NFL Playoff Predictions: Projecting Every Postseason Matchup

Utilizing ESPN's Playoff Machine, I produced the projected playoff matchups and mocked a run to the Super Bowl. Based on my predictions, the New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys all missed the playoffs. Of course, I expect to receive some flak from those fan bases.

Unfortunately for Green Bay Packer fans their team does not repeat as Super Bowl Champions. Check out the upcoming slides to see who unseats the defending champs.

AFC Wildcard Round

Cincinnati Bengals vs. New England Patriots

This matchup boils down to the Bengals defense against Tom Brady. Cincinnati's offense has enough firepower to take advantage of a weak Patriots defense. However, it's unfair to ask a rookie quarterback to go blow for blow with Tom Brady.   

They key will be Cincinnati's ability to generate pressure on Brady. As a team, the Bengals rank fourth in the NFL with 39 total sacks. The majority of the pressure comes up the middle from defensive tackle Geno Atkins. His ability to collapse the pocket could pose problems for the Patriots offense.

Without pressure, Brady will shred a secondary featuring Adam "Pacman" Jones and Nate Clements as the starting corners.

Cincinnati's defense will cause some problems, but Brady will find a way to get the job done.

Projected Winner: New England Patriots

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos

Denver's Von Miller will be excited to rush the passer against the likes of Max Starks and Marcus Gilbert. However, Miller needs to realize that getting to the quarterback is only half the battle, as Ben Roethlisberger doesn't come down easy. Miller's ability to generate pressure will be one of the deciding factors.

Tim Tebow and the offense are not going to be able to run all over the Steelers defense, who are only allowing 97 rushing yards per game. This means the defense needs to keep the game close and give Tebow a shot at some late-game magic.

The problem is Roethlisberger is capable of some late game magic of his own. Big Ben and the Steelers defense are just to much for the Broncos team.

Projected Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC Wildcard Round

Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers

Winning playoff games requires consistency and balance. The Detroit Lions lack the necessary focus and pieces to pull off a first-round upset. Their lack of a strong rushing attack will ultimately be their undoing, especially against the San Francisco 49ers defense.

San Francisco strives to win the battle in the trenches. This allows them to establish a strong ground game, as well as force their opponent into a pass-heavy attack. Knowing their opponent is passing the ball allows the defense to pin their ears back and rush the passer.

This matchup sets up well for the 49ers, as the Lions really struggle to shut down the run. Frank Gore should have a great performance and lead his team to victory.

Projected Winner: San Francisco 49ers

Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants

The New York Giants need a strong finish in order to earn a playoff berth. Eli Manning will cap off his career year by leading this team into the playoffs. New York is lucky to host a playoff game, as they will have the worst record of all the NFC playoff teams. However, NFL rules give the home game to divisional winners.

Entering the playoffs on a hot streak typically results in success. The Giants know this formula very well, as it was how they won their latest Super Bowl. Eli Manning should be able to find success against the Falcons secondary. That unit is allowing 230 yards per game.

Ultimately, the Giants are more talented than their play suggests. A small spark (win over Cowboys in final game) could send them on a long playoff run.

Projected Winner: New York Giants

AFC Divisional Round

New England Patriots vs. Houston Texans

A healthy Matt Schaub would have made this a much better matchup. However, Houston is forced to go with rookie T.J. Yates. His presence doesn't completely rule out a Texans victory, but it sure makes it a lot more difficult.

Arian Foster and the running game will be the featured part of the Texans offense. They can expect to see extra Patriot defenders in the box attempting to slow down the run. Yates needs to make plays and sustain drives or Brady will find a way to take advantage.

This won't be a high scoring game, but New England's offense will find a way to out pace the Texans.

Projected Winner: New England Patriots

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

The location of this game will be a key factor in the outcome. Both teams boast great home field advantage and a rabid fan base. Baltimore's defense will use the crowd noise to get a jump off the line and pressure Roethlisberger. The Steelers offensive line isn't capable of shutting down Terrell Suggs, which will be the difference in the game.

Pittsburgh's struggles running the ball also limit their offensive effectiveness. This will be the year Joe Flacco finally outlasts Ben Roethlisberger and earns a big playoff victory.

Projected Winner: Baltimore Ravens

NFC Divisional Round

San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees' MVP type season will not stop in the playoffs. His ability to attack a defense will prove to be to much for the 49ers. The Saints defense actually does a decent job slowing down the opponent's rushing attack. They allow around 110 yards rushing per game and have held top rushers like Michael Turner and Maurice Jones-Drew under 100 yards.  

San Francisco needs Frank Gore to top the century mark, because Alex Smith cannot keep pace with Brees. The 49ers offense just doesn't have enough explosiveness to hang with a team like the Saints.

Projected Winner: New Orleans Saints

New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers

The Giants came very close to knocking off the Packers in MetLife Stadium, but playing at Lambeau Field is a different story. New York's banged up secondary doesn't have the horses needed to slow down Aaron Rodgers. Their only hope is Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck finding a way to generate a consistent pass rush.

This will be a close game, with Rodgers orchestrating a last-minute touchdown drive to pull off the victory.

Projected Winner: Green Bay Packers

AFC Conference Championship Game

New England Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Patriots Week 8 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers gave the league a blueprint on how to slow down Tom Brady. Baltimore has the defensive personnel to employ that strategy and make this game a defensive struggle.

Unfortunately, New England isn't capable of winning a defense heavy game. This is a unit Joe Flacco and the Ravens can find a lot of success against. Expect to see Ray Rice top the 100-yard mark and Flacco approach around 240 passing yards.

Projected Winner: Baltimore Ravens

NFC Conference Championship Game

New Orleans Saints vs. Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers have been the best team in the NFL all season, one slip-up doesn't make them any less dangerous. They boast a powerful offense capable of generating a ton of points. Aaron Rodgers and company are capable of taking advantage of all mistakes.

However, the New Orleans Saints have an equally dangerous offensive attack. Drew Brees is having one of the best seasons in NFL history. However, the opportunistic Packers defense will create a turnover or two which will cost New Orleans the game.

Projected Winner: Green Bay Packers

Super Bowl XLVI

Baltimore Ravens vs. Green Bay Packers

Looking back on this past weekend's loss, the Kansas City Chiefs might have exposed a major weakness for the Packers. Tamba Hali terrorized Aaron Rodgers forcing him to complete less than 50 percent of his passes. His inaccuracy resulted in the Packers lowest point total of the season.

Hali is a good pass rusher, but Terrell Suggs is excellent. The Ravens defense has the horses needed to get into the backfield and disrupt the timing of Green Bay's offense. Without a reliable rushing attack, Rodgers will be forced to run an unbalanced attack. Suggs and company can pin their ears back and attack the edge.

Projected Winner: Baltimore Ravens