NFL Playoff Picture: Who Would Rule Dallas If the Season Ended Today?

The NFL wants to make the regular season 18 games, the players don't. But here at Bleacher Report we're going to pretend that it is 14 games for today. So, in the spirit of making our own rules, what would happen if the season ended today?

There are a few certainties: 1) Brett Favre would play, somewhere, even if the Vikings didn't have a game.  2) The Patriots are boring and hated, but awesome. 3) Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson make the Eagles the most exciting NFL team to watch in recent memory.

Those are the certainties. But what happens in the playoffs is not easy to predict. There's home-field advantage, weather and injuries. It is impossible to predict, but I'm going to nail it today because there is actually no such thing as a 14 game NFL season.

Dallas or bust. Lets get it kids.

AFC East

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Running back Danny Woodhead #39 of the New England Patriots celebrates as he runs off the field after defeating the Green Bay Packers 31-27 at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Get

Nothing unusual out of the AFC East. It is being dominated by the New England Patriots (12-2, 3-1 AFC East). The Pats were the first team to seal a playoff berth with a win over the Jets, and a first-round bye looks imminent.

AFC North

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the New York Jets during the game on December 19, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4, 4-1 AFC North) have clinched a playoff spot already, and will have to win out to get the coveted first-round bye. At this point (in our imaginary 13 game season), they have it, and would sit back see who they play in round two. Let's see if that Steelers defense can carry the offense through the playoffs.

AFC South

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts passes against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Indianapolis (8-6, 3-2) needs to find a running game, quick. Peyton Manning is not himself this year and has committed a ton of interceptions (13) due to his team being 32nd in the league in rushing. They are first in the league in passing yards, but the lack of balance is killing them.

Big win last week to take the lead over the Jaguars in the division, but the Colts will have to finish strong.

AFC West

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ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 19: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to get by Craig Dahl #43 of the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 19, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Chiefs beat the Rams 27-13. (Photo by Dilip Vishwana

The Chargers (8-6, 5-5 AFC West) are coming on strong right now, like they always do at the end of the season. And the Chiefs are cooling off after their quick start, but I think the Chiefs (9-5, 6-4) will hold on to win the division. They are playing the Titans and the Raiders, both in Kansas City.

I think they just pound the rock with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones all day. Matt Cassel is probable this week, but I think this division will be won on the ground.

AFC Wild Card: Baltimore Ravens

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

The Ravens (10-4, 2-2 AFC North) will be finishing the year with two division games over bad teams in Cleveland and Cincinnati, and it looks like they will be the wild card at the moment, finishing second to the Steelers in the AFC North.

I love it when really good wild card teams get in, and not some joke team that got in by default.

AFC Wildcard: New York Jets

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 27: Bart Scott #57 of the New York Jets in action against the Washington Redskins during their preseason game on August 27, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Image

If the season ended today, every fan of the AFC would get what they wanted, entertainment-wise at least. The Jets (10-4, 3-2 AFC East) and Ravens as the wild cards? This seals the deal that every playoff game will be entertaining on the AFC side.

The Jets have had their ups and downs this season, and have done so publicly. But they are a solid, well coached team with a good defense. Defense wins playoff games.

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles (10-4, 4-1 NFC East) will win the division, and will need to win their remaining two games and hope for a Bears loss to get the first round bye. The Eagles are ridiculously hot, and the show they put on in the final 8:30 of the most entertaining fourth quarter in NFL history last week only confirms that.

The Eagles will win out. They just need the Bears to lose, which I'm expecting they will, because they are not as legit as everyone thinks.

NFC North

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 20: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears is congrtaulated by quarterback Jay Cutler #6 after scoring a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium on December 20, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt

Bears clinched. The Bears (10-4, 5-0 NFC North) had one good game this year, and it was against the Eagles. They also had a week and a half to prepare for it, but that's neither here nor there. I am anti-Bears because I don't believe the hype. They have no offensive line, and are going to get exploited soon.

Their line has gotten better, and it was good enough to go undefeated in a division that looked like it was going to be tough this year. They play the Jets next, and the Jets are in a must-win situation. The Bears will get destroyed by the Jets and the Eagles will get the bye once they win the rest of their games.

NFC South

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SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The Falcons (12-2, 4-0 NFC South) offense is so well balanced it is insane. They are the most complete offense in the NFL right now due in large part to Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and Roddy White.

They will finish the season against the Saints and Panthers, both likely wins because they are undefeated when playing at home this year. I would be shocked if the Falcons didn't get a first round bye.

NFC West

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams scrambles to pass the football during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeate

The Rams (6-8, 2-2 NFC West) will win the NFC West because they are the best bad team in it. I will say that the future definitely looks bright with Sam Bradford at the helm, but this division is just an embarrassment. The Rams control their destiny, playing two more division games against the Seahawks and 49ers. I think they will win them both, and somewhere Nelly will celebrate.

NFC Wild Card: New Orleans Saints

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 12: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams at the Louisiana Superdome on December 12, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Rams 31-13. (Photo

The defending Super Bowl champions are currently second in their division behind the 12-2 Falcons. But at 10-4, the Saints should get in the playoffs and be able to make some noise. They are a good football team that can win in the playoffs behind Drew Brees.

NFC Wild Card: New York Giants

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants hands the ball off to Ahmad Bradshaw #44 against the Philadelphia Eagles at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty

The Giants are a well balanced football team, both defensively and offensively. And if they didn't blow that game last week (which they did, big time) people would be all over them this week as one of the teams to watch to go to the Super Bowl.

The Giants are a team that will be able to win in the playoffs. I'm thinking they will finish off the regular season and cruise into the playoffs as a serious contender.

AFC Wild Card Game: Colts vs. Ravens

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CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 21: Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

The Ravens defense is too much for the Colts passing game in this one. Despite Peyton being the leading passer in the league, and the Ravens pass defense not being very good, I have to take the Ravens. The Colts appear to be a year away, again.

I say Baltimore cruises on the back of Ray Rice to a 27-17 win.

AFC Wild Card: Chiefs vs. Jets

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots is tackled by Bart Scott #57 of the New York Jets at the New Meadowlands Stadium on September 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Patriots 28 - 14.

Jets cruise because they can shut down the two headed monster that is Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones. They will force either Matt Cassel or Brody Croyle to throw, and that is not good for Chiefs fans. Dwayne Bowe cannot do it alone. It is not their strong suit. I'll take the Jets in an ugly one, 20-7.

NFC Wild Card: Rams vs. Saints

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 19: Marques Colston #12 of the New Orleans Saints goes up for a ball that was caught by Lance Moore #16 during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens def

The Saints will simply overpower the Rams from an offensive standpoint. Drew Brees will perform surgery on a Rams defense that lacks on a few different levels. It will really be a testament to the joke that is the NFC West this year.

Look for the Saints to make a statement. 44-17 Saints.

NFC Wild Card: Bears vs. Giants

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 05: Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants celebrates after sacking Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins who fumbled and loset the ball during their game on December 5, 2010 at The New Meadowlands Stadium in East R

The Bears weak offensive line will be exploited big time by two of the league's best defensive linemen in Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck. Those two will do whatever they want to the Swiss cheese offensive front of the Bears, and Devin Hester will not touch the ball, because last night's game in Antarctica proved he's still a stud return man.

Giants win 24-14.

AFC Divisional Game: Ravens vs. Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates a touchdown scored by running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis #42 (not pictured) against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on

New England is too good and too well-coached to lose to a good, but not great, Baltimore Ravens team. The Ravens should be able to shut down the Patriots respectable ability to run the football. But they aren't going to have an answer for Tom Brady or the Patriots defense. Joe Flacco will be overwhelmed, and the Patriots will win 31-17.

AFC Divisional Game: Steelers vs. Jets

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Braylon Edwards #17 of the New York Jets runs after catching a pass in front of Lawrence Timmons #94 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on December 19, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wi

The Steelers will be rested after their bye and should come out and take care of business against the Mark Sanchez-led Jets. Chances are it will be disgusting weather in Pittsburgh and the Jets will have to rely on the ground game more than they would like to, and nobody runs against the Steelers.

The Steelers defense embarrasses the Jets, and Sanchez cries post-game.

20-7 Steelers.

NFC Divisional Game: Saints vs. Falcons

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SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons rushes against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The Falcons will be fresh off their first-round bye and should capitalize with a nice win over what will surely be a Saints team that is ready to go. The Falcons are just too good, and well balanced. The Saints won't be able to put up enough points with their high flying offense.

It should come down to Michael Turner just wearing the Saints down, and Roddy White keeping them honest over the top while Matt Ryan performs surgery. It will be a good game with two good teams, but Falcons come out on top.

Falcons win 31-24.

NFC Divisonal Game: Giants vs. Eagles

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

This is gonna be a great football game. I'm already excited about this possible rematch. As you can tell, I enjoy watching explosive athletes, and I like watching big games. This game has both of those things. Big time players with a lot on the line.

I think the Giants gave the Eagles their best game last time they played and the Eagles will know what to expect. I just don't think you can game plan for Michael Vick. You cannot plan for what he does. I'm taking Philly because of Vick and DeSean Jackson's ability to stretch the field even when a safety is 25 yards deep and knows it's coming.

Philly wins a battle: 24-21

AFC Championship: Steelers vs. Patriots

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 17: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers encourages the fans to make noise while playing the Cleveland Browns on October 17, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won the game 28-10. (Photo by Gregory

I think the Steelers come out and win this one, and avenge their regular season loss to the Patriots. I have so much faith in the Steelers defense. It is insanely strong, and when those guys are on, people aren't scoring. They will need some help from their offense because Tom Brady is going to score points. He is. The Steelers will have to cause some turnovers, and rely on their defense yet again.

But Big Ben will need to step up, and something tells me he will on the big stage.

Steelers win 24-21.

NFC Championship: Falcons vs. Eagles

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

I've been showering the love all over both these teams, but at the end of the day I have to take the video game/turned real life X-factor. The running quarterback. But Vick isn't just any running quarterback. He's the kind you make with 99 strength and around 90 accuracy. Total freak, almost cheating.

Last week's performance showed he's got some intangibles. They battled back on the road against a division rival and won.

I think they are too much for the Falcons, despite a close game.

Vick beats his former employer, 33-28.

Super Bowl: Steelers vs. Eagles

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his touchdown run against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

I understand defense wins championships. But I have to stick with my gut here and take the Eagles. I think this would be the ultimate comeback story, and his teammates will rally behind him on their way to becoming Super Bowl champions.

The Steelers defense will do their best to contain Vick, but barring injury, I take the Eagles.

27-17...Philly.