NFL Playoff Picture: Ranking the Top Teams Already Locked into Postseason

The start of the playoffs is just around the corner and the following teams have already punched their ticket: Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Each of these teams are heading into the playoffs with a different type of momentum. For example, the Texans and Steelers are dealing with some injury issues. Those injuries will impact the chemistry as they head into the playoffs.

San Francisco and New Orleans both are playing their best football of the season and appear ready for a long playoff run.

No. 7: Houston Texans

Losing the the Indianapolis Colts really stings and doesn't do much for a team's confidence. The Houston Texans appear to be in real trouble as the injuries are finally starting to catch up.

T.J. Yates is doing his part, but the offense just lacks any explosiveness. He finished the game completing 13-of-16 passes and throwing for 132 yards. 

The ground game was also able to find success, as Arian Foster racked up 158 rushing yards. However, they were unable to finish drives and had to settle for to many field goals.

Possessing an efficient offense is nice, but it ultimately comes down to the ability to score touchdowns.  

No. 6: New England Patriots

The New England Patriots always have a chance to pull off a playoff victory as long as Tom Brady is under center. However, their struggles on defense limit this football team's potential. Super Bowl-winning teams are well-rounded and successful on both sides of the football.

Tom Brady is capable of stringing together consecutive great performances, but eventually he will make a few mistakes. Problems usually arise when a player is faced with enormous pressure.

Brady has to feel like his defense isn't capable of overcoming his mistakes.

No. 5: Pittsburgh Steelers

High-ankle sprains are no joke and can take several weeks to heal. Ben Roethlisberger is capable of pulling some impressive performances with an injury.

However, playing four straight games on a hobbled ankle is a tough task for even Roethlisberger.

Pittsburgh would rank higher on this list if they were able to consistently run the ball. However, Rashard Mendenhall has not been able to really establish himself this season. A lot of the struggles have to do with injuries across the offensive line.

No. 4: San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers defense is capable of leading a team to a Super Bowl. However, the offense's struggles in the red zone will be this team's Achilles heal. Three David Akers field goals per game just isn't going to cut it. 

It's a lot to ask a defense to consistently hold opponents under 10 points per game.

Alex Smith has had a nice season but he has yet to perform in a pressure situation. It is one thing to play a regular season game on the road. It's completely different having to travel to the Superdome in a playoff situation.

No. 3: Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are the most balanced team in the playoffs. They have a strong defense, solid passing attack and excellent run game. This allows them to be successful in any situation, especially on the road.

Baltimore's playoff success rests on the shoulders of Joe Flacco, who needs to take a step forward in his development. Flacco has plenty of playoff experience and now needs to win a few games on his own. He still has the ability to lean on his defense when things get tough.

Terrell Suggs and the defense remain one of the best units in the NFL. Suggs should receive some attention for the MVP award, as he is having a dominant season.

No. 2: New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints have the best chance of unseating the defending  champion Green Bay Packers. Offensively, the Saints possess an explosive passing attack and solid running game.

The key to their playoff success might be play of Mark Ingram.

The road to the Super Bowl goes through Green Bay, meaning they will host a playoff game in late January. Conditions in Lambeau Field will make it tough for a pass-heavy offense to find success. New Orleans will need to lean on Ingram and the running game to pull off the upset.

No. 1: Green Bay Packers

Until last week, the Green Bay Packers looked unbeatable. Despite that loss, they remain the NFL's top team. Last season's Super Bowl experience will play huge dividends as this team makes another run at glory.

Aaron Rodgers has proven to be a clutch performer, and appears very motivated to win another Super Bowl.

The defense is the lone concern, but they create enough turnovers to overcome some of their deficiencies. If they can provide Rodgers with a few extra possessions a game, it will be a long night for their opponents.