Playoff Preview
By Rudy Haynesworth on December 15, 2010
NFL Playoff Picture
**Patriots Looking for Home field Throughout Conference Playoffs **
AFC
East: New England 11-2* New England has a core that is rivaled by none in the league. Their quarterback and coach are two of the best in the league. New England has made the playoffs 8 of the last 10 seasons and are my favotites to represent the AFC in the playoffs.
North: Pittsburgh 10-3* The Steelers are one of the most physical teams in the league. They are very balanced with an offense that has improved with the emergence of Rashard Mendenhall and safety Troy Polamalu leading the defense.
South: Jacksonville 8-5* The Jaguars have been led by the excellent play of running back Maurice Jones-Drew. If they want to win the division, they must go through Indianapolis (7-6) who they play on Dec. 19th.
West: Kansas City 8-5* The Chiefs are also a team that seems to have snuck into the playoffs. Receiver Dewayne Bowe and running back Jamaal Charles are two explosive young players on offense.
Wildcard: Baltimore 9-4* Baltimore suffered from a key loss to the Steelers in Week 13 for AFC North supremacy. But, with the complement of the new receivers with that established defense this team won’t be an easy out.
Wildcard: New York Jets 9-4* Second year quarterback Mark Sanchez has struggled a little down the stretch, including throwing 3 interceptions in a 45-3 loss to the Patriots in Week 13. With the Rex Ryan 46 defense and a strong running game this team is built to win in the playoffs, though.
NFC
East: Philadelphia 9-4* This division is certainly still up for grabs. Michael Vick has been phenomenal this season. But, fast/athletic defensive lineman can give him problems. The Eagles and Giants (9-4) play on the 19th, which may decide the division.
North: Chicago 9-4* No one knows how this team does it. However, linebacker Brian Urlacher staying healthy this season has been a huge boost for this defense. The Bears play Green Bay (8-5) in Week 17. But, the Packers also have New England and the Giants still on the schedule.
South: Atlanta 11-2* Quarterback Matt Ryan has emerged as the leader of this explosive offense. He has a tremendous home record in Atlanta since entering the league, and the Falcons will have home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
West: Saint Louis 6-7* The record isn’t a typo. That’s right an under .500 team may make the playoffs. There hasn’t been much to talk about in the NFC West this year, as they became the first division to have all four teams lose in the same week twice this year.
Wildcard: New Orleans 10-3* Drew Brees and the Saints may not be able to catch the Falcons for the division title, but the defending Super Bowl Champs will be a dangerous team to face in the playoffs.
Wildcard: New York Giants 9-4* A critical game for the Giants will be against the Packers in Week 16. The loser of that game may be left as the odd man out. Eli Manning has been struggling, as all three of his top receivers have missed time due to injury this season. But, Bradshaw and Jacobs lead a power running game that is made for playing outdoors in the winter.
*Results as of December19th
