The Wild-Card Round of this year's NFL playoffs are over, and it concluded with an 180 from last year's. When every road team was victorious. No road team won their game this year. There was no really close game, the closest being Oakland’s 13-point defeat to Houston, now that the top 4 seeds remain. Let’s rank these teams based on who is the most likely to take the Lombardi trophy home.
1. New England Patriots (AFC 1st seed)
The Patriots once again dominated the AFC finishing with a 14-2 record, along the way clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. New England is incredibly scary at home. Losing only 15 of their last 113 games! Combine this with their efficient offense (ranked 3rd in the league) and strong defense (ranked 8th). The Pats are looking at their third trip to the Superbowl since 2010 and have the best shot at securing their second championship in the last three years.
2. Seattle Seahawks (NFC 3rd seed)
Seattle started off the year slowly, but this mostly came from the absence of power back Marshawn Lynch and nagging injuries to star quarterback Russell Wilson. Seattle has more playoff experience than Dallas and has fared better than both the Packers and Falcons in recent playoff appearances. This makes them the favorite to come out of the NFC.
3. Dallas Cowboys (NFC 1st seed)
Led by rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot the Cowboys won the NFC 1st seed for the first time since 2007. The only thing holding them back is the lack of experience from their key offensive players (Prescott, Elliot). Can Dallas finally get the monkey off their back and reach the Superbowl for the first time since winning it back in 1996?
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC 3rd seed)
The hottest team in football winners of 8 straight. It is widely said they are the only challenge for New England in the AFC. If Ben Roethlisberger can remain “healthy” and keep spreading the ball to Leveon Bell and Antonio Brown. The Steelers could very well be in Houston later this year.
5. Green Bay Packers (NFC 4th seed)
Winners of six straight the Packers have recaptured their offensive capabilities. Led by Stars: Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, Clay Matthews. The Packers are a dangerous team. Rodgers has not thrown an interception in almost two months. Ty Montgomery has emerged as a great playmaker on offense. Clay Matthews has once again come back to terrorize the lives of quarterbacks. If their defense continues to play at this level. Green Bay is set for a deep postseason run.
6. Atlanta Falcons (NFC 2nd seed)
How is the second seed in the NFC the least likely to make the Superbowl? Atlanta has one only ONE playoff game in thirteen years. Their secondary outside of Desmond Trufant is very shaky and they can’t generate much of a pass rush without Vic Beasley. Forcing the offense to score 30+ a game. This could be problematic if Matt Ryan continues his playoff woes.
7. Kansas City Chiefs (AFC 2nd seed)
The Chiefs are a great football team. Reminiscent of last year's Broncos with a stellar defense dragging along a decent offense. The only problem is unlike last year's Broncos. Outside of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce Kansas City has little weapons to work with. They will have a hard time versus a team that beat them 43-14 earlier this year. With the possibility of then having to travel to New England the same place they lost last year. The Chiefs have the toughest remaining road of the teams. Landing them at this spot.
8. Houston Texans (AFC 4th seed)
The Texans have a great defense the problem is their offense is terrible. Brock Osweiler has struggled this year. DeAndre Hopkins can not find his form from last season. Going to New England having to play a team that beat them handily with a backup quarterback. Now Houston faces one of the greatest playoff performers in NFL history. The Texas will face a tough time trying to earn a trip to the Superbowl in their hometown this February.
