NFL Playoff Scenarios: 4 Teams That Could Catch Fire on the Road

If last postseason was any indication, home-field advantage in the playoffs certainly doesn't guarantee anything. 

The Green Bay Packers snuck into the last wild-card spot last season, and the New York Jets advanced the AFC championship from the same position.

Let's look at four teams that could possibly catch fire on the road this postseason. 

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons were upended at home last season in the playoffs by the Packers who rode an epic performance from Aaron Rodgers to victory. 

After a relatively slow start to the 2011 campaign, the Falcons have won seven of their last nine, and one of those two losses came in overtime against the Saints. 

Their offense is tremendously balanced, and they have the offensive weapons on the outside to stay with the top seeds in the NFC.

Matt Ryan's looked great over the last month, throwing 12 touchdowns to only two interceptions over his last five games.  

Getting Brent Grimes back would dramatically help their secondary, too. 

Detroit Lions

The Lions have proven to be rather inconsistent during the 2011 season, but when they're hot, especially on offense, they're extremely difficult to beat.

Show me a secondary that's stopping Calvin Johnson.

Their defensive line isn't as menacing as we thought it would be this season, but they certainly have game-changing pass-rushers. 

We've also seen their ability to come back in the fourth quarter with the big play.

That could go far in the postseason playing on the road in hostile environments.   

Pittsburgh Steelers or Baltimore Ravens

Whichever team doesn't win the AFC North has a fantastic opportunity to make a road run in the postseason. 

Both clubs have loads of playoff experience, a intimidating defense and balance on offense. 

If I needed to pick a favorite, I like the Ravens' chances a little more. They've played on the road in January over the last three seasons, and the dedication to Ray Rice could put them over the top and into the Super Bowl this time around. 

Ben Roethlisberger's ankle worries me, but it's hard to count out the defending AFC champions.