NFL Playoffs

So with the final few games coming up, I figured it was about time for me to post something again. Actually, with work wearing me out and getting ready for baby, there's been no time for blogging. So, it's time to post now that I woke up at 4:30 A.M. on my day to sleep in. Ok, it's 5 hours later than normal, but still...ok no more rambling about my personal life, time for my playoff predictions for the final few weeks.

AFC East - The Patriots HAVE to be the AFC Super Bowl favorite after last week's drubbing of the Jets. Tom Brady is your MVP (sorry Vick, but you can have Comeback Player of the Year) and he is playing so well right now. Deion Branch has found a fountain of youth in New England, but where was this the last few years in SEATTLE?!?!? Anyways, the Jets are reeling after said loss, and I am not sure what to think of this team. I want to think they're not a Super Bowl contender, but with their run game and defense they *can* be. I think both those teams make the playoffs, and New England as the #1 seed.

AFC North - The Steelers have the 1 game lead, and I think it stays that way. Both them and the Ravens have a tough game and 3 easy games left on the schedule, and I don't see the Ravens overtaking the Steelers. But something in me trusts the Ravens to make a deeper playoff run than the Steelers. Maybe it's because they've played a schedule where all their toughest games were on the road? I don't know, but something in my gut likes the Ravens more than the Steelers.

AFC South - If you had told me that Peyton would be needing to win out to win the AFC South this year, I would've laughed in your face. With all the injuries, they have had a rough year. I don't think the Super Bowl Loser Curse will happen, but it's in serious jeopardy of happening. I like how the Jaguars have been winning, and next week's matchup will determine who goes on to lose vs. the Jets/Ravens. MJD has to be an MVP Candidate as he is running SO well right now, but I think Peyton is back on track and will lead the Colts to the division title...again...

AFC West - Is there any less predictable division in the AFC? No. The Chiefs had the hold on the division, then Matt Cassel has an emergency apendectomy. Brody Croyle now is the one taking over, hoping to outduel Philip Rivers and all but seal their division title. I don't know how this pans out, but I want to think the Chargers miss the playoffs after everyone gift wrapped them as division winners before the season started.

NFC East - The Eagles and Giants will battle for the division title next weekend, but both have what could be tough games this weekend. The Eagles are facing a hot Dallas team, and the Giants are playing Minnesota, if they can even get there?!? Philly's road to the playoffs is much easier than the Giants, and less injury riddled, so I give Philly the division.

NFC North - The Bears? Yuck...I hope they miss the playoffs. They have a rough road to get there though, with NE, NYJ and road games in Minny and GB. That last game will determine the division winner, which will be the Packers (PLEASE GOD LET IT HAPPEN!!!) I am hoping the Bears miss the playoffs. This weekend's game at home against the Pats will show us what they are really made of. Meanwhile the Pack can tie up the division with a win over the Lions.

NFC South - The Falcons are the NFC's best team, more so when they're at home. The Saints are playing well with the semblance of a run game with Ivory. Both teams will make the playoffs, and I like both of them to make good runs once there too. I think Tampa will be the team left out, but I think that they are a team that will make a push for the playoffs for the next few years.

NFC West - Of course I am going to say the Seahawks will be in the playoffs. But this isn't (completely) me not being a homer. I think that they will beat St. Louis in Week 17, and that's what it will come down to. Neither team will be above .500, and that is pathetic. But someone has to lose to either the Giants or Saints in the first round.

Ok, a breakdown -

AFC - #1 Patriots, #2 Steelers, #3 Chiefs, #4 Colts, #5 Ravens, #6 NY Jets

NFC - #1 Falcons, #2 Packers, #3 Eagles, #4 Seahawks, #5 Saints, #6 NY Giants

Wild Card Round - Jets over Chiefs, Ravens over Colts, Eagles over Giants, Saints over Seahawks

Divisional Round - Patriots over Jets, Ravens over Steelers, Packers over Saints, Falcons over Giants

Championship Round - Falcons over Packers, Patriots over Ravens

Super Bowl - Patriots over Falcons