NFL: Looking at the AFC Playoff Teams
With the New York Jets winning last night and making it into the playoffs, we now know which teams will compete in the playoffs from the AFC. So, let’s take a quick look at each AFC playoff team now.
1. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts should be the favorite heading into the playoffs but they’re not. That distinction clearly belongs to the San Diego Chargers. But the reason isn’t because the Colts have lost 2 straight games to end the season. The Colts rested most of their starters and therefore they get a pass for the past 2 games. But they still aren’t the favorites and that’s because the Chargers are playing such great football.
2. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are the hottest team in football right now. They have the offense and the defense to win it all this year. They are the clear favorites as they head into the playoffs. If they play the way they have been playing then they will be in the Superbowl and they’ll probably be World Champions.
3. New England Patriots
The Pats are in a lot of trouble. They have a porous defense now they go-to wide receiver, Wes Welker, is lost for the playoffs. Expect the Pats to make a quick exit from the playoffs.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are an intriguing team in the playoffs. They could make a lot of noise or they could be done in the first round. A lot will depend on the play of Carson Palmer. He has to play well in order for the Bengals to compete. I expect he will.
5. New York Jets
The Jets got into the playoffs thanks to playing 2 teams in the last 2 weeks who already had their playoff spot wrapped up. The last win was a lopsided victory over the Bengals. Don’t expect the same result in the first round of the playoffs when the Jets have to travel to Cincinnati. The Jets shouldn’t apologize for basically getting a free pass into the playoffs. However, they need to realize that they won’t be able to get anything free now.
6. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens face the Patriots at the start of the playoffs. Their defense isn’t what it used to be. But they can run the ball and that should help them a lot in the playoffs.
