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!