NFL Playoff Predictions: Contenders Nobody Is Talking About

Amazingly, the New England Patriots are sliding under the radar as they prepare to enter the playoffs as the AFC's No. 1 seed. This perennial contender has managed to compile their conference's best record, yet they have very little buzz.

They aren't the only team that is set to stun the NFL world either. As you'll see, there are a handful of teams poised to make a deep playoff run that few are giving a shot of winning it all. 

We needn't look any further than last year to see that any team is capable of winning it all if they get hot at the right time. The Packers are the perfect example, winning the Super Bowl as a wild-card entrant

New England Patriots

The Ravens and Steelers are getting all the press in the AFC, but it is the Patriots that have been dominating the conference.

The Pats have won seven straight games. Only one time in that stretch have they been held under 31 points. During that stretch, Tom Brady has only thrown one interception and has 16 touchdowns.

Defenses stand little hope of slowing down this offense, which is good for them because their defense continues to struggle. New England is 30th in yards allowed per pass, and 25th in yards allowed per rush.

As bad as their defense is though, this offense can carry them all the way to the Lombardi trophy.

San Francisco 49ers

Despite being 12-3, the 49ers are largely an afterthought in the NFC. This is due to their rapid turnaround from last season, and the way they win games.

In a year of offense, the 49ers are winning with defense. While that may not be sexy, it is a recipe for postseason success.

San Francisco has allowed more than 20 points only twice all season. One of those came way back in Week 2, and the second was when they allowed 21 to Arizona in Week 14.

Barring a complete meltdown against the Rams in Week 17, the Niners will be the NFC's No. 2 team. This means they will need just one win at home before traveling for a likely matchup with the Packers. That is sure to be a cold weather game and perhaps in a driving snow.

These are conditions that favor a defensive team.

New York Giants

The New York Giants have endured a rollercoaster of a season. This is a team that can lose to or beat anyone.

When they are hot, they are a load for any team to handle. Eli Manning has plenty of weapons to throw too, and he has been remarkably clutch this year.

Their defense still has serious issues. They are 23rd in yards allowed per rush, and 21st in yards allowed per pass.

However, they will be playing (after they beat Dallas to win the NFC East) in an offense-dominated NFC bracket, and they are equipped to win a shootout.

Oakland Raiders

This is the biggest dark horse of all. Last week the Raiders were left for dead after three straight losses appeared to have them on the outside looking in at the playoffs.

Now, with a win over San Diego in Week 17, they have an excellent shot of making the postseason.

What will make this team dangerous is the fact that they are starting to return to health. Star RB Darren McFadden and WR Jacoby Ford have begun running, and there is a feeling that they may be able to play this week.

Even if they don't make it back this week, the chances of them returning for the playoffs looks good. That is going to make this offense dangerous, as Carson Palmer finally begins to get comfortable with his new team.