AFC
BYES: (1)Texans, (2)Patriots
3 Broncos vs 6 Colts
Story lines a plenty wildcard weekend. Mannings return to the playoff draws him a match up against his replacement and former team. Colts. Broncos. Manning. Luck. A potential epic duel of Young gun vs the ole Stalwart. Really... would football fans have it any other way? I think not. Von Miller and the Broncos D will prove to be the difference in this one allowing Manning to leave Colts fans with yet another Postseason dissapointment.
4 Ravens vs 5 Steelers
Ready the Ice baths. Double.. wait no Triple the medical staff for this one. The NFLs greatest rivalry kicks off for a 3rd time. With Roethlisburger set to return, Polomalu back, James Harrison returning to form The Steelers are picking up steam at just the right time and might just enter the playoffs as the most dangerous team in either conference.With late season momentum on their side and a healthy Ben under center, the steelers should be able to cruise past their bitter divisional foe and earn a trip to Houston.
Divisional Round
Texans vs Steelers
I'm sure many of you will chalk this up to bias but allow me to lay it all out for you guys. Who has the number ONE defense in the league despite missing the Leagues greatest X-factor on the defensive side of the Ball? NOooo. It isnt the Texans. It's the Steelers. Their D has still proven to be the best through 12 games despite missing its center piece for much of the season and lack luster performance from another former league defensive MVP James Harrison due to offseason back surgery. Foster and the Run game will be slowed. Schaub will be forced to make plays and make Big plays. You may say hes been making big plays throughout the year. He also hasn't been in a pressure situation like the one he will be thrown in against the Steel Curtain. No. Coming from behind to beat the Jags behind a near historic performance doesn't count. The "young money crew" (Wallace, Brown, Sanders) and Heath Miller will make more than enough plays for Ben to get past the Texans. The Bulls on Parade will crash and break against the Steel Curtain bring another depressing end to this Franchises season.
Patriots vs Broncos
Who doesnt want to see a Manning return to Foxboro in January. Unfortunately for him much like his past trips it will likely end in failure. Brady and the boys will come out on top in this AFC shootout. This should be an instant classic as two of the greatest signal callers to ever play the game will clash in a back in forth "whoever has it last wins" type of game.
AFC Championship
Patriots vs Steelers
The Class of the NFL over the last decade meet once more in the AFC Championship.
NFC
BYES: (1) Falcons, (2) Packers
3 Niners vs 6 Seattle
Niners just edged out for a bye face off against their divisional foes at Candlestick with a hint of anger. The Niners, motivated and hungry should be able to get past the Russel "magicman" Wilson
4 Redskins vs 5 Bears
The magical season of the skins, compliments of their football "messiah" RGIII will sadly come to a close at home against the Bears. Nothing to hang their heads on. Despite a first round exit the skins will have accomplished more than enough this season as RGIII and the gang will have brought DC its first divisional crown since 1999. They just simply do not match up well against the Bears. Cutler and the Bears earn a trip to the Georgia dome after this one.
Divisional Round
Falcons vs Bears
Could the Falcons again taste the bitterness of a first game exit? I believe so. Another case of a team peaking too early. The Bears bring a nasty turnover forcing machine D with a complete and potent offense. Cutler out duels Ryan in the end behind a strong defensive performance and a huge game from his P.I.C B-Marsh.
Packers vs Niners
A rematch of a week one match up however the destinations are flipped. This time around its the Packers who enjoy the comfort of their own house. Rodgers rises to the occasion and gets the Pack past one of the strongest and most complete teams in the NFL due to a strong mentality and full compliment of weapons (Jennings, Nelson, Jones, Cobb, Finley)
NFC Championship
Bears vs Packers
Another Classic NFL Match up as one of the leagues oldest and greatest rivalries square off in what has the makings of a classic.
SUPERBOWL??????
to be continued......
