NFL Playoff Predictions: Defenses That Will Shut Down Opponents

The old saying is, “Defense wins championships.” It was proven true when Baltimore, Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh won their Super Bowls behind rock sold defenses. 

These three defenses will be challenged when they go up against some great offenses in the playoffs. However, they will hold tight to help their teams advance deep into the postseason. 

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers come into the playoffs with the best defense in the NFC. They ranked first in overall defensive yards, rushing defense and points allowed per game—while ranking fifth in passing defense. 

In the Divisional Round, the defense will be put up against their greatest test of the 2011 season, when they should go up against the New Orleans Saints. 

The Saints will bring in a passing game that ranked No. 1 in the NFC, averaging 467 yards per game. 

The 49ers will have to force Brees into making off-target throws that result in interceptions. While Brees did have 46 touchdown passes, he also had 14 interceptions. The 49ers ranked No. 2 in the NFC in takeaways—finishing second in the conference in interceptions with 21. 

This will lead to a big upset for the 49ers over the Saints in the Divisional Round. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers enter the playoffs with the No. 1 defense in the AFC. They have proven this year that they can handle a high-powered offense—when they shut down the Patriots to their lowest point total in 2011. 

Pittsburgh opens the playoffs against the worst passing offense in the AFC, the Denver Broncos. 

They should have no problem handling Tim Tebow and the Broncos offense, which could lead to a rematch against the Patriots in the Divisional Round. 

Against the Steelers, Tom Brady had his lowest yard total on the year—throwing for only 198 yards, and saw his lowest average yard per completion at 5.6. With the Steelers not having any major injuries to their defense, they should have no problem taking care of New England for a second time. 

Green Bay Packers

The Packers have one of the best offenses in the NFC. However, their defense at home has been rock solid.

If you take out the Week 17 game against Detroit, the Packers allowed over 21 points to opposing teams twice. Along with keeping teams under 21 points, Green Bay was able to hold two opponents to seven points or less. 

The Packers finished the year in the Top 10 of the NFC in sacks with 41, first in interceptions with 29 and second in turnover differential with a plus-22. 

Green Bay can score a lot of points, but they can also keep their opponents from catching up as well. 

These three defenses will help their teams achieve their goals of advancing in the playoffs. However, only one of these three defenses can carry their team to the ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl. 

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