The Way Too Early NFL Playoff Picture and Super Bowl Prediction

It's the midway point in the NFL season, which means it's time to take a look at where the contenders stand and analyze how the playoff picture would unfold if the season ended today.

Take a look at each conference's potential matchups with predictions and a Super Bowl winner at the halfway mark.

AFC

Bye: Colts, Broncos

Wild Card Round

Chargers @ Steelers

If the Chargers get into the playoffs get into the playoffs with Norv Turner leading the way again, we'd be impressed. If they do it with a record better than 8-8, we might be blown away. Still, they'll be no match for the Steelers, who love to run the ball, something the Chargers have no idea how to stop.

Steelers 20, Chargers 13

Bengals @ Patriots

We like what we see in Cincinnati, and this game would likely stay close due to the Bengals' solid all-around defense and their commitment to the ground game. However, we just can't see Tom Brady getting more rattled than Carson Palmer. Hey, the Bengals will be happy just to make the postseason, right?

Patriots 34, Bengals 27

Divisional Round

Patriots @ Colts

Just like old times, this matchup would garner heavy TV ratings and have ESPN buzzing for the entire week leading up to the game. Oddly enough, this Sunday we'll get a preview of this very contest, and then we'll really know what we're in for.

I think the Patriots might end the Colts' winning streak in the regular season, but come playoffs, Peyton Manning will be back on top of his game.

Colts 31, Patriots 27

Steelers @ Broncos

Much to the dismay of Denver fans everywhere, the Chargers won't somehow sneak past the Steelers, and Kyle Orton and co. will once again be faced with the task of disarming the ticking time bomb that is Pittsburgh's defense. Orton isn't a bad quarterback, but he's not good enough to beat the Steelers with all the chips on the line.

Steelers 27, Broncos 16

AFC Championship Game

Steelers @ Colts

Pittsburgh is good enough to get all the way back to the AFC Championship game, but while their defense focuses on stopping the Colts' running game, Manning will pick apart their overrated pass defense. It'll be close, but Manning won't be denied a return to the world's biggest stage in 2009.

Colts 30, Steelers 21

NFC

Bye: Saints, Vikings

Wild Card Round

Eagles @ Cowboys

We just got a chance to see how heated this matchup can be this past Sunday night, and we'll get one more look at it before this possible contest in the playoffs. Philadelphia had its time under the lights last year, however, and it's finally time for Tony Romo to get rid of his playoff curse.

Cowboys 21, Eagles 17

Falcons @ Cardinals

A re-match of last year's wild card showdown, and this time it will go the opposite way. The Cardinals are easily good enough to put the pieces back together and make another run at the Super Bowl, but Matt Ryan will be ready for the playoff nerves this time around.

Falcons 24, Cardinals 21

Divisional Round

Falcons @ Saints

This is where the playoffs suddenly take an interesting turn. Playoff teams with bye weeks have a history of being vulnerable after a week off, and if the Saints don't have Sedrick Ellis and their run defense back at a top-notch level for this game, the Falcons have a decent chance of stealing an upset.

Falcons 28, Saints 27

Cowboys @ Vikings

Brett Favre is back in the playoffs, and while everyone will look for him to sling it left and right against the Cowboys, Brad Childress will play it conservative and let Adrian Peterson carry them to the NFC Championship. The season started with Favre carrying the team, but it'll end with AD doing the hard work.

Vikings 38, Cowboys 24

NFC Championship Game

Falcons @ Vikings

Call me crazy, but there's got to be someone in the Minnesota Vikings organization that has been dreaming about this game since the Falcons beat the Vikings to get to the Super Bowl in 1998. Peterson should be able to carve Atlanta's vulnerable rush defense as Favre enjoys another landslide victory away from cold weather.

Vikings 31, Falcons 17

Super Bowl

Vikings @ Colts

Both Peyton Manning and Brett Favre have a championship, so this game will actually (ironically) be less about them and more about the other guys on their respective teams fighting for a ring. Adrian Peterson will do the majority of the work against a fairly vulnerable Colts run defense, as the Colts' stingy secondary will keep Favre at bay until the end of the game.

Vikings 27, Colts 24