NFL Playoffs 2010-11: Two Teams Who Could Be Locks To Play In Arlington

With the 2010-11 playoffs only weeks away, only one team has secured their playoff spot. Others remain in tight division and wild card races that may not be decided until Week 17.

Their are two teams that have really stood out in the first 14 weeks of the season. Each possess an 11-2 record, and have a perfect record at home. These teams could be locks to win each conference and meet in Jerry's Palace for Super Bowl XLV.

First off, the Atlanta Falcons are arguably the best team in the NFL, maintaining the best record in the NFC with a beat down of the Carolina Panthers, 31-10. Atlanta's only two losses have both come from division leaders; the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North, which ended in overtime, and the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East. Since then, the Falcons have won seven straight.

Atlanta's final three games also makes them the favorite for home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. They will play their final away game against the Seattle Seahawks, who sit at 6-7 in the least competitive division in the NFL.

Following their trip to Seattle, the Falcons will host the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football, who are just one game back at 10-3. In Week 17, 1-12 Carolina will come to the Georgia Dome for the final game of the regular season. Predicted finish; 14-2.

The team most likely to meet the Falcons in Arlington is the New England Patriots. Fresh off of their Monday night domination of the New York Jets, the Patriots came out in Week 14 and pounded the Chicago Bears on the road in a snow storm. Dating back to Thanksgiving, the Patriots have outscored their opponents 126-34.

The Patriots are the only team to clinch a spot in the playoffs, sitting comfortably atop the NFC East by two wins over the Jets. The Jets are one of two teams to beat the Patriots, which happened all the way back in Week 2. New England's only lopsided game happened in Cleveland when the Browns dominated time of possession and won 34-14.

Since the blunder in Cleveland, the Patriots have won five in a row. They also have a favorable schedule heading into the playoffs with just one more game away from Foxborough.

Next week they take on the 8-5 Green Bay Packers, who are 3-4 on the road and may be without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers sustained his second concussion of the season against the Detroit Lions.

Following Week 15, New England's final road game takes place in Buffalo. The Bills are just 3-10 but as previously stated, nearly won in Foxborough during Week 3. The Patriots come back home to take on the Miami Dolphins, who took a 41-14 beat down by New England in Week 4, but have a 6-1 record on the road.

Atlanta and New England each control their own destiny. Winning out would solidify home-field throughout and give them the most favorable playoff schedule. Tom Brady is looking for his fourth Super Bowl ring, while third-year quarterback Matt Ryan is looking for his first Super Bowl appearance.