This has been a pretty crazy season. The Pats missing out on the playoffs is disappointing, but driving the final nail in the always overrated Dolphin's coffin was almost as sweet as winning it all.
(Warning. Caustic opinions follow.)
AFC
Pittsburgh: The classic team of bullies. These guys can push around sad sack teams (Cincy, the Rob Johnson-led Bucs) but as soon as they run into a quality team they curl up into a ball and cry for mommy. They might squeeze out a first round win, but they're dog meat when they go on the road to play the Titans.
New York: This year's Patriots, but last year's Pats only needed one road win to get to the big show and they also had a bye week. They should beat Indy, but a focused Oakland team looking for revenge will handle them.
Indy: They have tons of talent, but for some reason I'm still scratching my head that they're in this thing. Playing in the AFC South was a big help. Solid offense, but their D is far too erratic. A first round upset of NY could be in the cards, but they lack the firepower to move any farther.
Cleveland: The craziest team in the league. Cleveland always seems to stick around for long enough to either pull off some fantastic play to win or do something incredibly stupid to lose.
Tennesee: The best team in the AFC right now. These guys are a freight train looking to run over someone. Jevon Kearse is back in form, as are McNair and Eddie George.
Oakland: For the third straight year, the Raiders go into the playoffs as one of the teams to beat. For the third straight year, they'll leave the playoffs when they run into a younger, faster team. Tennesee takes them down in Oakland in the AFC championship.
NFC
Buccanneers: Would be the greatest team in the history of the NFL if football was played in the summer. Alas, it isn't. However, the Bucs have the #2 seed and the #1, Philly, is looking mighty vulnerable. The Bucs will win every playoff game they have at home, unless Rob Johnson is their quarterback. Then they lose to Green Bay.
Eagles: AJ Feely is the name of a guy who leads a boy band, not a NFL team. The Eagles need McNabb if they're going to go anywhere in the playoffs. However, their blitz-happy D has a chance to feast on the veritable buffet of mediocre QBs the NFC throws into the playoffs this year.
Packers: Looking awfully weak right now. They'll win at Lambeau, but a trip to the Big Sombrero will be their undoing in the second round unless the Bucs throw Rob Johnson out there. Brett Favre looks decidely un-Favresque. With Driver out, their passing game is in a quagmire. "Depend on" and "Terry Glenn" should not appear in any sentence that does not end with "to act completely bizarre and undermine his team's chances."
49ers: You know how I mentioned that Indy looks really good on paper but it seems weird they're in the playoffs? The Niners are a little like that: they look strong on paper, but then you watch them play. Their defense lacks a big time playmaker, plus their offense always seems to play below its potential. Still, they have a shot at taking down the McNabb-less Eagles.
Giants: Another "where did you guys come from?" team. Now that Jim Fassel's job has been saved, expect the entire team to show up long enough for the Niners to bounce them from the playoffs. Looked hideous in beating an AJ Feely-led Eagles team.
Falcons: If football was scored by style rather than touchdowns, the Michael Jordan, I mean, Vick, led Falcons would run wild over the NFC. Alas, Jordan is waiting for his Grant and Pippen to join him. I mean, Vick needs a playmaker on D and a running back that can remind teams that yes, someone other than Vick can move the ball. Still, this is the designated club that could get hot and take a few teams down. They have an equal chance to win or lose any playoff game by 20+ points.
AFC Championship Game: Titans over Raiders
NFC Championship Game: Eagles over Falcons
Superbowl: Titans over Eagles
