2011 NFL Playoff Predictions

With the 2011 NFL Season just around the corner, let's dive in and see who will make the playoffs.

Some teams kept most of last year's roster intact, but many other teams added some new toys to play with.

Obviously, the goal for every team is to make the playoffs, because you never know what could happen once you're in. Last year the Seattle Seahawks shocked the world by beating the Saints in the wild card game, and the Packers got hot at the right time.

There will be some playoff regulars and few bold predictions making this year's playoffs.

NFC #6 Seed: Detroit Lions

This is my bold prediction to make the playoffs.  The Lions have one of the strongest defensive lines in recent memory with Ndamukong Suh, rookie Nick Fairley, Kyle Vanden Bosch, and Corey Williams.  

Even with a weak secondary, quarterbacks will not have enough time to pass the ball with the Lions' scary pass rush. This team puts fear in opposing quarterbacks, but this is only one reason I believe the Lions are set to make the playoffs.

The health of quarterback Matthew Stafford will be key to leading the Lions into the playoffs.  He has Pro Bowl caliber talent, but hasn't been able to stay on the field.  Combine Stafford with WR Calvin Johnson and TE Brandon Pettigrew, and this offense is a powerhouse.

This team has talent on offense and defense to compete against the likes of the pass-protecting-challenged Bears, a Vikings team in transition, and the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.  

NFC #5 Seed: Atlanta Falcons

Throughout this season the Atlanta Falcons will be neck and neck fighting for the top seed in the NFC South with the New Orleans Saints.  They will ultimately come up  short, but will still receive a wild card spot.

The new addition of rookie WR Julio Jones will help elevate the games of Matt Ryan and Roddy White, and just might be enough for a strong playoff run.

The Falcons have the explosive offense and strong defense to finally win a Super Bowl this year.

NFC #4 Seed: St. Louis Rams

The NFC West is probably the weakest division in the NFL once again, having witnessed a team with a losing record win the division last season.  If division winners do not automatically make the playoffs, then no team in the NFC West would make the playoffs.  But since the winner of the division gets an automatic bid, I have to choose a team.

For the past few seasons, I chose the San Francisco 49ers to win the division in hopes that QB Alex Smith can figure it out and take this team back into the playoffs.  Well, I've given up on that idea. The 49ers have a solid team, but the one thing they don't have is a signal caller.

The Seattle Seahawks have the same quarterback problems while the Cardinals picked up an unproven quarterback in Kevin Kolb. That situation is a wait and see.

So I ended up choosing the St. Louis Rams to win the division.  Quarterback Sam Bradford will elevate his game to the next level, and it doesn't hurt to have a great running back in Stephen Jackson.

In reality, I don't believe the Rams are a playoff caliber team, but they will ultimately win the 4th seed.

NFC #3 Seed: Green Bay Packers

The defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers had an awesome playoff run last year.  They did this without two key cogs on their offense: TE Jermichael Finley and RB Ryan Grant.  With Aaron Rodgers having more weapons at his disposal, I have no doubt that the Packers can repeat as champs.

Now I don't see the Packers winning the NFC, but I do see them winning their division.  This team is a lock to make the playoffs, and don't be surprised to see them at Lucas Oil Stadium this coming winter. 

NFC #2 Seed: Philadelphia Eagles

The NFL's version of the Miami Heat.  The "Dream Team" of the NFL.  The team to beat. The $100-million-dollar man.

There are so many different titles for this team, but make no mistake, the Philadelphia Eagles are an elite team. The Eagles are built for a long playoff run and to win the Super Bowl. 

They recently paid their quarterback Michael Vick top three player money in hopes that he can lead them to the promised land.  A solid defense and an explosive offense is the perfect recipe for winning.

The question surrounding this team is if Michael Vick will be healthy enough by the time the playoffs roll around.  This preseason, the offensive line has looked horrendous.  If they want to win, they will have to shore up the line in hope of keeping Vick upright for the season.

Winning the NFC East is a lock, but winning the Super Bowl is a must.  

NFC #1 Seed: New Orleans Saints

When you have a quarterback like Drew Brees, then you're a lock to make the playoffs every year. Quarterback play is the key to winning in this league.  

The Saints are the new greatest show on turf. They now have a running game, which has been up and down in previous seasons with Mark Ingram.  He is a prototypical running back, and they added Darren Sproles as a change of pace back who I think is an upgrade over Reggie Bush.  

The running game will definitely pay dividends in the playoffs as well as help Brees set up the deadly play-action play.

The Saints will edge the Atlanta Falcons for the top seed in the NFC South and have the best record in the NFC.  Brees is the best quarterback in the NFC and will try to lead his team to another Super Bowl as the No. 1 seed.

AFC #6 Seed: Pittsburgh Steelers

The AFC is such a tough conference with so many elite teams.  The Pittsburgh Steelers will fight all season against the rivals Baltimore Ravens for the top spot in the division.  

The Steelers have a solid roster to make the playoffs again, but I believe there are some teams that are better than them.  Looking at many of the other teams' rosters, this team isn't as stacked with elite players, but we can't discount this winning franchise and its QB.  Ben Roethlisberger always seems to find a way to win.  

The Steelers will be the No. 6 seed, but whichever team they meet in the playoffs should be scared. This team is scary because of Big Ben. 

AFC #5 Seed: New York Jets

Rex Ryan's prediction; "The New York Jets will win the Super Bowl."  Rex Ryan predicts that the New York Jets will win the Super Bowl every year, and this year is no different.

This is a team with an elite defense anchored by CB Darrelle Revis.  Defense wins championships, but this team has had one of the top defenses for years and still hasn't made it to the Super Bowl.  

What has been hindering this team reaching the next step is the Jets' quarterback play.  Mark Sanchez does not have an elite arm or talent.  His job is to manage the team with minimal turnovers.  Ryan believes that Sanchez will be an elite quarterback and help this team win a Super Bowl, but I believe otherwise. Sorry Jets fans, Sanchez is not the guy to do that.  

This team will be the No. 5 seed and fall just short of the New England Patriots for the top spot in the division.

AFC #4 Seed: Houston Texans

Are the Houston Texans ever going to live up to expectations and finally make the playoffs?  You bet they will.  This team is stacked on offense with Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson and Arian Foster leading the way.

The Texans' front seven is solid, and will be even better with the addition of rookie JJ Watts.  This team lacked a top flight cornerback last season so they brought in the second-best cornerback on the free agent market in Jonathan Joseph.  The defense will definitely be much improved.

With Peyton Manning recovering from neck surgery, and the Colts' defense looking weaker, I believe this is the year the Houston Texans will finally win the AFC South, claim the No. 4 seed, and make a strong run in the playoffs.

AFC #3 Seed: San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers had the best offense and defense in the NFL last season, and they still didn't make the playoffs.  The main reason was because they have one of the worst special teams in the league, as well as being slow starters.

The special teams will be a lot better and they will start off hot this season.

Running back Ryan Matthews had a poor first season, but look for him to bounce back to make this offense even stronger. QB Phillip Rivers has put up elite numbers, but is never in the conversation as a top tier quarterback due to the lack of winning a Super Bowl.

His team is strong at every position once again, and if the Chargers are going to win the Super Bowl, Rivers is going to have to take this team to another level.

Look for the Chargers to dominate their division and make the playoffs as the No. 3 seed.

AFC #2 Seed: New England Patriots

The New England Patriots have been an elite team for many years and rightfully so.  They have the best coach in Bill Belichick and one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history in Tom Brady.  They have a goal to win the Super Bowl every season.

Brady now has an bigger possession receiver, which had been lacking since Randy Moss' departure in Chad Ochocinco this season, and Belichick also added Albert Haynesworth to an already stout defense.  If Haynesworth can be motivated and stay in shape, then the Patriots defense will be scary.

The Patriots offense looks crazy good, and it is going to be hard to beat because of it.  To some, the Patriots are Super Bowl favorites, and it is definitely a possibility. The Patriots should edge out their rivals, the Jets, and ultimately be awarded the No. 2 seed.

AFC #1 Seed: Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have had one of the best defenses for a very long time because of Ray Lewis' presence.  As Lewis' career is slowly coming to end, he would like to add another Super Bowl to his resume, and this year his team is poised to try and win it all.

The key factor for the Ravens to win the Super Bowl will be the play of fourth-year quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco has a strong arm and great poise in the pocket, as well as an elite running back and wide receiver by his side. If Flacco can elevate his game this year, then Ray Lewis can win his Super Bowl and probably walk off into the sunset.

When healthy, Ed Reed is arguably the best safety in the game.  Add talented, rookie cornerback Jimmy Smith into the mix with Lewis, and this defense is frightening. 

The Ravens will win the No. 1 overall seed and have a strong playoff run.

I predict the Ravens making the Super Bowl and playing the "Dream Team" Eagles for the ultimate prize.

Let me know who you think would win.