NFC Predictions

Now that you know I've predicted the Broncos to pull through the AFC, lets take a look at how the NFC playoff picture is shaping up. It's far less clear than the AFC.  The Falcons are running through the field, simliar to what the Texans are doing, but they've looked more vulnerable in recent weeks than they were through week 8. I think any team that makes the playoffs in the NFC is capable of going to the Super Bowl. There simply hasn't been enough consistency shown by any of the NFC teams thus far, except for by the Falcons. Honestly, I just don't trust the Falcons. They've had such high expectations the last few years and fell on their face in the playoffs. It's clear they've been playing the best football in the Conference this year, but I only trust the Falcons more than the Seahawks (who have a rookie QB).

As far as the division races go, only the Falcons have their division wrapped up at this point. The 49ers have a comfortable 2 game lead on the Seahawks in the West and I expect them to remain in control to the finish line. The Packers and Bears are tied in the North. They have almost identical schedules, but I'm going to give the edge to the Bears. I see them bouncing back from last week very strongly. That being said, I'm confident the Packers will secure one of the wild card spots. The Giants could find themselves only 1 game up on both the Cowboys and the Redskins if they lose tonight. Tonight's game is huge for them, as they end the season with a very tough schedule. Unfortunately the Redskins and Cowboys don't have a much easier road. For that reason, I think the Giants will be able to close out with a slim lead in the East. The Seahawks close the season with a VERY favorable schedule, so I'm going pick them to grab the other wild card spot.

I predict the seeding will be as follows:

1. Falcons

2. 49ers

3. Bears

4. Giants

5. Packers

6. Seahawks

Although last week was no indication of this prediction, I think the Bears will roll over the Seahawks in round one. I expect the Packers to handle the Giants pretty easily too. The Giants don't have the defense they had last year and Eli Manning hasn't been as consistent either. I think the Packers will then make the Falcons wish they had missed the playoffs altogether and the Bears will finally conquer the 49ers at Candlestick, which has proven difficult over the years. That leaves the rivals, Packers and Bears, in the NFC championship game. The Bears will prevail, only because the game will be at Soldier Field.

That leaves the Broncos and Bears in the Super Bowl at the Superdome. I think the Bears defense wins this game, since the Broncos have no running game. They will be able to hone in on Peyton and make his life miserable. The Bears will win their first Super Bowl since 1985! Daaaaa Bears! Are you ready for some football?!?!?

AFC Predictions

With 4 weeks to go, the AFC playoff picture is starting to take shape. It's clear the Texans are the team to beat at this point in time. Their defensive prowess, combined with an offense just now hitting full stride, spells trouble for the rest of the conference. That being said, there are plenty of teams capable of putting together a great game and taking them down. If the NFL has proven anything the past few years, it's that anything can happen once you get into the playoffs. The Packers won the Super Bowl two years ago after entering the playoffs as the #6 seed. The Giants won it last year after winning their week 17 matchup vs. the Cowboys to sneak in at 9-7.

All the division leaders have at least a 2 game lead on their closest competition. The Patriots and Broncos have already clinched their respective divisions and I don't foresee either the Ravens or Texans having an issue closing out the season. The Ravens have a tough schedule, giving the Steelers a chance since they currently have the tie-breaker over the Ravens if they end the season with the same record. They need Big Ben healthy for that to be a reality though. I think the Colts will hang onto a wild card spot, despite facing the Texans 2 times in the last 4 weeks. Their last second victory yesterday was vital to their playoff hopes. That leaves the Steelers and Bengals vying for the last playoff berth. The schedule favors the Steelers, but this one could easily be decided by the head-to-head matchup in week 16. I'm going with the Steelers and Mike Tomlin. It's hard to bet against them when it comes down to crutch time.

I predict the seeding will be as follows:

1. Texans

2. Broncos

3. Patriots

4. Ravens

5. Colts

6. Steelers

That will setup for some great playoff match-ups. I think the Patriots will defeat the Steelers and the Ravens will beat the Colts due to their vast experience advantage. In the divisional round I'd go with the Texans over the Ravens and the Broncos over the Patriots (I may just secretly be rooting for Manning vs. Brady). In the AFC title game, I'll go with Manning over the Texans. The Texans will fall short of their lofty expectations once again, but not due to injury this time. 

So, who will they play? Look for my NFC playoff post to follow shortly. It's hard not to get excited about football this time of year!