NFL Wild Card Predictions 2012: Easiest Paths to Super Bowl for Wild Card Teams

The NFL playoffs will feature upsets.

This has been a season unlike anything that we have seen. There has been a great shift in the way the game is played, which means that everything we think we know goes out the window. 

One of the great myths about the postseason is that playing at home and having a bye-week are distinct advantages. Sure, it is nice to stay in your own backyard and be given time to rest. But it doesn't guarantee you anything anymore.

Just last year, we saw the Green Bay Packers win three playoff road games. The rest is history.

The Wild Card round is going to feature at least two teams that will play in the conference championship games. So which ones have the easiest path to Super Bowl 46?

Easy: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons went from 13 wins in 2010 to just 10 this season. Nevertheless, they are in the playoffs again and are better equipped to make a deeper run this time around, thanks to the addition of Julio Jones. 

The secondary is still a concern, but a lot of the best teams in the league have problems covering opposing receivers. So I am not going to punish the Falcons for it. 

They start off at the New York Giants this week, and could end up playing in San Francisco if Detroit beats New Orleans. That would be their best path to getting to the conference championship game.

But, I still see them winning at least one playoff game this year, regardless of what else happens. 

Easier: New Orleans Saints

Unfortunately for the Falcons, the Saints are the No. 3 seed. That means, if the Lions play like they did against Green Bay in Week 17, the Saints will be marching on into San Francisco. 

As good as the 49ers defense has been this season, they have given up a lot of big plays and points in the last few weeks. Even St. Louis was able to put up 27 points on them in the regular season finale. 

Drew Brees will be able to expose the 49ers secondary and set up a potential showdown with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers to determine the NFC champion. 

Easiest: Pittsburgh Steelers

Playing against Denver in the Wild Card game will essentially be a bye week for the Steelers, so they will be off to New England or Baltimore, depending on what happens with the Cincinnati-Houston game. 

Since I believe the Texans will win, the Steelers will take on the Ravens in the divisional round. I know that they got beat up in their two regular season games against Baltimore, but none of that matters now. 

Plus, how many people believe Joe Flacco will do anything in the playoffs?

The Steelers will be playing the Patriots for a chance to make it to the Super Bowl, and their defense will be too much for Tom Brady to overcome. 

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