2011 NFL Playoffs: Every Team's Easiest, Toughest Path to the Super Bowl

It is finally that time of year again.

It's time to start 0-0 because the NFL Playoffs have arrived.

There's no waiting til next week—it is win or go home, baby.

The caliber of the NFL teams this year in the playoffs is truly remarkable.

There are four to five teams in each conference that have a realistic chance and think that they can go to the Super Bowl in Dallas this February.

What I did here is list every playoff team's easiest, toughest, and realistic road to the Super Bowl.

No one said it's going to be easy, but some roads are just easier than others.

Your path could consist of hosting the fifth and sixth seed, or it could be as hard as playing on the road against the top three seeds.

One thing is for sure—and this statement can be made every year—the teams that will play in Dallas will truly have earned the right to play there.

For a ranking of all possible Super Bowl match-ups, click here.

Note: The "Realistic Road to the Super Bowl takes into account my predictions on who they would play based on who I think will win the other games. I assume in this instance that they win every game that they play in.

AFC Playoff Schedule

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Larry Fre

Wild Card Round: January 8th and 9th

No. 6 New York Jets at No. 3 Indianapolis Colts—Saturday, 8:00; NBC

No. 5 Baltimore Ravens at No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs—Sunday, 1:00; CBS

Divisional Round: January 15th and 16th

Higher rated seed at No. 1 New England Patriots—Sunday, 4:30; CBS

Lower rated seed at No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers—Saturday, 4:30; CBS

AFC Championship Game: January 23rd; 6:30 p.m. CBS

Higher rated seed at lower rated seed

1. New England Patriots (14-2)

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. New England won 34-3. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Easiest Road to the Super Bowl

Divisional Round: vs. No. 6 New York Jets

     Other possible opponents: No. 4 Chiefs, No. 5 Ravens

Championship Round: vs No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs

     Other possible opponents: No. 2 Steelers, No. 3 Colts, No. 5 Ravens

Toughest Road to the Super Bowl

Divisional Round: vs. No. 5 Baltimore Ravens

Championship Round: vs. No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers

Realistic Road to the Super Bowl

Divisional Round: vs. No. 5 Baltimore Ravens

Championship Round: vs. No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass during the game against the Carolina Panthers on December 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Easiest Road to the Super Bowl

Divisional Round: vs. No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs

     Other possible opponents: No. 3 Colts, No. 5 Ravens

Championship Round: vs. No. 6 New York Jets

     Other possible opponents: No. 1 Patriots, No. 4 Chiefs, No. 5 Ravens

Toughest Road to the Super Bowl

Divisional Round: vs. No.  5 Baltimore Ravens

Championship Round: at No. 1 New England Patriots

Realistic Road to the Super Bowl

Divisional Round: vs No. 3 Indianapolis Colts

Championship Round: at No. 1 New England Patriots

3. Indianapolis Colts (10-6)

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 26: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts passes against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 26, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Easiest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: vs. No. 6 New York Jets

Divisional Round: at No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers

     Other possible opponents: None

Championship Round: vs. No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs

     Other possible opponents: No. 1 Patriots, No. 5 Ravens

Toughest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: vs. No. 6 New York Jets

Divisional Round: at No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers

Championship Round: at  No. 1 New England Patriots

Realistic Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: vs. No. 6 New York Jets

Divisional Round: at No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers

Championship Round: at No. 1  New England Patriots

4. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Easiest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: vs. No. 5 Baltimore Ravens

Divisional Round: at No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers

     Other possible opponents: No. 1 Patriots

Championship Round: vs. No. 6 New York Jets 

     Other possible opponents: No. 1 Patriots, No. 3 Colts

Toughest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: vs. No. 5 Baltimore Ravens

Divisional Round: at No. 1 New England Patriots

Championship Round: at No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers

Realistic Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: vs. No. 5 Baltimore Ravens

Divisional Round: at No. 1 New England Patriots

Championship Round: at No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers

5. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 19: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens looks for a receiver during the game against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Saints 30-24. (Photo by Larry

Easiest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: at No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs

Divisional Round: at No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers

     Other possible opponents: No. 1 Patriots

Championship Round: vs. No. 6 New York Jets

     Other possible opponents: No. 1 Patriots, No. 2 Steelers, No. 3 Colts

Toughest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: at No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs

Divisional Round: at No. 1 New England Patriots

Championship Round: at No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers

Realistic Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: at No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs

Divisional Round: at No. 1 New England Patriots

Championship Round: at No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers

6. New York Jets (11-5)

Nick Laham/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 12: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets against the Miami Dolphins at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Easiest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: at No. 3 Indianapolis Colts

Divisional Round: at No. 1 New England Patriots

     Other possible opponents: None

Championship Round: at No. 5 Baltimore Ravens

     Other possible opponents: No. 2 Steelers, No. 4 Chiefs

Toughest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: at No. 3 Indianapolis Colts

Divisional Round: at No. 1 New England Patriots

Championship Round: at No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers

Realistic Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: at No. 3 Indianapolis Colts

Divisional Round: at No. 1 New England Patriots

Championship Round: at No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC Playoff Schedule

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 27: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons looks upfield to pass during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome on December 27, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Wild Card Round: January 8th and 9th

No. 6 Green Bay Packers at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles—Sunday, 4:30; FOX

No. 5 New Orleans Saints at No. 4 Seattle Seahawks—Saturday, 4:30; NBC

Divisional Round: January 15th and 16th

Higher rated seed at No. 1 Atlanta Falcons—Saturday, 8:00; FOX

Lower rated seed at No. 2 Chicago Bears—Sunday, 1:00; CBS

NFC Championship Game: January 23rd; 3:00 p.m. FOX

Higher rated seed at lower rated seed

1. Atlanta Falcons (13-3)

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19: Running back Michael Turner #33 of the Atlanta Falcons rushes against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Easiest Road to the Super Bowl

Divisional Round: vs. No. 4 Seattle Seahawks

     Other possible opponents: No. 5 Saints, No. 6 Packers

Championship Round: vs. No. 2 Chicago Bears

     Other possible opponents: No. 3 Eagles, No. 4 Seattle Seahawks , No. 5 Saints

Toughest Road to the Super Bowl

Divisional Round: vs. No. 5 New Orleans Saints

Championship Round: vs. No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles

Realistic Road to the Super Bowl

Divisional Round: vs. No. 5 New Orleans Saints

Championship Round: vs. No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles

2. Chicago Bears (11-5)

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears looks for a receiver against the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Easiest Road to the Super Bowl

Divisional Round: vs. No. 4 Seattle Seahawks

     Other possible opponents: No. 3 Eagles, No. 5 Saints

Championship Round: vs. No. 6 Green Bay Packers

     Other possible opponents: No.1 Falcons, No. 4 Seahawks, No. 5 Saints

Toughest Road to the Super Bowl

Divisional Round: vs. No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles

Championship Round: at No. 1 Atlanta Falcons

Realistic Road to the Super Bowl

Divisional Round: vs. No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles

Championship Round: at No. 1 Atlanta Falcons

3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Easiest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: vs. No. 6 Green Bay Packers

Divisional Round: at No. 2 Chicago Bears

     Other possible opponents: None

Championship Round: vs. No. 4 Seattle Seahawks

     Other possible opponents: No. 1 Falcons, No. 5 Saints

Toughest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: vs. No. 6 Green Bay Packers

Divisional Round: at No. 2 Chicago Bears

Championship Round: at No. 1 Atlanta Falcons

Realistic Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: vs. No. 6 Green Bay Packers

Divisional Round: at No. 2 Chicago Bears

Championship Round: at No. 1 Atlanta Falcons

4. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 28: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to hand off against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qwest Field on November 28, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Easiest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: vs. No. 5 New Orleans Saints

Divisional Round: at No. 2 Chicago Bears

     Other possible opponents: No. 1 Falcons

Championship Round: vs. No. 6 Green Bay Packers

     Other possible opponents: No. 1 Falcons, No. 2 Bears, No. 3 Eagles

Toughest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: vs. No. 5 New Orleans Saints

Divisional Round: at No. 1 Atlanta Falcons

Championship Round: at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles

Realistic Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: vs. No. 5 New Orleans Saints

Divisional Round: at No. 1 Atlanta Falcons

Championship Round: at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles

5. New Orleans Saints (11-5)

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks upfield to pass in the second half during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on December 27, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Ge

Easiest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: at No. 4 Seattle Seahawks

Divisional Round: at No. 2 Chicago Bears

     Other possible opponents: No. 1 Falcons

Championship Round: vs. No. 6 Green Bay Packers

     Other possible opponents: No. 1 Falcons, No. 2 Bears, No. 3 Eagles

Toughest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: at No. 4 Seattle Seahawks

Divisional Round: at No. 1 Atlanta Falcons

Championship Round: at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles

Realistic Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: at No. 4 Seattle Seahawks

Divisional Round: at No. 1 Atlanta Falcons

Championship Round: at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles

6. Green Bay Packers (10-6)

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers is chased out of the pocket against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Easiest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles

Divisional Round: at No. 1 Atlanta Falcons

     Other possible opponents: None

Championship Round: at No. 4 Seattle Seahawks

     Other possible opponents: No. 2 Bears, No. 5 Saints

Toughest Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles

Divisional Round: at No. 1 Atlanta Falcons

Championship Round: at No. 5 New Orleans Saints

Realistic Road to the Super Bowl

Wild Card Round: at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles

Divisional Round: at No. 1 Atlanta Falcons

Championship Round: at No. 2 Chicago Bears

What Will Happen?

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Georgia Dome on November 7, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Wild Card Round: January 8th and 9th

AFC: No. 3 Indianapolis Colts at No. 6 New York Jets

AFC: No. 5 Baltimore Ravens over No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs

NFC: No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles over No. 6 Green Bay Packers

NFC: No. 5 New Orleans Saints over No. 4 Seattle Seahawks

Divisional Round: January 15th and 16th

AFC: No. 1 New England Patriots over No. 5 Ravens

AFC: No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers over No. 3 Colts

NFC: No. 1 Atlanta Falcons over No. 5 Saints

NFC: No. 3 Eagles over No. 2 Chicago Bears

AFC Championship Game: January 23rd

AFC: No. 2 Steelers over No. 1 Patriots

NFC: No. 1 Falcons over No. 3 Eagles

Super Bowl: February 6th

Atlanta Falcons over Pittsburgh Steelers

For a ranking of all possible Super Bowl match-ups, click here.