With the NFL playoffs set to kick off this weekend, now is the time to take a look at all the entries and rank their chances at going all the way. The rankings start at the bottom and work their way to who I think is going to represent each Conference as well as win the SuperBowl.
Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)
Winners of one of the toughest divisions in football, the Bengals went 6-0 in the AFC North on route to their return to the postseason. Unfortunately, they went 4-6 against everyone else, including a 37-0 spanking by the team they are playing in round one, the Jets. Granted, that was a meaningless game for the most part but you still have to wonder.
New York Jets (9-7)
The Jets are a team that plays solid defense and has a solid running game...so they are pretty much a solid team. Solid though, isn't going to cut it in these playoffs. They pulled the Bengals in round one which gives them a good chance to advance but this group of overachievers won't make it past round two.
Baltimore Ravens (9-7)
The Ravens remind me of an aged prize fighter that is taking one more shot at the title. They still have the punch and they know what to do but there just isn't enough left in the tank to pull off a serious run. I don't look for them to get past New England.
Arizona Cardinals (10-6)
The Cardinals, are they really in the playoffs? Yes they are. The SuperBowl reps of a season ago for the NFC are back and they have a serious case of the “nobody respects us” going on. Seriously, there isn't a team in the playoffs that gets less airtime on sports shows then the Cardinals and you have to wonder why. They are the same team this season as last and could make another run through the playoffs. I do't see it, but it's possible.
Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
The Eagles pose a dilemma to me. They are a team stock with talent but they seem to be missing that wow factor of the past that made them such a threat. They could make some noise and can beat the Cowboys but I'm not sold on them, not one but.
New England Patriots (10-6)
Like the Eagles, the Patriots are a strong team that just seems to be lacking something. The loss of Wes Welker for the playoffs is going to hurt them more than they realize. They should knock off the Ravens no problem but don't look for them to advance past round 2.
Green Bay Packers (11-5)
The Packers are a team on the rise and Aaron Rogers reminds me of a young Steve Young who replaced a legend and went on to forge something great on his own. The problem is that I think the Pack is still a year or two away from being serious contenders.
New Orleans Saints (13-3)
I don't like the Saints. I think they are soft and are a one dimension team. The only reason I put them as high as this is out of respect for Drew Brees, who brought his AFC toughness to the Saints. Otherwise, I don't see them making a major impact this postseason.
Minnesota Vikings (12-4)
That season finale sure stopped the talk about the rift between Favre and his coach, didn't it? It's amazing what winning can do for you and the Vikes have to be feeling pretty good right now. The most balanced team in the playoffs, it wouldn't be a long shot for these guys to be representing the NFC in February.
Indianapolis Colts (14-2)
The Colts are what the Colts always are, a dangerous team that no one wants to face. That being said, they have no running game and their young defense is prone to disappearing at times. Even having the best QB of all time can't overcome those glaring holes for long.
Dallas Cowboys (11-5)
Ranking the Cowboys number two on the Power 12 is out of respect to the strong finish they showed in December. If they can get that first playoff win under their belt Saturday night, then look out for the Boys to be an unstoppable force. BUT they need that first one.
San Diego Chargers (13-3)
This is the year of the Chargers, plain and simple. They are the team to beat in the NFL and my pick to be hoisting the trophy come SuperBowl Sunday. They have all the tools, experience and hunger to make it happen and I honestly think its a no-brainer that they will.
