Ranking the Top Teams Locked into the Postseason

They may be locked in, but there is still some work to be done for some NFL playoff teams.

For others, just getting into the postseason may give them that spark that could lead to the Lombardi Trophy like Green Bay did last season.

And, of course, these teams need to be wary of injuries (Pittsburgh, Green Bay) and finding the right formula that can beat the best of the best in the air (New Orleans) and on the ground.

These teams are currently the top teams that have already secured their way into the postseason.

6. Baltimore Ravens

They have the tiebreaker edge over Pittsburgh if it comes down to that. Right now, they are 10-4 on the season.

Baltimore will still rely on its defense as its strength and its stars such as Ray Lewis, Haloti Ngata and Ed Reed.

On offense, they will ride the legs of Ray Rice and hope that Joe Flacco can become a playoff wonder. The postseason may be a showcase for rookie Torrey Smith, who has shown flashes of brilliance at times this season.

5. San Francisco 49ers

They beat Pittsburgh after losing to Arizona. The defense is pretty darn good, giving up only five touchdowns in the first half.

Still, I am of the belief this is a team that may falter in the playoffs having a rookie coach and Alex Smith behind center.

Having Frank Gore as your workhorse is a great security blanket to have. And Jim Harbaugh has been masterful in his rookie season.

Still, something tells me they may be a year away.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

Yes, Ben Roethlisberger is hurt and his play is a huge reason why this team has been so good this season.

Take away the games against Baltimore and they are 10-2. This team should not have an issue beating the Rams, and the team may take a chance of holding him out against Cleveland as well.

The playoffs are the stage where teams like the Steelers shine. This year should not be any different.

3. New Orleans Saints

While Drew Brees keeps throwing, this team will go, go, go.

Brees is trying to close in on Dan Marino's passing mark of 5,084 yards. His weapons in the passing game are as good or better than anyone else in the league.

While the defense ranks near the bottom of the NFL in yards allowed per game, great teams will overcome these issues if they are to move deep in the playoff picture.

2. New England Patriots

They have a porous defense, but they seem to get by each week.

As long as Tony Brady is on this team, there is always a threat of them reaching the playoffs and going deep into the postseason.

Now that Rob Gronkowski has become one of the better tight ends in the league and cult hero of sorts, he just becomes another weapon in this passing game.

If they can find a solid pass rusher in the next few weeks and into the playoffs, this could be the AFC's representative in the Super Bowl.

1. Green Bay Packers

Have your ever heard of a team that is 13-1 with so many question marks?

What happens at tackle? How will this team deal with the loss of Greg Jennings?

Does losing to Kansas City derail them from a remarkable season?

How about this: Is it possible that losing last week's game will only make them stronger?

Aaron Rodgers did not just forget how to throw the ball and the defending Super Bowl Champions did not forget how to win football games.