NFL Playoffs 2008

Since the games start tomorrow, let's take a look at the teams. I'll list them in order from least likely to win it all to most.




12) Tennessee Titans (10-6)

First Opponent: @ San Diego

Why they might win this week: See Head Coach Re: San Diego

Why they might win it all: Hey, Jeff Fisher snuck into his one Superbowl appearance by magic, so why not?

Why they won't win it all: In the NFL playoffs, shaky QBs will kill a team. Is there any QB shakier than Vince Young right now? He threw almost twice as many interceptions as touchdowns. Not good.




11) New York Giants (10-6)

First opponent: @ Tampa Bay

Why they might win next week: See my thoughts on Tampa Bay

Why they may win it all: Hey, the other Manning won one, right?

Why they won't win: Remember what I just said about shaky QBs? (I remember a couple years ago when people started to wonder if Eli was the clutch Manning. Seems funny now, doesn't it?)



10) San Diego (11-5)

First opponent: Titans

Why they might win next week: Even Norv Turner can win a first round playoff game against a weak team with a terrible QB.

Why they might win it all: They have some talented players who might be motivated after their humiliating lost to New England last year. Also, does Jerry Jones have ties to the mafia?

Why they won't win it all: Uhh, their head coach is Norv Turner. Did you know that he's the first and probably only head coach to lose a playoff game when the opponent was starting a rookie QB? Who was Shaun King? Shaun King?!

In conclusion, Norv sucks.



9) Washington Redskins (9-7)

First opponent: @ Seattle

Why they might win next week: Gibbs has yet to lose a first round playoff game. Seattle isn't that great a team. I didn't pay attention to them, but I was baffled by some of their losses. And Holmgrem is a suspect coach in my books.

Why they might win it all: Does 17-6 mean anything to you? It's Joe Gibbs' record in the post-season.

Why they won't win it all: Uhhh, they aren't a very good team. Trust me on that. I know fans are biased towards their team and exaggerate everything, but they're 9-7 for a reason. Also, Todd Collins deep in the playoffs? Yikes.



8) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)

First Opponent: Giants

Why they might win this week: Eli

Why they might win it all: Gruden pulled it off somehow in 2002, so why not?

Why they won't win it all: Can you even name the other three teams in Tampa Bay's division? I thought about this question a week ago, had to look it up, and yet I still can't remember the answer now. Tampa Bay has the same record as the lousy Skins and yet they get a home game.

Also, while I haven't paid attention to the team at all this season, Tampa Bay was very suspect in their game vs the Skins. The Skins turned the ball over five times and still almost beat the Bucs. Admittedly, Garcia was hurt, but that brings up another poin. If Garcia gets hurt, the Bucs's back up is Bruce Gradkowski. They are doomed.


7) Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5)

First opponent: @ Pittsburgh

Why they may win next week: I haven't really followed either team. I guess because the Steelers lost a few head-scratchers and to the Jaguars this season.

Why they might win it all: I have no clue.

Why they won't win it all: I have no idea. I haven't paid attention to this team since Leftwich was their QB.

I bet they would go to the Superbowl if they were in the NFC.




6) Seattle Seahawks (10-6)

First opponents: Redskins

Why they will win this week: The. Skins. aren't. that. good.

Why they might win it all: They. Are. In. The. NFC.

Why they won't win it all: It depresses me that Green Bay and Seattle will cancel each other out while Dallas will face Tampa, New York, or Washington.

Again, I site the Holmgren factor.

I'm sure the Jaguars are better but Seattle has a better shot at the Superbowl.



5) Pittsburgh Steelers

First opponent: Jaguars

Why they might win this week: Experience. Ben has a ring somehow.

Why they might win it all: Again, experience. Although I have no idea how the current coach compares to Cowher.

Why they won't win it all: Like Jaguars, they're cursed to play in the far, far superior AFC. Usually I'm a traditionalist when it comes to the playoff format, but this year makes me want to consider a seeding system that eliminates conferences.



4) Green Bay Packers (13-3)

First opponent: Seahawks, Buccaneers, or Giants

Why they might win it all: See head coach Re: Dallas


Why they won't win it all: First off, they cost themselves the number one seed by losing the Bears. Damn you, Bears! May you be cursed to be nostalgic about that one stupid Bears team for another 20 years.

Also, their QB is, what, 80 years old?



3) Indianpolis Colts (13-3)

First opponent: Jaguars, Chargers, or Steelers

Why they might win it all: Peyton proved that he could be clutch every once in a while. He's also the second best QB in a league of horrible QBs. Also, no QB who led the league in yards has won a Superbowl. You know the Colts are telling themselves that right now.

Why they won't win it all: I just don't see the Patriots losing to the Colts in a rematch. I really don't. Just the revenge factor alone is enough.




2) Dallas Cowboys (13-3)

First opponent: Redskins, Giants, or Buccaneers

Why they might win it all: Remember the Colts/Pats game early this year where a ton of calls went Indy's way? Well... Plus, they have an easy NFC conference while the AFC is going to beat up on each other.

Why they won't win it all: When this season started, I was hoping that the combo of Wade Phillips and Tony Romo would sink this team. Somehow, they got the first seed, which depresses me. Still, Romo and Phillips. The Botched Snap and The Music City Miracle. Seriously, something has to give.

I know I shouldn't say this because the Cowboys might kill my Skins a week from now, but I always laugh when I get a good look at Romo's face.



1) New England Patriots (16-0)

First opponent: Steelers, Jaguars, Titans

Why they will win it all: Brady. Belichick. The fact that they have a monster o-line and a damn good defense. Did I mention that they're 16-0?

Why they might not win it all: Karma payback for the whiny fans who threw a fit after Belichick was caught with his video equipment. Jeez, how dare the media react negatively after a head coach got caught breaking a rule!!!!!!!!!