NFL 2010 Preseason Predictions: AFC Playoff Preview

Much like Thursday's NFC predictions, these will predict the seeds of the AFC and how those matchups will play out. As stated in the aforementioned article, the AFC is expected to produce the 2010 NFL champion.

1. Indianapolis Colts: The defending AFC champion not only has probably the best passing game thanks to Peyton Manning, but an easier schedule than any contender other than the San Diego Chargers. Moreover, their above average defense from last season should be better with the return of Bob Sanders, even if it is unlikely he will stay healthy for the whole season, and their running game should improve.
2. San Diego Chargers: The only reason the Chargers are in the playoffs is they are in the worst division in football. Having lost their best defensive player (now that Shawne Merriman has been exposed for only a solid starter without the aid of performance enhancing drugs) in Antonio Cromartie and traded away their best wide receiver in Vincent Jackson, they will need first-round pick Ryan Matthews to do more than LaDanian Tomlinson did in his last two seasons, because Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates cannot carry this offense.
3. Baltimore Ravens: By adding T.J. Houshmandzadeh to the Anquan Boldin-boosted receivers for young quarterback Joe Flacco, this perennial defensive beast has a scary offense that also includes one of the best all-purpose backs in the league in Ray Rice. By virtue of a week one win over the New York Jets, they will still earn homefield advantage over the offseason Super Bowl favourites despite a brutal division.
4. New York Jets: Darrelle Revis' holdout makes him vulnerable to injury and may prevent this team from having one of the best pass defenses ever. Nevertheless, last year's top-ranked pass defense added Jason Taylor and Cromartie and get Kris Jenkins back from injury, giving them a boost in all three levels. The loss of last year's team leader in rushing, Thomas Jones, was mitigated by the development of Shonn Green and addition of Tomlinson. Their great offensive line helps them deal with having a sub-par receiving corps and green quarterback.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: By virtue of a Week One win over the New England Patriots, the Bengals will earn the top wild card berth in the AFC. Terrell Owens will be on his best behaviour as usual in his first year, giving the Bengals two targets for Carson Palmer again to augment a strong running game and defense.
6. New England Patriots: Wes Welker's unexpectedly quick return and the development of the defense should put this team right back into contention--all fans should be so lucky as to have a team's "rebuilding" phase never see them drop below ten wins.

In the first round, the Ravens would once again be pitted against the Patriots, this time at home. Having improved more than almost any other team in the offseason, they will win.

The Jets will also have a rematch against the Bengals, and also become the hosts. As another team that improved greatly over the offseason, they should be able to pull this one out, particularly because they have the pass defense to shut down the ego-maniacal duo of T.O. and Chad Johnson (remember how he said he would change his name back from that ridiculous "Ochocinco" if Revis shut him down? Well, I am holding him to that!) and watch them implode on the sideline.

The Ravens will travel to San Diego in what may be the easiest pick of the entire playoffs--Nate Kaeding will not even get a chance to miss a crucial kick to lose this one. The Jets will then get a rematch against the Colts, and I think their bravado will catch up with them and they will be humbled...unless Sanders is hurt.

Either way, the Ravens are the best team in the AFC, and win the title game. Their only weakness is their corners, and Ed Reed makes up for a lot of that.

While either Indy or Green Bay (the NFC pick) can exploit that and keep from turning the ball over, only the Packers have the defense to contain the Ravens. But Green Bay has had injury problems each of the last two seasons and is already seeing them crop up in their secondary, and has too little playoff experience to handle the big stage.