NFL Predictions Playoffs 2010-2011: Who Will Win The Super Bowl?

With the regular season set to kick off in just a couple of days, it's time for predictions!

Even though it's too early to truly tell, I've decided to look into the crystal ball and analyze who I expect to not only go to the playoffs but win the Super Bowl.

Will the Saints repeat? Will the Colts have a Super Bowl hangover? Are teams such as the Jets or Packers for real?

Let's find out!

AFC Wild Card: New England Patriots (6) @ New York Jets (3)

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SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 17: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets runs with the ball against the San Diego Chargers during AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Qualcomm Stadium on January 17, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

If this matchup were to occur, then what better way to kickoff the playoffs than with a heated division rivalry? 

While the New England Patriots are the more experienced club, they are no longer the more talented.

Even though I believe they'll be playing with a chip on their shoulder throughout the season, I expect the Jets to overwhelm them.

If you take a look at the Patriots, their strength is their prolific aerial attack. On the other hand, if there's a team that can contain them, it'd be the Jets which is why I have them winning this game.  

NFC Wild Card: Atlanta Falcons (6) @ New Orleans Saints (3)

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NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 27: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the San Diego Chargers at the Louisiana Superdome on August 27, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

This matchup would be highlighted by two of the more explosive offenses in the league and would definitely be one of the more entertaining games of the year.

In the end, the reigning Super Bowl champs will prevail and move on to the next round.

They're simply too skilled and too well-coached to endure a one-and-out. 

AFC Wild Card: Houston Texans (5) @ San Diego Chargers (4)

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ST. LOUIS - DECEMBER 20: Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans hauls in a pass against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 20, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Texans beat the Rams 16-13. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Here, I project, the first upset of the playoffs to occur.

Note, when making these predictions I assumed that any contract holdouts would be unresolved which means Phillip Rivers' blind side would be exposed, and he wouldn't have his top wideout to throw to.

While that may get them by in the regular season against a weak AFC West division, an improved Texans' defense will be sure to take advantage of it. 

NFC Wild Card: Minnesota Vikings (5) @ San Francisco 49ers (4)

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SAN FRANCISCO - AUGUST 22: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before their preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on August 22, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Brett Favre has ended the 49ers' playoff runs several times before as a Packer. Now, I predict him to do the same as a Viking.

Even though the 49ers are a talented group for the most part, Alex Smith will be a liability in the playoffs until he proves otherwise.

AFC Divisional Round: Houston Texans (5) @ Baltimore Ravens (1)

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PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: Haloti Ngata #92 and Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate after Ngata recorded a sack in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsbur

The Baltimore Ravens are a dominant team on both defense and offense, and I expect them to terrorize the Houston Texans.

There's no way that an inexperienced team will be able to beat the likes of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

Honestly, I wouldn't even consider this much of a contest. 

NFC Divisional Round: Minnesota Vikings (5) @ Green Bay Packers (1)

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty

I personally think that the Green Bay Packers are one of the most complete teams in the NFL. Of course, they are also one of the youngest.

Moreover, they looked absolutely horrendous in the playoffs last season against the Arizona Cardinals.

Unless that changes, I've got to say the Vikings win this game. 

Brett Favre & Co. are on a mission. 

AFC Divisional Round: New York Jets (3) @ Indianapolis Colts (2)

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INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 02: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts watches from the sidelines during the NFL preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Ge

This would be a great rematch of last year's AFC Championship Game, which the Colts won 30-17.

If this game were to occur, I would predict a similar outcome. In my mind, the New York Jets are more pretenders as opposed to true contenders.

I question whether Mark Sanchez and Shonn Greene can carry this offense and put points on the board in order to keep up with the Colts. 

NFC Divisional Round: New Orleans Saints (3) @ Dallas Cowboys (2)

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NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 19: Linebacker DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Dallas Cowboys sacks quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on December 19, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

There's no denying that both of these teams are incredibly talented and boast potent offenses. 

The key difference is that I believe the 'Boys defense is much better, which is why I have this being the game when the defending champs finally fall off their throne.

Plus, I'm sure they have some added motivation considering their past playoff woes and the fact that the Super Bowl will be played in their home stadium this year.

AFC Conference Championship: Indianapolis Colts (2) @ Baltimore Ravens (1)

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 10: Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the 2010 AFC wild-card playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 10, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

This is the year that I believe the Ravens take their next step forward and elevate their game to a whole new level.

As I referenced to earlier, they have an offense that can now stay on par with their stifling defense. 

Since they'd be facing Peyton Manning, this will be the ultimate challenge. Of course, the one advantage they have is their effective ground attack against the Colts' porous rushing defense.

Putting all that into consideration, I have the Ravens winning and representing the AFC in the Super Bowl.  

NFC Conference Championship: Minnesota Vikings (5) @ Dallas Cowboys (2)

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MINNEAPOLIS - JANUARY 17: Defensive end Jared Allen #69 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates his sack against Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 17, 20

Surprised?

Well, lately, several teams have made Cinderella-like runs in the playoffs, and I project this to be the Vikings' year.

It just goes to show that once your in the playoffs, it's a fresh slate.

So, yes, I believe that the team many are throwing underneath the bus will win the NFC and play in the Super Bowl.

With a star quarterback, elite running back, strong offensive line, and premier defense, they've got all the ingredients to win it all.

The remaining question is...will they?

Super Bowl: Minnesota Vikings (5) Vs. Baltimore Ravens (1)

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Lucas Oli Stadium on January 16, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty

Heading into this season, the Baltimore Ravens are my favorite to win the Lombardi Trophy.

Joe Flacco enters his third year in the league and with the new weapons in his arsenal, he should be able to lead this team to victory.

And, of course, they still have one of the best defenses in the league.

I just think that the Ravens would be too much for the Vikings to handle.