50 Things You Need to Know Before the 2011 NFL Playoffs Begin

Can you believe it? Thanksgiving has come and gone, and we're about to the enter the final stretch of the 2011 regular season. 

As the playoff picture begins to shape up and as the contenders separate themselves from the pretenders, we now have a better picture of what to expect in January and in February. 

In that spirit and before the playoffs actually begin, here are 50 things that you need to know before the 2011 NFL playoffs begin. 

If the Playoffs Were to Start Today, the Houston Texans Would Be the No. 1 Seed

How would have thought that the Houston Texans would have been the No. 1 seed in the AFC a year ago? But the real question should be, now with T.J. Yates or Jake Delhomme at quarterback, how long will the Texans remain at the top seed? 

Houston currently has an 8-3 record, which is tied with the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Who Is T.J. Yates?

There is a very strong possibility that T.J. Yates will be the Houston Texans starting quarterback from here on out. 

With that being said, no one knows too much about Yates. For starters, he's a rookie out of North Carolina, as he was selected in the fifth round by the Texans.

As a Tar Heel, Yates posted a solid 131.7 quarterback rating, as he tossed 58 touchdowns but was picked off 46 times. 

If the Playoffs Started Today, the Green Bay Packers Would Be the Top Seed

Can anyone stop the Green Bay Packers? Their 11-0 record argues not. 

The Packers have a real legitimate chance of emerging as Super Bowl champion for the second consecutive year, as they will likely have the top seed in the NFC. 

The Green Bay Packers Have a Great Chance of Repeating

Over the course of NFL history, the reigning Super Bowl champion went on to repeat as champion a total of eight times. 

The Green Bay Packers could very well join that list as Super Bowl repeats, as they'd become the first team to do so since the New England Patriots did from 2003-2004. 

As of right now, the Packers are 11-0 and look to be unstoppable. 

The Last Super Bowl Champion Was a Wild-Card Team

Believe it or not, there have been seven wild-card teams that have won the Super Bowl in NFL history, so it's that possible to go through four games and be crowned champion.

The last team to do so were the Green Bay Packers from a year ago. 

The Green Bay Packers Could Start the Playoffs with an Undefeated Record

The Green Bay Packers have a real good chance of becoming the second team in NFL history to finish 16-0. 

However, that not might be a good thing, as the 2007 Patriots finished their regular season 16-0, but ended up losing in the Super Bowl against the New York Giants. 

18-1 will be forever remembered by New England Patriots fans. 

If the Playoffs Started Today, the New England Patriots Would Be the No. 2 Seed

Despite having one of the worst defenses in the NFL, the New England Patriots have managed to post a solid 8-3 record through 12 weeks of the 2011 NFL season.

If the playoffs were to start today, the Patriots would end up as the No. 2 seed behind the Houston Texans, who are the top team as of right now. 

The Patriots Have Lost Back-to-Back Home Playoff Games

Entering this year's playoffs, New England Patriots fans should not feel very confident. The Patriots have lost back-to-back home playoff games and three playoff games in a row overall.

Most recently, the Patriots were blown out by the New York Jets this past January—they couldn't stop a nosebleed!

Tom Brady Has a Career 14-5 Playoff Record

Despite losing three straight playoff games, Tom Brady has been dominant in the playoffs with a stellar 14-5 career record.

Brady started off his career with an incredible 10-0 record. 

If the Playoffs Started Today, the San Francisco 49ers Would Be the Second Seed

It's quite remarkable how well Jim Harbaugh is doing in his first year as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. 

Harbaugh's 49ers are an impressive 9-2 record and would be the No. 2 seed in the NFC if the playoffs started right now. 

Alex Smith Has Yet to Play in the Playoffs

Entering the 2011 playoffs, the San Francisco 49ers will be one of the most inexperienced teams in the postseason, as this is Jim Harbaugh's first year in the NFL.

In fact, Alex Smith has yet to make a postseason appearance, which is something to be concerned about. 

If the 49ers Won the Super Bowl, Jim Harbaugh Would Have Won It as a Rookie

If the San Francisco 49ers magically won the Super Bowl this season, Jim Harbaugh would become the third ever coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl in his rookie season as a head coach. 

Wouldn't that be something? 

If the Playoffs Started Today, the Pittsburgh Steelers Would Be a Wild-Card Team

How disappointing would that be? The reigning AFC champions entering the playoffs as only a wild-card team.

Entering Week 13, the Steelers are still 8-3 but are only good enough to have the fifth seed in the AFC right now.

Ben Roethlisberger Is a Playoff Winner

Entering the 2011 playoffs, Ben Roethlisberger is nothing short of a playoff winner. 

Big Ben has posted a stellar 10-3 record in the playoffs thus far in his NFL career. 

Pittsburgh Can Win Its Seventh Super Bowl Title

The Pittsburgh Steelers are arguably the greatest franchise in all of the NFL and could add to their greatness this season with yet another Super Bowl trophy.

Pending a Super Bowl victory, the Steelers would have seven championships in franchise history. 

Tim Tebow and the Broncos Can Actually Make the Playoffs

It's certainly hard to believe, but we could see Tebowing taken to a whole other level this year, as Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos are actually in playoff contention.

As of right now, the Broncos are a game behind the Oakland Raiders in the AFC West and definitely have a chance to make a run for it. 

Drew Brees' Playoff Record Is Mediocre

Drew Brees is said to be a winner, but he doesn't necessarily have a great playoff record to back it up.

At 4-3, Brees still is a winner, but he's not as dominant as people may believe.

The Last Two Super Bowl Champions Have Had Top of the League Offenses

So much for the saying that "defenses win championships," as the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints were completely against that statement the past two seasons.

The two past Super Bowl champs had top of the league offenses the year that they won and prove that offenses can win championships. 

The Green Bay Packers Have the Highest-Scoring Offense

As stated in the previous slide, scoring wins championships—that's the new trend in the NFL.

As of right now, the Green Bay Packers have the highest scoring and most efficient offense in the league and appear to be favorites to win the Super Bowl this season. 

The San Francisco 49ers Have the NFL's Most Dominant Defense

I may have just said that offenses win championships, but you still have a solid defense. 

In San Francisco's case, they have the NFL's top defense, as they have allowed a league best 14.6 points per-game average—that's pretty damn good. 

Houston's Defense Can Carry It Deep in the Playoffs

I guess it doesn't matter who's playing quarterback for the Houston Texans; they have a top of the league defense. In fact, they are currently second in the NFL for scoring, which will pay dividends moving forward the road.

Don't be surprised if this defense carries them deep into the playoffs—unless T.J. Yates throws five interceptions a game.

The Texans Can Win in the Playoffs Without a Legitimate Quarterback

The Houston Texans may be without Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart for the remainder of the season, but they still have a recipe for success. 

The Texans have the NFL's second ranked defense as well as the league's third best rushing attack—that is definitely a recipe for success. 

Defensive Passer Ratings Win Championships

According to ColdHardFootballFacts, pass defenses win championships. More specifically, defensive passer ratings win champions. 

If that's the case, then the Houston Texans are favorites to win it all with their 62.1 quarterback rating. 

Arian Foster Could Be the MVP Entering the Playoffs

I'm not saying that Arian Foster will the 2011 NFL MVP award, but he could be the most valuable player from now until the playoffs. 

Without a true quarterback, the Texans will have to run the ball in order to win, and that means a lot of touches for Foster. 

The Green Bay Packers Can Be the First Team to Ever Finish 19-0

How incredible would that be? The Green Bay Packers finishing an amazing 19-0? A perfect season topped off with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

This would be an accomplishment that the 2007 New England Patriots failed to complete. 

If this were to happen, the 2011 Packers would be the greatest team in NFL history. 

If the Playoffs Started Today, the New York Jets Would Not Be in the Playoffs

How pathetic is that? A team that is so talented with arguably the NFL's most suffocating defense not making the playoffs—that's just embarrassing.

Right now, the New York Jets are 6-5 and are on the outside looking in. 

Mark Sanchez Cannot Lead the Jets to a Super Bowl

This is something that all New York Jets fans need to know: Mark Sanchez will not lead you to the promised lead. I guarantee it.

Sanchez's career 73.4 quarterback rating and 55 completion percentage is far from impressive—it's quite mediocre. 

If the Playoffs Started Today, the Detroit Lions Would Not Be in the Playoffs

So much for starting off 5-0—the Detroit Lions are currently in a free fall that is keeping them out of the playoffs.

The Lions now have a 7-4 record, which means they have gone a pitiful 2-4 since starting 5-0 and are on the outside looking in.

Matthew Stafford Isn't Consistent Enough to Win in the Playoffs

As the Detroit Lions have been stumbling, so has their quarterback Matthew Stafford. 

Stafford has been absolutely dreadful the past month or so. To make it simple, he's been far too inconsistent and turns the ball over far too much.

As of right now, Stafford has been picked off 13 times, and that is not going to go over so well in the playoffs. 

If the Playoffs Started Today, the New York Giants Would Not Be in the Playoffs

What happened to the New York Giants? Just a few weeks ago, they were the best team in the NFC East and looked to be climbing their way to the top of the NFL—things have changed drastically. 

Now, the Giants aren't even in the playoff picture, as they sit with a 6-5 record while on a three-game losing streak. 

The Giants Pass Defense Is Not Good Enough to Win a Championship

The New York Giants do not have an elite offensive attack and have a mediocre pass defense—that is not a recipe for success.

As of right now, the Giants defensive passer rating is 83.4, which is good enough for 16th in the NFL. 

The Giants have a lot work to do in order to get back into the playoff picture. 

The New England Patriots Defense Is Extremely Bendable

The New England Patriots have the ultimate bend-don't-break defense. 

Entering Week 13, New England's bendability is currently at 20.22—which means that in order to score a single point against their defense, an opposing offense needs to accumulate at least 20 yards. 

Joe Flacco Is Not a Playoff Performer

Joe Flacco may be a winner in the regular season with a career 40-19 record, but in the playoffs, it's a completely different story.

Entering the 2011 postseason, Flacco has posted a very mediocre 4-3 record and has been the downfall of the Baltimore Ravens the past few years. 

Joe Flacco Is Still Making Rookie Mistakes

Thus far, 2011 has been Joe Flacco's worst statistical season of his NFL career. 

Entering Week 13, Flacco has a career-low 78.9 quarterback rating while completing only 56 percent of his passes and throwing 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions.  

If the Playoffs Started Today, the Cincinnati Bengals Would Be the No. 6 Seed

How incredible is this? The Cincinnati Bengals have gone from having Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens and now winning with a pair of rookies, Andy Dalton and A.J. Green.

With a 7-4 record, the Bengals are the sixth seed in the playoffs. 

Andy Dalton Could Become the First Ever Rookie Quarterback to Win a Super Bowl

This may be a bit hard to believe, but a rookie quarterback has never won a Super Bowl. Andy Dalton could be the first.

Dalton has been incredible for the Cincinnati Bengals all season long, as he's played like a seasoned veteran rather than a rookie. 

Tom Brady Is the NFL's Most Clutch Player Entering the 2011 Playoffs

You may hate Tom Brady, but you have to respect and fear him.

Out of all the players in the NFL today, Brady has the greatest playoff success. Entering the 2011 postseason, Brady has a stellar 14-5 record with three playoff comebacks, as well as six game-winning drives. 

Aaron Rodgers Can Cement Himself as One of the All-Time Greats

This may be a little far fetched, but it's my opinion.

If Aaron Rodgers can lead his Green Bay Packers to a second consecutive Super Bowl victory, he will then cement himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. 

If Tom Brady Wins Another Ring, He Will Be the Greatest Quarterback to Ever Play

If Tom Brady and the New England Patriots were to win Super Bowl XLVI, Brady would have four Super Bowl rings.

With those four rings, Brady would tie Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana for the most in NFL history.

Take those four rings and Brady's phenomenal stats, and he will then be widely accepted as the greatest quarterback to ever play the game.

The Houston Texans Have Never Reached the Playoffs

Isn't this something? The Houston Texans have never made it to the playoffs. In fact, they are the only team to never make it to the playoffs.

As of right now, the Texans are projected to be the top seed and look to be on the fast-track to make the playoffs. 

The Green Bay Packers Could Be on the Verge of the Next NFL Dynasty

I have said over and over again that the Green Bay Packers have a legitimate shot at winning back-to-back Super Bowls. If they do, they could emerge as the NFL's next dynasty. 

Granted, two Super Bowl wins won't make you a dynasty, but they would be well on their way. 

Interceptions Will Lose You a Game in the Playoffs

According to ColdHardFootballFacts, interceptions are a killer in the playoffs, which is obvious.

When you do not throw an interception, you have a 79 percent chance of winning; when you throw one interception, you have a 56 percent chance of winning; and when you throw two interceptions, you have a 31 percent chance of winning. As you can see, the winning percentage drops drastically with each interception.

Interceptions are a killer.

The Chicago Bears Will Struggle with Caleb Hanie at Quarterback

With Caleb Hanie at quarterback, the Chicago Bears are in very big trouble. 

In Hanie's first start this season, he was picked off three times while posting a pitiful 56.9 quarterback rating.

Entering Week 13, the Bears are 7-4, but could fall quite a bit with Hanie leading the team. 

If the Playoffs Started Today, the Dallas Cowboys Would Win the NFC East

The Dallas Cowboys are the hottest team in football right now. They have won four games in a row now and look to be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.

With their 7-4 record, they appear to be the team to beat in the NFC East, with the New York Giants free-falling. 

Tony Romo Is a Choke Artist

Tony Romo is a playoff fraud, but perhaps this is the season that he can finally take the Dallas Cowboys deep into the playoffs. 

Romo's playoff record is 1-2, which is far from impressive. In those three games, Romo has been picked off twice while throwing only four touchdowns. 

If the Playoffs Started Today, the Oakland Raiders Would Win the AFC West

Believe it or not, Raider Nation finally may get a taste of playoff football for the first time in quite a while.

The Oakland Raiders are 7-4, which is good enough to be atop the AFC West.

Oakland could have some playoff success, as its defensive passer rating is 74.9.

Carson Palmer Has Struggled in the Playoffs

Unfortunately, I have some bad news for you Oakland Raiders fans out there: Carson Palmer does not have great playoff stats.

Over the course of his two playoff appearances, Palmer has completed only 51.4 percent of his passes for 212 yards while tossing a touchdown and being picked off once. 

If the Playoffs Started Today, the Atlanta Falcons Would Be a Wild-Card Team

2011 has been an up and down season for the Atlanta Falcons, but they still have a playoff spot as of right now.

The Falcons have posted a 7-4 record thus far and look to make some noise in the playoffs. Keep in mind that the Falcons were one and done last season, as they were embarrassed by the Green Bay Packers.

Matt Ryan Lacks Playoff Experience

Many believe that Matt Ryan is a clutch player, hence his nickname, "Matty Ice." However, he hasn't fared too well in the postseason.

In two playoff games, Ryan has completed 66.7 percent of his passes for three touchdowns but has been picked off four times. As I said before, interceptions are a killer.

A Team Needs To Put Up a Lot of Points To Win the Super Bowl

The last two Super Bowl winners have scored 30 more points, while six of the last 12 Super Bowl winners have scored 25 or more points.

It's quite simple, actually: The NFL is now a passing league, which means points are scored fast and often.

In order to win the big game, you need to have an elite quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Drew Brees, and you have to put up a ton of points. It's just the nature of the game nowadays.