NFL Playoff Scenarios: Best-Case Scenario for Every Team in the Postseason

The NFL playoffs are upon us, and with only a few days of anticipation left, now is the perfect time to break down the best-case scenarios for each of the playoff teams.

While it's obvious that the best-case scenario for any playoff team would be going away with the Lombardi Trophy, this list will break down the most likely outcomes for each team's advancement. 

No matter the team, only one maxim applies when it comes to this time of year: Lose and your season is over.

Here are the best-case scenarios for every NFL playoff team.

Detroit Lions

One of the big turnarounds of the 2011 season was the Detroit Lions.

Jumping from 6-10 in 2010 to 10-6 this season, the Lions found a lot of success moving the ball through the air, primarily from quarterback Matthew Stafford to his receiver Calvin Johnson (who leads the league in receiving yardage).

They face a stern test this coming weekend, as they go on the road to play against the red-hot New Orleans Saints in what will surely be an offensive slug-fest. If the can get past that first test (chances are they won't), then this team could go on to surprise a lot of people. 

However, they have to get past the Saints.

Best-Case Scenario: NFC Championship

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints have found their rhythm, primarily in the (record-breaking) success of their quarterback Drew Brees.

With that said, don't let the flashy offensive numbers fool you. This team is very well-rounded and has stars in all facets of the game.

Another offensive player to watch: running back Darren Sproles. Having already broken the record for most all-purpose yards in a season (2,696 yards), his speed makes him a constant threat to break something open on opposing defenses.

Look for the the Saints to be a very sharp thorn in the side of any team thinking they've got a run in them.

Best-Case Scenario: Super Bowl

Atlanta Falcons

I have the Atlanta Falcons listed as ending in the Divisional Round, but I hope that doesn't come as a disrespect to what is really a very solid team.

They have a good passing attack, great runners and a tough defense. I'm just not sure they'll have enough when it comes to playing against some of their fellow playoff contenders.

However, I don't think it would be a huge surprise to see them play well and win against the New York Giants this weekend. Look for plenty of production from quarterback Matt Ryan, as he looks to secure the first playoff win of his career Sunday.

Best Case Scenario: Divisional Round

New York Giants

Playoff runs live and die on clutch production, and few teams have better options in this regard than the New York Giants with their quarterback Eli Manning.

Having the best season of his career, Manning has been tremendous in moving the team's offense when challenged by both opposing defenses and by the clock.

Their defense may be a liability, as they currently rank 27th in yardage allowed per game. However, the unit has been much improved by the rise of defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.

Best-Case Scenario: NFC Championship

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers have gone from zeroes to heroes in 2011 with new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Taking advantage of a resurgent Frank Gore and boosted by an unbelievably stout defense, the Niners are a tough matchup for anybody looking to make their way to Indianapolis.

Despite some interesting losses on the tail end of the season (particularly to the Arizona Cardinals), the Niners were able to shore things up just in time, holding on to that vital No. 2 seed in the NFC.

As expected, a lot of pressure will be on quarterback Alex Smith to continue his run of mostly error-free football.

Given his success this season, I'm positive that he'll give little room for critics to speculate on his game. 

Best-Case Scenario: Super Bowl

Green Bay Packers

All challengers for the Super Bowl will have to go through the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

In a season that could have been downed through complacency, the team has excelled, primarily on the strong arm of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. One of the most efficient passers in the game, he'll be relied on heavily to keep the Packers going strong.

The only weakness of this team is their defense. While they may generate a lot of turnovers, they also have a knack for raising heart rates of Packers fans with the way they allow opponents to move close without scoring.

If the defense can hold, then this team will be unstoppable. 

Best-Case Scenario: Super Bowl Champion

Cincinnati Bengals

Going through some of the stuff I've written this past week, I've realized I have completely skipped over the Cincinnati Bengals as one of the major surprises of the 2011 year.

For a team previously known as the Bungles, the squad has rolled on the strength of rookie quarterback Andy Dalton and primary receiving target A.J. Green.

While they face a very beatable Houston Texans team this weekend, I'm not totally sold that this squad can hang with the best of the AFC.

Given their losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens to close the season, they'll have a stiff task if they want to make a deep playoff run. 

Best-Case Scenario: Divisional Round

Houston Texans

I'm not sure why I'm not sold on the Houston Texans. The running game has been effective, even as rookie quarterback T.J. Yates experiences some real growing pains. The defense is also in the upper half of the league in yardage allowed. This is a good team. 

However, I don't see them hanging with the elites of the conference.

Either way, I would be happy to be proven wrong on this one. They have a great matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend, which should be one of the more fun games to watch of the Wild Card Round.

Best-Case Scenario: Divisional Round

Pittsburgh Steelers

Losing in the Super Bowl last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have their hearts set on making a return this season.

However, I'm not sure that this is a team that can make it happen. The roster appears to have aged several years this season, and the number of injuries and hurt players is a clear indicator that this isn't a team primed to make the full jump to challenge for the title.

Look for them to struggle if they find themselves with a rematch against the Baltimore Ravens next week (which they should get if they beat the lowly Denver Broncos).

Best-Case Scenario: AFC Championship

Denver Broncos

It won't be a blowout loss, but I can't see any way that the Denver Broncos can hang with the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend.

They are outmatched in almost every way imaginable.

While some fans could make the biblical comparison of the Broncos being David to the Steelers' Goliath, I see a more applicable comparison as the Earth's population not on Noah's Ark versus the flood of Genesis.

If the Broncos are able to somehow get the win, it would certainly be an upset of biblical proportions.

Best-Case Scenario: They aren't humiliated by the Pittsburgh Steelers

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots are looking as good as ever as they took the AFC's No. 1 seed this season. Led by a nearly unstoppable passing attack run through quarterback Tom Brady, the Pats will be a tough test for anybody looking to roll to Indianapolis.

The one question mark for this roster is if they can make enough stops. The Patriots defense has failed to do that for most of the season, only to be bailed out by the team's fast-paced offense. 

Like the Green Bay Packers, if the defense can do just well enough, then this team should be in great shape.

Best-Case Scenario: Super Bowl

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens should be considered the team to beat out of the AFC, as they have shown a tenacity and balanced approach few teams can match.

The Ravens defense, while aging, is always a tough matchup. More surprisingly, the team's offense has been racking up the points. Running back Ray Rice has been fun to watch, while Joe Flacco has done well finding receivers and limiting his mistakes.

One player who will make an impact is rookie wide receiver Torrey Smith, whose blistering pace has allowed the Ravens to stretch the field and keep opposing defenses honest.

Needless to say, it'd be a very big surprise if the Ravens can't get themselves to Indianapolis.

Best-Case Scenario: Super Bowl Champions