NFL Playoff Predictions: Broncos and Teams That Will Benefit from Home Games

With the playoffs almost here, we need to look ahead to who is going to do what once the postseason begins. 

Three of these teams will be in the playoffs; another is still one game away from clinching. Only two of them have a home game guaranteed. All four of them need to be at home in the playoffs to make a significant run. 

Denver Broncos

The Broncos have two chances at winning in the playoffs. One is that they're in Denver. They'll get that, as a trip to the playoffs would only mean a division title. 

The other hope is that they play a team with a limited offense. Seeing as how their two possible opponents would be the Pittsburgh Steelers with a beaten up Ben Roethlisberger, and the Baltimore Ravens, that's going to happen. 

Both the Steelers and Ravens are much better than the Broncos, but it's tough to play at altitude. More than that, those teams don't have the offense to put much desperation in the Broncos' attack. That plays into the hands of Tim Tebow and the Broncos' offense.

San Francisco 49ers

This is not a huge concern for the first round. If the 49ers play in the first round, it will be at home, and they will win. No, this is all about the second round game, which is right on track to be a game against the Saints.

The 49ers need that game to be in San Francisco. At home, they can limit the Saints on offense, and stay on the field. In New Orleans, it's a big advantage to the Saints. Their team speed will be at its best, and the crowd noise will hurt the 49ers. 

All that San Francisco needs to do is beat the lowly Rams on Sunday and they will get a bye, meaning a game with the Saints is in San Francisco.

New Orleans Saints

Turnabout is fair play. The Saints are a dynamic team at home. When they have to go on the road (and outside), they're much more vulnerable. 

Like the 49ers, I don't see much of a test in a potential Wild Card Weekend game. The Saints would host the Falcons or Lions. Both of those teams were handily beaten in New Orleans during the regular season. A playoff rematch wouldn't be any better.

Against the 49ers, they need to be at home. San Francisco is too good at home to rely on winning there. Their defense is strong, and the turf is always one of the worst in the league. 

Baltimore Ravens

This comes down to two simple statistics. The Ravens are 8-0 at home, and 4-3 on the road. They need to beat the Bengals in the finale and win the division. If they don't, it's a likely trip to Denver. If they do win, they get a bye, and then at least one home game. 

That's a serious advantage. It makes the difference between a legitimate Super Bowl contender, and a team that will be knocked out in the first two rounds. 

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