NFL Playoff Predictions: 4 Teams That Will Use Experience to Their Advantage

As the Arizona Cardinals proved in 2008, postseason experience doesn't necessarily guarantee a deep run in the playoffs.

However, as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers proved last season, it doesn't hurt either. That said, here are four teams that can use their postseason experience to their advantage.

Green Bay Packers

Anytime you win the Super Bowl and come back fully loaded the following season, it's obviously a good thing. So, with the Packers having already locked up the NFC North and are needing just one game to lock up a bye-week, they're playoff experience will definitely be of great use.

The only difference being, they finally get a home playoff game as opposed to going on the road all last season. The Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field will most certainly give Green Bay an advantage also, especially since they're just one of two outside cold-weather NFC teams (Giants).

And in addition to their experience, San Francisco really has none with their current team and New Orleans still has to prove they can win on the road more consistently. With an opportunistic defense and the NFL's best offense, their postseason experience isn't even the Packers most dangerous attribute.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Other than the Patriots and Colts, there's only been one other consistent AFC team this century and that's the Pittsburgh Steelers. Three Super Bowl appearances (two wins) and numerous playoff games makes The Steel City arguably the AFC's most dangerous team this January.

After winning the ring in 2008, 2009 was an extreme disappointment as the Steelers missed the playoffs. However, they rebounded last season and came within six points of ousting the Packers.

Pittsburgh has an offense that can explode even in tough weather conditions and a defense that locks it down in crunch time. Not to mention, they still have a legit shot at winning the AFC North if the Ravens slip up.

We can't ever count out Pittsburgh until they're actually out. Therefore, the Steelers playoff experience (record of 12-5 since 2001) always takes precedent over anything else.

New York Jets

Apparently the Jets are going to do this every year. Be an inconsistent team through the first eight games and then barely make the postseason at the end of the regular season.

But, how they've played in the playoffs as a No. 6 seed two straight seasons is nothing short of impressive. Two straight AFC title game appearances and both of which the Jets were capable of winning.

QB Mark Sanchez is a completely different animal in January and although he's improved through each regular season, it doesn't compare to his near flawless play in the playoffs. This season it appears the Jets will once again be the AFC's No. 6 seed, but does Gang Green really care?

No, because as the Steelers from 2005 and the Packers from 2010 proved once before as No. 6 seeds, all that matters is getting to the dance.

Atlanta Falcons

Certainly a surprising team to make this list, however, Atlanta has a lot more playoff experience they can rely on as of recent history.

In 2008 the Falcons went 11-5, but lost in the wild-card round to the eventual NFC champion Arizona Cardinals. A year later they went 9-7 and despite missing the playoffs, had their first ever back-to-back winning seasons.

Then everything seemed to be clicking in 2010 as Atlanta finished 13-3, won the NFC South and was the NFC's No. 1 seed. But, they were upset by the Packers and their third straight winning season ended in disappointment.

Well, 2011 just locked up a fourth straight winning season in the ATL and a playoff berth is highly probable. That being said, the Falcons have tasted much success and have two playoff games under their belt. If there's an NFC wild-card team that makes any noise this January, it will be The Dirty Birds.

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