1. New England Patriots
The Pats are rolling over opponents with ease. Every team with title aspirations is hoping quietly that someone else can take them out.
2. Baltimore Ravens
This isn’t a typical Baltimore defense, but the Ravens should be able to force KC to throw it to win. That will mean a ticket to the second round for the Ravens.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers earned a week off which will help get Troy Polamalu get healthy. He is crucial to their championship hopes.
4. New Orleans Saints
The Saints have eleven wins and are on their way to seven-win Seattle for round one. They should also be on their way to round two fairly easily. Nobody wants the defending champs visiting them.
5. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have home-field and are looking at a rematch with the Saints if the odds makers are correct. They need to spend the week off figuring out how the Saints stopped their ground game in the team’s last meeting.
6. Chicago Bears
The Bears played hard in a game that meant nothing to them on Sunday. Their chances will all come down to how their offensive line plays. Cutler has been sacked more than any other quarterback in the league.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are a tough team to gauge going into the playoffs. The can win it all or lose in the first round. Neither outcome would be all that surprising.
8. New York Jets
The Jets can deny it, but Kansas City would have been a better matchup. The ground game needs to be in top form for the Jets to move on. Lately the Colts have found a way to stuff some of the leagues better running teams.
9. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts don’t have to carry the huge expectations they’ve had in years past entering the playoffs. The run defense has been solid in recent weeks. If they can play run defense in the playoffs, they have a puncher’s chance with Manning playing quarterback.
10. Green Bay Packers
The Packers were a fashionable pick for the title during the preseason. They will need three road wins just to get there after a disappointing season.