NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Why New England Has the Easiest Path to Indy

When the New England Patriots finished 13-3 and secured the top seed in the AFC, they immediately became the favorite to emerge from the conference and represent it in the Super Bowl. The Patriots have always been tough at home, and this year was no different, as they went 7-1, suffering only a tough 24-20 loss to the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium.

Since that loss to the Giants in Week 9, the Patriots have ripped off eight consecutive wins and they are rolling. This weekend in the Divisional round New England hosts a Denver Broncos team it already beat, 41-23, in Week 15. If the Patriots beat the Broncos, they will host either the Houston Texans or Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game.

The Patriots are by far the best team remaining in the AFC, and they should be able to handle the Broncos this weekend. With reigning NFL MVP Tom Brady at the helm, New England's offense is far too good for Denver's 20th-ranked defense to contain. 

In the AFC title game, the Patriots would face either the league's second-best defense in Houston or the third-best defense in Baltimore. While either of those games would be a challenge, Brady has shredded great defenses before. And with Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, Deion Branch and Aaron Hernandez all healthy and playing well, I'm not sure if any defense could contain the Pats right now.

As things stand right now, if the Patriots don't reach the Super Bowl, it would be a huge disappointment.