NFL Playoff Predictions: Projecting Winners for Every 2011 Playoff Game

NFL playoff predictions are never easy, and with the parity we've seen this year, it could be tougher than ever.

The regular season is in the books, but finally, we have a concrete playoff bracket for both conferences; and for the first time in a long time, a trip to the Super Bowl is completely up for grabs.

With the conclusion of 2010 season, all we can do is glance at the postseason and do our best to predict who'll play in Dallas on February 6th to win the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl 45.

AFC PLAYOFFS

New York Jets #6 at Indianapolis Colts #3

This is a repeat of last year's AFC Championship game, and I'd be shocked to see a different result. Manning will eventually figure out the Jets defense and Sanchez won't prove to be good enough.

Baltimore Ravens #5 at. Kansas City Chiefs #4

The Chiefs boast one of the NFL's most feared running games, but the Ravens are ready to defend the run. Flacco shows his experience as he outplays Matt Cassell.

Divisional Round

Baltimore Ravens #5 at New England Patriots #1

This will be a tight one, with both teams boasting good passing and running games, and if the contest was in Baltimore I'd give the edge to the Ravens, but the Boston crowd leads the Patriots to yet another AFC Championship game.

Indianapolis Colts #3 at Pittsburgh Steelers #2

The terrible towels will play a major factor in this one. Dick Labeau will have a gameplan in place to stop the Colts running game and Manning's grouping of unheralded wideouts.

AFC Championship

Pittsburgh Steelers #2 at New England Patriots #1

Two of the games best big game quarterbacks square off to make another Super Bowl, but Brady's in such a rhythm and he's got the home crowd behind him. The Patriots squeeze won out.

NFC Playoffs

Green Bay Packers #6 at Philadelphia Eagles #3

The Eagles have had trouble containing the blitz and Dom Capers loves dialing up a bevy of linebackers and corners. It won't be easy stopping Michael Vick, but Aaron Rodgers wins it late for Wisconsin's team.

New Orleans Saints #5 at Seattle Seahawks #4

The Saints should have no trouble on the road against the Seahawks. Drew Brees marches his team on with ease.

Divisional Round

Green Bay Packers #6 at Atlanta Falcons #1

Many may pencil in the Falcons for a win here, but this game won't be easy for Matt Ryan and the Falcons. In the end, Atlanta's balance wins out.

New Orleans Saints #5 at Chicago Bears #2

The Saints may struggle in the adverse conditions in the Windy City, but it's hard to bet against Drew Brees and all the weapons he has. The Saints continue on their second magical run.

NFC Championship

New Orleans Saints #5 at Atlanta Falcons #1

These teams split in the regular season, with the road team winning in both games. The Falcons defense is good enough to limit the Saints enough to let Matty Ice pull one out in the fourth quarter.

Super Bowl 45

New England Patriots #1 vs. Atlanta Falcons #1

This is a battle of the titans with Tom Brady and Matt Ryan. The Falcons prove to be a legitimate contender, but Ryan hasn't yet become the next Brady. The Patriots win in another classic Super Bowl.