The AFC Playoffs' Most Dangerous Teams

The AFC playoff picture may seem to be a simple snapshot to some, as the 13-3 Tennessee Titan and 12-4 Pittsburgh Steeler fans would like to lead you to believe, but the most dangerous teams in the AFC playoffs do not possess the best records.

The 11-5 Baltimore Ravens are a very scary and intimidating foe, and I see them having little trouble traveling to 11-5 Miami and ruining the Dolphins' Super Bowl dreams. I am NOT taking anything away from the Dolphins' wonderful accomplishments this year. The Ravens are just a very physical defensive unit that can put up some points, and unlike previous years, they have an offense that can move the ball and score also.

Baltimore Ravens 29, Miami Dolphins 21

The 12-4 Indianapolis Colts are once again going to be in for a surprise from 8-8 San Diego, which seems to have now found its running game and has the NFL's top rated quarterback at the helm.

Let's not forget that San Diego has basically owned this series in recent years with the exception of a close game (three points) earlier this year. The Chargers seem to come to life when Peyton Manning is around, be it knocking the Colts from the undefeated ranks or just out of playoff competition altogether.

San Diego Chargers 37, Indianapolis Colts 35

The 11-5 Baltimore Ravens have not only the necessary talent on offense and defense, but also the best shot of all the AFC's invitees to knock off the 13-3 Tennessee Titans in their own backyard. The Ravens defense will out-physical and intimidate the Titan offensive unit, and on offense the Raven running attack will dominate the Titan defensive front, exposing a weakness in these Titans very few teams can.

The Titans play great against the finesse teams, but when it's smashmouth football time, Tennessee folds like a bad poker hand. Baltimore throws the knockout punch in this matchup.

Baltimore Ravens 21, Tennessee Titans 17

The 8-8 San Diego Chargers will travel to 12-4 Pittsburgh on quite a roll. Not even the wind and snow will help cool these Chargers off at this point. Knowing they could very well have stomped these Steelers in Pittsburgh earlier this year, if not for blown opportunities and blown calls, the 11-10 Pittsburgh victory could have been a very different story. This time, it is.

Phillip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, and Darren Sproles and teammates light up the boards.

San Diego Chargers 36, Pittsburgh Steelers 24

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

San Diego Chargers 31, Baltimore Ravens 30

Why, you say?  Jet lag for Baltimore... :(