NFL Playoff Talk and Predictions

The NFL Playoffs will start this Saturday in Cincinnati when the Jets take on the Bengals. This is the most wonderful time of the year. The NFL and college basketball have the best playoff system because it's a one game scenario. If you win you get to move on, if you lose you go home wondering how you can get better next season. The NFL playoffs are very intriguing this season. The teams seem pretty even, especially in the NFC. I'm going to give a forecast on all 12 playoff teams. I'll begin with the NFC.

NFC:

1. New Orleans Saints: Over the past few weeks the word everyone has used to describe the Saints is vulnerable. They have looked very beatable since they lost to Dallas in mid-December. New Orleans needs to stop the run on defense and force turnovers. That's when they were at their best during the season. This is a team that has to find its swagger during their bye week otherwise they could lose that divisional playoff game.

2. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings are another team that seems like they aren't playing their best ball down the stretch. Although they did smash the Giants, but I'm not sure how much stock you can put into that win since the Giants packed it in early. If the Vikings offensive line can get going they can do some serious damage in the playoffs. They have the pieces in place but they have to get it done up front.

3. Dallas Cowboys: Arguably the hottest team in the NFL, the Cowboys are clicking on all cylinders. Their defense is playing at a really high level right now. The most important thing is that Tony Romo is playing his best ball at the most important time of the season. They have a balanced offense which is also key in the postseason. They're definitely a team to look out for this January.

4. Arizona Cardinals: This team has to be one of the more inconsistent playoff teams in NFL history. Their play from week to week can be like day and night. Last year we saw them get trounced by the Patriots in December and then go on to win the whole NFC. They're the defending NFC Champions, and they shouldn't be taken lightly. If they get hot, they are a very dangerous team. Injuries may be their downfall this season though.

5. Green Bay Packers: Along with the Cowboys this seems to be one of the more hotter teams in the NFL. They have great quarterback play and great defense. I'm not sure how they're implemented the 3-4 defensive scheme in one season but somehow Dom Capers their defensive coordinator made it work. This is a very young team, so they may not respond well to the playoff pressure, especially playing on the road at Arizona.

6. Philadelphia Eagles: They seem like one of the few constant playoff participants in today's NFL. This will be there sixth playoff berth in the past eight seasons. The experience of Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb will be crucial. This team does have some serious flaws though. They need to run the ball a lot better if they want to stand a chance against Dallas this Saturday. The loss of Center Jamaal Jackson was very crucial. The offensive line didn't play well last Sunday, let's see if they can get it together...


AFC:

1. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are another team that have to get it together. Even though their two losses at the end of the season were because they sat their starters it still raises som eye brows. You have to wonder whether Jim Caldwell has lost his team since he made them watch their unbeaten season go down the drain. Peyton Manning is the key to them playing well offensively. If they can get an early lead in their first playoff game, they should be fine.

2. San Diego Chargers: Arguably this is the best team in all of football. They have been playing with their hair on fire since October. Philip Rivers is an absolute baller, and he is leading this team now. Balance is key in the playoffs and this team has it down. Don't be surprised to see this team in Miami come February.

3. New England Patriots: Traditionally, they would most likely be the number one or two seed but this Patriots team is in transition so they're the three seed. That speaks great about your franchise when you're a three seed in a "down year". The loss of Wes Welker will be huge. He and Kevin Faulk have been Tom Brady's favorite targets on 3rd downs the past couple seasons. It will be interesting to see how former college quarterback Julian Edelman does.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals are a team that have to find themselves during the week. At the beginning of the year they looked incredible with the offense and defense clicking. Once Chris Henry went down for the season, they haven't looked the same. Their passing game has taken a nose dive. Carson Palmer doesn't look like the same quarterback we've grown to appreciate. They should be able to win their first playoff game but who knows.

5. New York Jets: To be honest, I don't know how this team has made the playoffs but due to having the best luck of any team in playoff history they got in. It will be tough for them to get a victory with rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. Rex Ryan should have that defense ready to take on the Bengals. If Sanchez can generate 20 points I believe they can beat the Bengals.

6. Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore needs to run the football more because their best offensive player is running back Ray Rice. John Harbaugh is a great head coach and should have his guys ready. Even though Ray Lewis is no longer the Ray Lewis he used to be, I think he and that defense have enough to go up to Foxboro and get a victory.

Now for the predictions. This is what I think will happen this January and February.

NFC Wildcard Round:

6. Philadelphia Eagles at 3. Dallas Cowboys: Cowboys
5. Green Bay Packers at 4. Arizona Cardinals: Cardinals

NFC Divisonal Round:

3. Dallas Cowboys at 2. Minnesota Vikings: Cowboys
4. Arizona Cardinals at 1. New Orleans Saints: Saints

NFC Championship Game:

3. Dallas Cowboys at 1. New Orleans Saints: Cowboys


AFC Wildcard Round:

6. Baltimore Ravens at 3. New England Patriots: Ravens
5. New York Jets at 4. Cincinnati Bengals: Jets

AFC Divisonal Round:

5. New York Jets at 2. San Diego Chargers: Chargers
6. Baltimore Ravens at 1. Indianapolis Colts: Colts

AFC Championship Game:

2. San Diego Chargers at 1. Indianapolis Colts: Chargers


Super Bowl XLIV:


Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers: Chargers