Elite Eight—NFL Playoff Power Rankings
Twelve teams qualified for the playoffs…eight remain on the running for a trip to Houston and SB LI. Nothing really changed with the “power rankings” after all four home teams won during Wild Card weekend. I would argue that there are six-teams capable of winning it all. Here’s the updated power rankings into the Divisional round of the NFL Playoffs:
- New England Patriots…Home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with the best coach and a great Quarterback. The Patriots essentially get a bye--home with the QB challenged Texans.
- Dallas Cowboys…The Cowboys are vulnerable this weekend. December 26th is the last time the Cowboys played with purpose. December 18th is the last time Dallas played with something on the line. How will a rookie QB handle his 1st playoff game after a competitive layoff…?
- Green Bay Packers...I believe the NFC’s representative in the Super Bowl comes from the Packers—Cowboys matchup. Green Bay will have to prove they can overcome the likely loss of Jordy Nelson—and rely on Aaron Rodgers to be better than the Dallas defense.
- Pittsburgh Steelers…The AFC’s best offense showed no sign of slowing down against a good Dolphins team. Now they have to find a way to beat the best remaining defense in the tournament—belonging to the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Atlanta Falcons…How significant is the Dan Quinn effect? Completing his 2nd season in Atlanta—nobody questions the Falcons offense—period. There are questions for Atlanta…can the defense hold up and will Matt Ryan play his best football when it matters?
- Kansas City Chiefs…The best remaining defense in the NFL tournament belongs to the Chiefs. Is that enough to follow the path that of last year’s SB Champion?
- Seattle Seahawks…Not convinced that the Seahawks OL issues can be overcome. Not a good road team throughout the regular season—can they slow the NFC’s best offense?
- Houston Texans…Bill O’Brien returns to coach against his former boss in New England. He can’t win…can he? Nope.