NFL Playoff Picture: New England Patriots and Teams with Most To Prove

The New England Patriots haven't won a postseason game since the 2007 AFC Championship Game.

In 2008, they actually missed the postseason with an 11-5 record and Matt Cassel under center for the injured Tom Brady. In 2009 and 2010 they lost home playoff games to the Ravens (Wild Card) and Jets (Divisional), respectively.

Needless to say, a team that won three Super Bowls in four years between 2001-2004 isn't happy with their postseason production of late.

This year, New England is 12-3 and on the doorstep of a No. 1 seed. It is remarkable to believe, but the Patriots are a bit under the radar when it comes to overall expectation going into the playoffs.

They have a lot to prove, though. However, so do these other teams.

New England Patriots

The common theme in the Patriots' last three postseason losses has been physicality.

The Giants, Ravens and Jets came out and played tough defense, got after Tom Brady and limited the high-octane Patriots offense.

This team is different from those previous three, but they still have a lot of the same issues.

Their secondary is also more suspect than ever and they've played the weakest schedule in the league in the second half of the season.

It is tough to go against Brady and Belichick in important games, but the fact of the matter is that they haven't won those games in recent years.

New York Giants/Dallas Cowboys

Whoever wins the "winner-take-all" NFC East showdown on Sunday Night will have a lot going for them.

And a lot to prove.

Dallas has won just one postseason game in the last 14 years.

The Giants haven't won a playoff game (and actually missed the postseason twice) since their Super Bowl XLII win.

Both teams are very dangerous, have the quarterbacks and pass-rushing defense to make a lot of noise in the postseason, but they have to prove it.

Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan and his Atlanta teammates have been well under the radar this year as well. However, much like last season, they still struggle on the road.

The NFC playoff teams are all in but for the NFC East winner. The Falcons' road to a potential Super Bowl will be played on the road.

Their biggest win on the road this season happened to come against fellow Wild Card qualifier Detroit, and we know Ryan and company struggle outside and on grass.

They have a chance to change that this year, but their untrustworthy until they prove it.