Playoff Predictions

AFC

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
The Steelers are the most complete football team in the NFL.  They are top 3 on defence, run the ball extremely well and Big Ben makes big plays in the passing game.  As the weather gets colder, their formula of running and playing defence becomes more and more effective.

2.  New England Patriots (12-4)
The Patriots seem to have the tunnel vision that led them to all those titles during the dynasty years.  Trading their most productive receiver didn't even cause a hiccup and Deion Branch is proving to be one of the best acquisitions of the year.  The Pats get one of the best guards in football (Logan Mankins) back this week and their schedule down the stretch isn't exactly difficult.

3.  Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
Despite suffering a rash of injuries to some very key players, Manning has the Colts sitting alone atop the AFC South.  Losing Dallas Clark for the year was critical, but if they can even get a few guys back healthy by the end of the year, this team will be threatening in the playoffs.  In all likelihood Peyton Manning will be the NFL MVP...again.

4.  Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)
The Chiefs have been the biggest surprise this year and a playoff berth would certainly solidify that.  The Raiders could contend in the division, but the Chiefs have an easier schedule down the home stretch.  they are running the ball extremely well and Jamaal Charles will be healthy and fresh due to his limited carries thus far.

5.  New York Jets (11-5)
The Jets offence stalled last week against the Green Bay Packers which is a bit of a concern considering the amount of weapons they have.  This team runs the ball and plays defence well enough to get them into the playoffs but if they want to go any further, it will come down to Mark Sanchez.

6.  Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
The Ravens got Ed Reed back at the perfect time.  He should shore up a weak secondary and let the front seven focus more on stopping the run.  Flacco has been inconsistent this season but he should play well enough to get them into the elimination round.

NFC

1.  Atlanta Falcons (12-4)
The Falcons have one of the easiest schedules for the remainder of the season and they understand how important home-field advantage will be for their Super Bowl aspirations.  Matt Ryan is 16-1 as a starter at home.

2.  Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
Michael Vick has been outstanding when healthy this season and he is 100% coming off the bye week.  DeSean Jackson is set to return soon and the defence is playing well enough to allow this team to snatch up the division title.

3.  Green Bay Packers (10-6)
The Packers have had an up and down start to the season but they may be hitting stride at the right time.  Clay Matthews is healthy and has been a force to be reckoned with.  Rodgers is one of the better quarterbacks in the league and their offensive line has played exceptional.  Two burning questions: can they run the ball when they need to with Brandon Jackson and are the injuries along the D-line too much to overcome?

4.  Seattle (8-8)
Someone has to win this division, why not the Seahawks.  The Rams could easily be in this spot as well but I think the difference is the Seahawks play tougher at home and the weather in the North West plays to their strengths.

5.  New York Giants (10-6)
The Giants will be in the divisional fight until the final weekend, but ultimately I see them grabbing the #1 wildcard spot.  Hakeem Nicks has been spectacular this season and Eli Manning has an arsenal of weapons on offence.  The defence is improving week to week and Osie Umenyiora is a candidate for defensive player of the year.

6.  Minnesota Vikings (9-7)
Ok, hear me out.  The teams they have lost to this season are a combined 25-12 and four of their five losses have come on the road.  The combined records of opponents for the rest of the season is 31-34 and they play 5 of their next 7 at home.  They need to run the ball with Adrian Peterson and their defensive line needs to finally show up, but Arizona may be the perfect medicine for this struggling team.  If the Saints go 9-7, they could suffer from the head-to-head loss.