NFC Playoff Picture: 1 Reason To Believe Every Playoff Team Wins the NFC Title

While likely the case in most years, every team in the 2011 NFC playoffs has a legitimate (although some more convincing than others) reason to think they can get through to the Super Bowl.

Let's run down the one reason why each team has a chance at winning the NFC this January:  

Green Bay Packers: Home-field advantage

It's what every team in the NFL plays for in the regular season, and the Packers have it in the NFC. While Lambeau Field may not carry the same kind of advantage as the Superdome in New Orleans, the Packers haven't lost there in over a year and the weather is almost insufferable in January. Two wins at home is all it takes for the Packers to have a crack at another Super Bowl. Not much more you can ask for come playoff time. 

San Francisco 49ers: Defense

"Defense" is a generic term, but you simply don't see many teams in the NFC that can play even close to the level that San Francisco can. In fact, you could argue that every team in the NFC field has at least one major, undeniable weakness on defense besides the 49ers. If they have a couple dominant outings on that side of the ball, the 49ers can certainly make a run at the Super Bowl. 

New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees

While it'd be a huge deal if the Saints could play their way to the Super Bowl in the Superdome, Brees gives New Orleans a chance to win no matter where they travel to. He's been less effective outdoors, especially in the middle portion of the season. But don't forget how he carved up the Packers' secondary in the first week of the season.

New York Giants: Experience

The core group of this team—Tom Coughlin, Eli Manning, Osi Umenyiora, etc.—have been to a Super Bowl and have the experience to get back. There's also something to be said about getting hot at the right time, like the Giants did back in 2007. A win over the Dallas Cowboys (coupled with last week's win over the Jets) could be the fuel needed to jump start a playoff run.

Detroit Lions: Confidence

With Matthew Stafford's injury in the rear view mirror, the Lions have started to rack up points and wins. Currently on a three-game winning streak, Detroit could really make an impression—especially within their locker room—by beating the Packers for the first time on the road since 1991. A win in Green Bay would also secure the No. 5 seed, which gives the Lions a chance to play the NFC East winner in the first round. 

Atlanta Falcons: Revenge

Does revenge play a factor in NFL locker rooms? I guess we'll find out. It's likely that the Falcons will get another shot at Drew Brees and the Saints in the Wild Card Round, and, if they somehow win that game, could find themselves taking on a Packers team that's beaten them twice on the road in the span of 12 months. Revenge is a dish best served cold.