NFL Playoff Predictions: Biggest Questions for Every Postseason Team

Every NFL team has questions heading into the NFL postseason. Whichever team can rectify its biggest question marks will win the Super Bowl.

Some of those questions are more glaring than others, but every team has at least one Achilles' heel.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Question 1: How much will Ben Roethlisberger be limited with his high-ankle sprain?

Question 2: Does Isaac Redman have what it takes to take over starting running back duties?

Question 1 is the biggest question possibly in the entire postseason. If Big Ben was 100 percent healthy the Steelers would be the favorite to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. But, if he is anything like he was against the San Francisco 49ers, this team is in major trouble.

Roethlisberger’s biggest attribute is his ability to keep plays alive. Against the 49ers he could hardly move. He has to be able to escape the pocket much better than he did against the 49ers if the Steelers want any chance of making the Super Bowl.

Question 2 is actually not as big of a deal as some may believe. Redman fumbled twice last week against the Cleveland Browns, which looks awful. However, Redman is averaging 0.3 more yards per carry than Mendenhall this season on a shorter sample size.

Mendenhall has had an off year posting only 928 yards rushing. His inability to gain yards after contact is what separates Mendenhall from Redman who always gets an extra yard or two.

The Steelers will need to run the ball with Redman to keep the offense balanced. It’s his time to shine.

Houston Texans

Question 1: Can the Texans hold up despite all of their injuries?

Question 2: Will the postseason be good enough?

It’s going to be extremely difficult for the Houston Texans to win more than one game in the postseason this year. Quarterback play is of the highest priority in the playoffs and the Texans have one of the worst situations to deal with.

T.J. Yates has recorded zero touchdowns and two interceptions in the past three games. He hasn’t been exactly setting the world on fire since being thrown in at quarterback.

When you lose not one but two quarterbacks, it’s surprising you even make the postseason. But, because their division is down, the Texans finally made their first dance.

Question 2 deals with finally making the postseason. Is their season complete now or will they strive for more? We will tell by their play come Saturday.

New England Patriots

Question 1: Will their defense hold up in the postseason?

Question 2: Will Bill O’Brien’s situation be a distraction?

I believe that the defense of the Patriots will be their downfall in the postseason. How many times will they fall behind and say, “OK, Tom Brady, can you bail us out?” They are No. 31 in the NFL in terms of passing defense, allowing 293.9 yards per game.

They consistently find themselves in shootouts.

Question 2 may have an impact, but it’s likely one that we won’t hear about. With O’Brien heading to Penn State next season, and working on finalizing a staff currently, you would think that there would be some type of a distraction.

Cincinnati Bengals

Question 1: Will Andy Dalton be able to perform at a high level given his sickness?

Andy Dalton has been sick all week long but should be ready to go on Saturday. He is the key to a Cincinnati Bengals victory against the Houston Texans and possibly a victory over the New England Patriots.

Cincinnati will struggle if Dalton doesn’t perform at a high level.

If he struggles against the Texans his first career playoff start could be one he’ll want to forget.

Baltimore Ravens

Question 1: Is Joe Flacco the guy to take the Ravens to the promise land?

Question 2: How will Baltimore handle playing at home?

Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens have experienced postseason success, but it hasn’t been where you would expect. Every playoff victory has been on the road.

This year will be the first season where the Ravens will host a playoff game. Flacco has to be scrutinized even more if the Ravens can’t get it done this season.

Denver Broncos

Question 1: Is Tim Tebow the right guy for the job?

The whole season has been focused on can he or can’t he in regards to Tim Tebow. He has done quality things and poor things in his first year of starting.

He has helped the Denver Broncos make the postseason, which is something that the naysayers said he couldn’t do.

However, he has turned the ball over multiple times per game in the past few weeks, something that the believers said he didn’t do.

Will Tebow have enough to compete against the Pittsburgh Steelers? If he does it should guarantee him a starting job next season. If he doesn’t maybe he’s gone.

New York Giants

Question 1: Can they ride the wave of their winning streak?

Question 2: Will they overlook the Atlanta Falcons?

Just when you think the New York Giants are defeated they come back and make a statement. When they needed to play up to their competition they did.

However, when they are the favorites they tend to struggle. The Seattle Seahawks came into town and defeated them earlier in the season.

Will they overlook the Atlanta Falcons? Atlanta was 13-3 last season, and they have loads of talent on the offensive side of the ball.

The Giants should be able to get up for these games seeing how we are in the postseason. Are we looking at another Super Bowl run from one of the hottest teams in the NFL?

San Francisco 49ers

Question 1: Is Alex Smith capable of quarterbacking a contender in the postseason?

Question 2: Will Jim Harbaugh’s inexperience in postseason come back to bite him?

Alex Smith has had a breakout season this year. He has thrown for 3,144 yards, 17 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He was asked to manage the game.

Can the 49ers win with a game-managing quarterback? If they face a team like New Orleans or Green Bay will this guy be able to keep up with Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers? Because we know that points will be score at a rapid pace.

Jim Harbaugh has inspired his players in his first year at the helm. But the playoffs are much different. Every play-call has the makings of ruining your efforts for glory. Will he be able to out-coach some of the veterans in the dance?

Detroit Lions

Question 1: Will the defense be able to make enough plays?

Question 2: Are they satisfied with just a playoff berth?

Instead of listing the run game as a question mark let’s look at the defense because if we have learned anything this season, running the football isn’t that important.

Defense, however, is very important. This Detroit Lions team just gave up 480 yards and six touchdowns to backup quarterback Matt Flynn.

Not good.

Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Eli Manning and Matt Ryan are all quarterbacks capable of lighting up the scoreboard. Will they be able to keep up with those quarterbacks?

Detroit hasn’t made the playoffs in years so are they satisfied with just making the postseason? We’ll find out.

Green Bay Packers

Question 1: Can their defense rise to the occasion?

Green Bay’s defense is the Achilles Heel of the Packers. Their pass defense finished the year with the worst ranking in the NFL allowing 299.8 yards per game. They are in the middle-of-the-pack in rushing defense.

We know that Rodgers will be able to move the ball, but will the defense be able to lend him a hand?

Atlanta Falcons

Question 1: Can the Falcons finally make some noise in the postseason?

Question 2: Will the defense be able to hold up?

Question 3: Can they win outdoors in January?

Atlanta finished the season 13-3 last year. Their postseason was short lasted as the Super Bowl champions Green Bay Packers sent them packing.

This season, however, is a completely different story. They are a Wild Card team that has earned the trip to New York to face the Giants. Atlanta, a dome team, will need to win in New York in January.

Tough task.

Their weapons on offense are magnificent. Ryan, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, Julio Jones and Michael Turner all have capabilities of putting up great numbers.

But can their defense hold the opponent down? They are going to need to show up if the Falcons plan on making a run.

New Orleans Saints

Question 1: Can the defense help the offense by playing at a high level?

Question 2: Can the Saints win outdoors in January?

Question 3: Can the Saints win a road game?

New Orleans consistently finds themselves in shootouts. Usually Drew Brees leads the team to victory, but sometimes he turns into an interception machine. They own the 30th-ranked pass defense and 12th-ranked rush defense

Suppose the Saints have enough to get by the Detroit Lions, how will they fare outdoors in San Francisco? Maybe in Green Bay?

All three of their losses have come on the road, two of which were outdoors. They lost to Green Bay, Tampa Bay and St. Louis on the road. 

Prediction

Green Bay vs. Pittsburgh in Super Bowl.