I think this is one of the more interesting playoffs than we've seen in a while.
The thing is no one is a lock in my mind, and seemingly every team is strong in some ways and weak in some ways. There are no 98 Broncos or anyone like tha tthis year.
Indianpolis Colts
Really, how good are they? They were flirting with a perfect season until San Diego came along. Now with the Dungy tragedy, are they distracted or motivated? That's really a good question as there are several teams in the AFC...Jacksonville, New England and Denver more likely than not...that could upend Indy if they aren't focused. That defense is a little suspect too, just ask Cinncinati.
Denver Broncos
This is a very good team. You've got a guy in the QB position who's been in the playoffs before(although, not for a while) and makes very little mistakes(all those attempts without an INT). They've got a coach who's won it all before and overall a team with a 13-3 record. They are gonna be tough to beat and Indy should be worried about them.
Cinncinati Bengals
Ha, for the first time the home team may not be happy they are home. The Bengals beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh but lost to them in Cinncinati. It's not hard to see it happening again, but if they get by the Steelers, the team is too young and has a long way to go before upending Denver or Indianapolis in a playoff atmosphere.
New England Patriots
They've got a better shot than most give them credit for. They seemed to have it all figured out and won a good amount of games toward the end of the season. It's easy to knock Brady because no one will confuse him with Brett Farve or Peyton Manning but 3 rings and a 9-0 playoff record, including one in Pittsburgh last season, is as impressive as it can get. I wouldn't be shocked to see a 13-0 playoff record at the end of this.
Jacksonville Jaguars
That's the quietest 12-4 season ever. Honestly, I don't see them getting by the Patriots. Either quarterback, while good in their own ways will be overmatched by Belechieck's defense set up. If they do get by New England they are dangerous, as they had a good shot of being the team to knock off Indianapolis this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Big Ben knows how close he was last season..that'll matter here. They've got one of the best coaches in football...that'll matter. While not as glamorous as last season the Steelers are another team with a real good shot of getting to the big game, but probably won't get by round 2.
Seattle Seahawks
Everyone screams Colts for the big game but this is the team to beat. Seattle is primed for the Super Bowl. The have the best rusher in the game, a coach who's won it before and a young hungry QB who already paid his dues in the playoffs. But they aren't unbeatable. Some suspect games during the season, noticably the luck win against Dallas.
Chicago Bears
Talk about teams in weak divisions. The Bears are good but they are not the 2000 Ravens. They aren't close. They are a team with an excellent defense and that's it. And they'll need a lot of help to win their playoff game in Chicago. I think the Giants and Bucs could beat them with a score of like 10-3. Panthers are a little less than even money against them and Washington is on fire. This is going to look like the 2001(i could be off with that year though) Bears.
Tampa Bay Bucs
Honestly, if the Bears are 80/20 defense/offense, the Bucs are 70/30..and Chris Simms isn't gonna get the job done in the playoffs. Good thing about them is that they seem to play the same level as their opponent..evident against the Jets and 49ers..but everyone is at least good in the playoffs. Coach has won it before too..
New York Giants
I'm from the NYC area. And I can easily say GO GIANTS!! YAY!!! and I will..but let me explain something first. I'm a Jet fan and hate the Giants. I always root for them to lose and laugh out loud at the special teams mess against the 49ers years back. I will root for them to lose this season too.
They could though, be the best team in the NFC if not the league. They've got what I see as a top 5 defense and a good enough offense(although, Eli Manning is the definition of overrated). Special teams are a horror(see Giants vs. Vikings this season) and if anything kills the Giants that will be it. They won big games over Dallas, Washington and Denver during the regular season. They really are good.
Carolina Panthers
And I don't think Carolina really stands a good chance against New York either. The Panthers struggled with Chicago and the Giants are Chicago with an offense. Then again..I said that in 03 too, and the Panthers went to the Super Bowl....
Washington Redskins
Is coaching really important in football or what? Gibbs has Washington in the playoffs for the first time since 99. And they face a team they lost to by a mere point in the regular season. Brunell is strong, Moss is on fire and Clinton Portis can't be stopped. Washington is a dangerous team.
