He’ll find new targets Sammy Watkins and Mike Williams early and often this season.

Manuel will also have a healthy C.J. Spiller behind him. When Spiller is 100 percent, he has the potential to be a 1,000-yard back, like he was in 2012. With Spiller and Fred Jackson in the backfield and an improved passing attack, the Bills offense should see a huge boost.

The Bills finished at 6-10 last season, three games out of the playoffs. With the team that they have this season, a three-game improvement is not out of the question.

NFC

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bringing Head Coach Lovie Smith in this offseason, the Buccaneers made a statement that they were ready to be viewed as a playoff contender once again. That campaign continued with a busy free agent signing period.

The Buccaneers first signed defensive end Michael Johnson, who should help sure up the pass rush for years to come. Next came Alterraun Verner a direct replacement for Darrelle Revis, who left for the New England Patriots this offseason.

The only big question left was what to do with the quarterback position, which was occupied by second-year quarterback Mike Glennon. The Buccaneers decided to go after Josh McCown, who threw for 1,829 yards and 13 touchdowns in relief of Jay Cutler for the Chicago Bears last season.

With a dependable quarterback and two threats in Vincent Jackson and Doug Martin, the Buccaneers offense won’t be the worst in the league like it was last season. McCown ranked sixth in the league in completion percentage, so his reliable passes should create more opportunities for Jackson and Martin.

With improvements on the defensive line, secondary and quarterback position, the Buccaneers should be able to compete with anyone in the NFC. Plus, the reigning NFC South champion Carolina Panthers were gutted this offseason, creating an open spot atop the division.