NFL Playoffs 2011: Ranking the Underdogs' Chances to Advance

The NFL playoffs always provide some very exciting games and a few upsets along the way.

Wild card weekend proved to be exciting and filled with upsets as three out of the four teams that advanced were underdogs.

Now the divisional playoffs are quickly approaching and more upsets are likely. In fact, the Super bowl could have an underdog that represents the AFC or the NFC.

Here is a ranking of underdogs that could advance to the next round of the playoffs.

4. Seattle Seahawks

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks runs for a 67-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattl

The Seattle Seahawks pulled off one of the biggest upsets that the NFL playoffs have ever seen. The Seahawks were 10-point underdogs as they headed into a game with the defending champions and somehow emerged victorious.

Now they have to hit the road to face the Chicago Bears and once again are listed as 10-point underdogs.

Pete Carroll deserves credit for the win over the New Orleans Saints as does the entire Seahawks roster. The run by Marshawn Lynch to seal the game will be one of the top plays of the postseason, but it’s midnight Cinderella.

The Bears are well rested and ready to go. They will not take the Seahawks lightly because they lost during the regular season. The Bears will be tough to beat at home.

Chance to Advance for Seattle: Slim to None

3. New York Jets

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Place kicker Nick Folk #2 and Steve Weatherford #9 of the New York Jets celebrates after Folk successfully kicked a game-winning a 32-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to win 17-16 against the Indianapolis Colts during

Rex Ryan talks the talk and the New York Jets walked the walk against the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts did not put forth their best effort, but the Jets took advantage of all the miscues and were able to advance to face the New England Patriots.

It was not surprising that the Jets were underdogs in this game, but the high line is a bit stunning considering the history between these teams.

The Patriots and the Jets are bitter rivals and they split the season series so the Jets have a chance for the upset, but it would seem highly unlikely. Bill Belichick has had an extra week for his team to prepare and Ryan has already come out and announced this game will be a coaching battle between him and Belichick.

If Ryan keeps talking he may end up with his foot in his mouth. (Sorry bad pun)

Chance to Advance for New York: Anything can happen, but it won’t.

2. Green Bay Packers

Nick Laham/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: James Starks #44 of the Green Bay Packers runs through the tackle of Ernie Sims #50 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsy

The Green bay Packers were just three-point underdogs against the Philadelphia Eagles, but emerged victorious.

Now they are smaller underdogs when they take on the Atlanta Falcons, the best team in the NFC.

The Packers lost their first meeting between the two teams by just three points and this game has every indication of another thriller. Aaron Rodgers played very well against Philadelphia, but the Packers biggest surprise was the coming out of rookie running back James Starks.

The University of Buffalo product shredded the Eagles' defense and opened up the passing game while using up the clock.

Matt Ryan and the Falcons will be ready for the Packers after the bye week and this could be the most entertaining game of the week.

As much as the Packers could get the nod, a woeful record is cause for concern, and Atlanta’s dominance in the dome cannot be ignored.

Chance to Advance for Green Bay: Close, Very Close.

1. Baltimore Ravens

Geoff Burke/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. Pittsburgh won 13-10. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

The Baltimore Ravens brought their bravado into Arrowhead Stadium as small favorites and took it to the upstart Kansas City Chiefs.

The Ravens are deep in experience, tough on defense and built to win. The postseason is their playground and they have a way of winning on the road.

The game against the Pittsburgh Steelers is familiar territory for the Ravens, but they are still listed as underdogs for this game. This is mostly due to the location as this game is in Heinz Field. These battles are notorious for their hard hits and last minute heroics.

This has the potential to be a very close game and when these two teams face off, anything can happen.

Chance to Advance for Baltimore: If any dog will advance it’s this one.

Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com, your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at [e-mail].