NFL Power Rankings: Identifying the League's Postseason Locks

In the NFC it's easy. 

In the AFC—not so much. 

I'm talking locks for the postseason and realistically, there couldn't be much more of a difference between each conference right now. 

Heading into Week 10, I've identified these teams as postseason locks. 

NFC 

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers have a five-game lead over the 2-6 Seattle Seahawks. Talk about an enviable situation. They get five more games against teams in their division. Using my magical football prediction powers, I'll say San Francisco gets into the playoffs. 

Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers is well on his way to the MVP award and the Packers easily have the best receiving corps in the NFL. They're all amazing at reeling in that back-shoulder laser No. 12 fires at them. Must be a focus in practice.

Anyway, their defense is susceptible to the pass, but they're turning the ball over enough. Will make the playoffs and should be the No. 1 seed with home-field advantage throughout. 

AFC 

Baltimore Ravens 

It was only a few weeks ago, after their humiliating loss to the Jaguars, when I was ready to write off the Baltimore Ravens. 

Over their last six quarters of football, they've totally changed my mind. 

Joe Flacco was instrumental in the team's comeback win over the Cardinals last week and was poised in the second half against the Steelers on Sunday night. Fantastic toss to Torrey Smith to win the game. At 6-2, with the season sweep over Pittsburgh and that intimidating defense, I don't see a way the Ravens miss the playoffs.

Houston Texans 

The Texans are finally starting to play quality football—the type we've expected from them for about three years now. They have a comfortable two-game lead in the division and have picked up wins without star receiver Andre Johnson in the lineup.

I don't see the Titans challenging down the stretch, so Houston should be in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. 

Good for them. 

I don't see any other "locks" in the AFC right now, which means we're in for some high drama in the final weeks of the 2011 season. 

Awesome. 

Week 10 Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers (8-0)	17. Dallas Cowboys (4-4)
2. San Francisco 49ers (7-1)	18. Oakland Raiders (4-4)
3. New York Giants (6-2)	19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4)
4. Baltimore Ravens (6-2)	20. Kansas City Chiefs (4-4)
5. New Orleans Saints (6-3)	21. Tennessee Titans (4-4)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)	22. Washington Redskins (3-5)
7. Cincinnati Bengals (6-2)	23. Carolina Panthers (2-6)
8. New England Patriots (5-3)	24. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
9. Houston Texans (6-3)	25. Cleveland Browns (3-5)
10. New York Jets (5-3)	26. Denver Broncos (3-5)
11. Detroit Lions (6-2)	27. Minnesota Vikings (2-6)
12. Buffalo Bills (5-3)	28. Arizona Cardinals (2-6)
13. Atlanta Falcons (5-3)	29. Miami Dolphins (1-7)
14. Philadelphia Eagles (3-4)*	30. Seattle Seahawks (2-6)
15. Chicago Bears (4-3)*	31. St. Louis Rams (1-7)
16. San Diego Chargers (4-4)	32. Indianapolis Colts (0-9)