NFL Playoff Predictions: Assessing Chances Dome Teams Can Win It All

Not since the 1999-2000 St. Louis Rams has a team that plays its home games in a dome won the Super Bowl. 

With a handful of team's already in this season's playoffs or in the playoff hunt, it's time to assess each dome team's chances of winning it all. 

Definitely not as easy thing to do. 

New Orleans Saints

The Saints are certainly a Super Bowl contender, especially because of how impressive Drew Brees has been of late. 

The defense isn't outstanding but Gregg Williams draws up exotic blitz packages that routinely confuse opposing quarterbacks. 

If they jump the 49ers for the No. 2 spot in the NFC playoffs, they'll host a second-round game and will likely play the Packers on the road in what should be a freezing game. 

Not terrible for the best dome team in the league. 

If they don't and have to play in San Fran then Green Bay, it'll be an extremely tough task. 

Chances: 55%

Atlanta Falcons

If everything in the NFL playoff picture stands, the Falcons will have to travel to New Jersey to face the Giants that would be followed by a trip the Lambeau Field to play the Packers. 

Not exactly the ideal situation for a dome team. 

Because they fell far behind their NFC South-rival Saints, it's unlikely they make a run at the Super Bowl, having to play their games away from home and outside. 

Chances: 25%

Detroit Lions

Not to dash your hopes, Lions fans, but your favorite club isn't exactly built for playing road games in January. 

In fact, Detroit's only road win in a game played outside after their season-opening win against the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay came the day before Halloween against the Broncos. 

They're a pass-heavy club without playoff experience that doesn't have a reliable running game. 

Not going to work against the 49ers, Giants or Packers. 

Just won't. 

Chances: 15%

Houston Texans

For a dome team making its first appearance in the playoffs in franchise history, I actually like their chances. 

Why? 

They've won seven straight with their powerful, two-headed running attack and defense. 

T.J. Yates wasn't bad against the Bengals in Cincinnati this past week, either. 

It's likely that they'll get a first-round bye or at the very least host a game. 

In the end, a decent shot for Houston, who'd be a Super Bowl favorite if Matt Schaub didn't get injured. 

Chances: 35%