The Official Guide to Picking a New Favorite Team for the 2008-09 NFL Playoffs

There's No Such Thing As Playing It Safe

It may seem cruel or unreasonable to eliminate the favorites right away. But, it's the only way to go about making the right choice.

You want to avoid another heartbreak. You don't want to look foolish for declaring your support for another team when they probably didn't belong in the playoffs anyway.

1. Tennessee Titans: Do not let their record fool you. The 13-3 Titans are most likely to be "one and done." Place Kerry Collins under pressure and limit the run, and the Titans are easily beatable by a ball-control offense. Their regular season win over the Pittsburgh Steelers was the exception, not the rule. 
2. Indianapolis Colts: They're riding a nine-game winning streak into the postseason, but it was against some of the weakest competition the NFL had to offer. All winning streaks come to an end, and with Peyton Manning being the historic postseason choke artist he is, the Colts are a team to avoid.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Making it to the playoffs was the Super Bowl for Arizona. They've played well on Kurt Warner's arm, but that defense isn't scaring anyone in the NFC. Expect the Cardinals to do nothing in January.
4. New York Giants: Yes, they are favorites to repeat, but you have to love the potential for an upset. At 12-4, the Giants are a phenomenal team that may have saved their best football for the postseason. But the possibility of them facing a team that has their number is strong. When the Giants lose, they look awful in the process. Think: Cleveland Browns.

Cinderella vs. Underdog

With four teams removed, it's crucial to find the right underdog. Differentiating between teams having a Cinderella season and squads who have legitimately turned the proverbial corner is of the essence.

When the Clock Strikes Midnight

1. Miami Dolphins: The 2008 Miami Dolphins are eerily similar to the 2006 New York Jets—by more than just the quarterback. A rookie head coach, solid defense, and some creativity on offense have led Miami to the postseason. But they're still not good enough to go all the way.
   
2. Baltimore Ravens: I know what you're thinking. How can two Wild Card match-ups be Cinderella? It's simple: The Baltimore Ravens should beat the Dolphins, but their dreams will come to a screeching halt right after that.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson may be good enough to win games for the Vikings, but not against the Philadelphia Eagles. There are too many experienced veterans on the Eagles, and Tarvaris Jackson may be in over his head.

Never Fear!

1. Atlanta Falcons: Normally I'd implore you to stay away from a rookie quarterback, but not today. If there's anything Matt Ryan does, it's play the game like a seasoned veteran. Michael Turner has been conspicuously absent from MVP conversations, but expect him to show up huge in the postseason.
2. Philadelphia Eagles: Forget the Indianapolis Colts. The Eagles are the hottest team in the playoffs, and should strike the most fear in everyone's hearts. Donovan McNabb is playing as well as he has in the years where Philly was a staple in the NFC Championship game. Even if they don't go all the way, they will send someone home earlier than expected.
3. San Diego Chargers: A lot of words will be said about the worthiness of an 8-8 team in the playoffs. My response: They could easily be 10-6, or better. But that's not what matters. LaDainian Tomlinson looks like he was playing possum all year after the game he had against the Broncos. With Philip Rivers having a monster year, and LT getting his mojo back, expect the Chargers to make it tough for everyone they face in the postseason.

The important thing you have to take away from this is that you won't be wrong by picking any of these teams. The NFL loves a good story, and that's exactly what these six teams provide.

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