NFL Playoff Predictions: AFC Teams with Best Odds of Taking Down Patriots

Just as they were in 2011, the New England Patriots are the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs.

They're obviously hoping for a longer stay in the postseason in 2012. Last year's campaign ended in the divisional round at the hands of the New York Jets, a loss that reminded every last one of us that anything can and will happen in the playoffs.

If nothing else, we can take that to mean that the Patriots are in just as much danger this year as they were last year. The only question is which team in the AFC is going to deny them the opportunity to go to the Super Bowl.

Of the five teams that could do the deed, there are only three that stand a legitimate chance of knocking off the Pats.

Let's count 'em down.

3. Houston Texans

Before we proceed any further with this discussion, I will explain that I've already gone on record with my belief that the Texans are going to have a brief stay in the playoffs. All the injuries they've been hit with are going to bring them down.

But in the event that the Texans come across the Patriots, it is at least conceivable that the Texans would be able to pull out a win.

This is primarily because of how well the Texans stack up against Tom Brady and New England's vaunted passing attack. The Texans finished third in the league in pass defense with an average of 189.7 passing yards allowed per game, and they piled up 44 sacks. Both their secondary and their pass rush are formidable obstacles.

As good as the Patriots are, they are easily beaten if Brady is held in check. The Texans feasted on a lot of weak opponents in 2011, but they will pose a tough challenge for Brady if they meet up with the Pats.

Offensively, the Texans would certainly need Arian Foster to gain the bulk of their yards. That's not asking too much, though, as the Pats' rush defense does have holes in it, and they are vulnerable against pass-catching backs like Foster. The Pats gave up 86 receptions to running backs during the regular season.

As long as T.J. Yates wouldn't have to do too much, the Texans could beat the Patriots.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are one of two AFC teams that can actually brag about having beaten the Patriots in 2011.

To boot, the Steelers did it in convincing fashion. When the Pats came calling in Week 8, the Steelers held them to 213 total yards and 17 points. With New England's offense under wraps, the Steelers won easily.

The Steelers are a little banged up on the offensive side of the ball, but their defense is still strong enough to handle the Pats if need be. The Steel Curtain led the NFL in pass defense this season, which is pretty impressive when you consider that it was a down year for Pittsburgh when it came to rushing the passer.

The reason I have the Steelers ranked ahead of the Texans on this little list is because they could hang with the Patriots in a shootout if they had to. Ben Roethlisberger is as good as anyone come playoff time, and he has a pair of outstanding receivers in Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown. Asking Big Ben to pick apart New England's notoriously bad defense isn't asking too much.

1. Baltimore Ravens

Like most people, I have something of a love/hate relationship with the Ravens.

When they play well, they might be the most dominant team in the AFC. When they play poorly, they look more like the Indianapolis Colts.

If they play up to their capabilities, the Ravens are more than capable of making a run to the Super Bowl, which will invariably take them through New England. The Ravens are arguably the best defensive team in the NFL, and they'll present a challenge to the Patriots because they're strong at all three levels. Their secondary is rock solid, their linebacking corps is led by a future Hall of Famer in Ray Lewis, and their defensive line is anchored by one of the most underappreciated players in the league, Haloti Ngata.

Offensively, the Ravens are pretty balanced. We all know what Ray Rice can do, but the connection Joe Flacco has developed with rookie wide receiver Torrey Smith should not be underestimated. There is also plenty to like about Ed Dickson.

The only thing that worries me is that a game between the Ravens and Patriots would be played at Gillette Stadium. The Ravens haven't played well at all on the road this season, and Gillette Stadium is a tough place to play.

But if the Ravens are hungry enough, they can make it happen.