Now that we are even closer to the start of the NFL season, it is time to unveil my predictions for how the playoffs will go down.
Just a reminder, these are the division winners and wild card teams I have predicted for both the AFC and the NFC.
Let’s start with the AFC:
AFC East: New England Patriots
AFC North: Baltimore Ravens
AFC South: Houston Texans
AFC West: San Diego Chargers
Wild Card teams: Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts
Now for the NFC:
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles
NFC North: Green Bay Packers
NFC South: Atlanta Falcons
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals
Wild Card teams: New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys.
Well those are the teams that I see making the playoffs, now it is time to show how I think the standings will look.
Once again, we will begin with the AFC:
1. New England Patriots. I believe that the Pats will get the one seed with ease, maybe another 13-15 win season.
2. San Diego Chargers. Winning the west shouldn’t be too difficult for the Chargers. I think they will also claim a first round bye.
3. Baltimore Ravens. As much as it pains me to say it, the Ravens will edge out the Steelers for the division, gaining a home game in the first round.
4. Houston Texans. Yes, the Texans will in fact win the South, beating out the Colts and earning a first round home game.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers will have to settle for traveling during the playoffs, I don’t see them taking that division from the Ravens this year.
6. Indianapolis Colts. Colts fall behind the Texans in the division, but beat out the Jets for the last Wild Card spot in the AFC. Thankfully.
As far as the NFC, I see:
1. Green Bay Packers. Pretty easy, best team in the league, should handle the NFC and claim this top spot without much hassle.
2. Atlanta Falcons. Not sure why, but I really like the Falcons this year — I mean I really like them. Let’s hope this year they show up in the playoffs, shouldn’t have a problem claiming the second seed.
3. Philadelphia Eagles. Dream team? No, not at all. Good enough to win the NFC East and get the three seed? Absolutely.
4. Arizona Cardinals. Honestly, my winner for the NFC West will probably change 3-4 times before the season even starts, for now I will say the Cardinals.
5. New Orleans Saints. Saints get a Wild Card spot for the second straight year, we shall see if they are more prepared to go out west this year.
6. Dallas Cowboys. I know, I don’t like the Cowboys making the playoffs anymore than you do. But I have them squeaking by the Lions to get the last spot. Yeah, I said the Lions, look out for Detroit.
This is how I see the playoffs turning out right now. Will the standings really end up like this? Well yeah, I said they would didn’t I?
Should I be correct about all these teams , I would not only be a genius, but I would also call myself “The Playoff Master.”
So let us know how you think the playoffs will shape up.
Next week I will break down each game of the first round.
Tyler Rollason is a Winder-Barrow High School graduate and mass communications major at the University of West Georgia. You can e-mail comments about this column to trollason@yahoo.com.
