NFL Playoff Picture: Hottest Teams Heading into Playoffs

Playing exceptional football in the final weeks of the season can be crucial for a team looking to go on a deep playoff run. 

Often, we struggle over the topic of resting starters in the final weeks of the season; and while maintaining health is important, it's tough to argue that it's a good thing to limp into the playoffs. 

With the final weekend of the season at our doorstep, here are six teams that are heading for the playoffs on fire.

New England Patriots

The Patriots' 2011 season has been a long tale of two different sides of the football.

The defense has struggled more than we've seen in years from a Bill Belichick-coached team, but the offense has played dominant football all season—leading the team to a 12-3 record. 

Many believe that, despite their defensive woes, the Patriots are still the premier team in the AFC. The argument is validated by the fact they haven't lost a game since November 6th. 

If you want to beat this team, you're going to have to be willing to make it a shootout because I don't see Tom Brady and the offense struggling to put up 30 points. 

Detroit Lions

Everyone rejoice! The Detroit Lions are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 1999 behind the strong arm of Matthew Stafford.

The Lions have been criticized all season for playing the game a little more emotionally than others, and many believed their inexperience and immaturity would hurt them in the long run.

They have won three straight games to clinch a playoff berth and face the Green Bay Packers in the final game of the season.

Beware. This team is dangerous.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are one of the biggest surprises of the 2011 season. With new head coach Jim Harbaugh at the helm, they've been able to find an identity as a defensive juggernaut.

On the season, their defensive unit is only giving up about 15 points per game, and they have lost all three games this season by a combined 15 total points. 

They have won two straight games against Seattle and Pittsburgh and face measly St. Louis to close out the season. 

If they win, they clinch a first-round bye and a divisional round playoff game at home, where they're 7-1 this season. 

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are in the driver's seat for the sixth and final AFC playoff spot after defeating the Arizona Cardinals; they will need to beat the Ravens to hold off the likes of Oakland, New York and Tennessee. 

No one believed that this Bengals squad had what it takes to make the playoffs after their tumultuous offseason with the Carson Palmer drama. 

However, the draft picks of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green proved to pay dividends in the first year. 

I'm not sure if this team can win a playoff game yet, but they've won two consecutive games and have a bit of momentum heading into the postseason. 

New Orleans Saints

Here's a bold prediction for you: The Saints are the best team in the NFL—better than the Green Bay Packers.

The Saints are on a seven-game winning streak that was capped off with a division-clinching win over the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football.

Drew Brees now holds the single-season passing record, and, surprisingly, the running game isn't as bad as we may have thought.

This is a scary team heading into the playoffs, and they have as good a shot as any to win another Super Bowl.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are a football team built for the playoffs; they can run the ball down your throat and shove your offense back with their physical brand of defense. 

The team has won five of their last six games and will look to keep the ball rolling against Cincinnati. 

If the Ravens want to be successful, they need to stick to their guns and that means giving Ray Rice the majority of the touches on offense. Feeding Rice only nine times per game on the road isn't going to get it done, and I think they'll figure that out in the playoffs.