NFL Playoffs 2009

I did this last year so let's try it again. Here's the final 12 teams, in order of who I think has the least chance to win it all.



12) Arizona Cardinals (9-7)

First Opponent: vs Atlanta

Why they might win this week: They're facing a rookie QB and the Cardinal's coach is not Norv Turner

Why they might win it all: Warner has done it before.

Why they won't win it all: Uh, cause they're the Cardinals. Duh.



11) Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

First Opponent: vs Philadelphia

Why they might win this week: See head coach, Re: Philadelphia

Why they might win it all: They have a decent RB, right?

Why they won't win it all: A shaky QB in the playoffs can not be trusted, and is there a shakier QB then Jackson right now?



10) Miami Dolphins (11-5)

First Opponent: vs Baltimore

Why they might win this week: They're playing against a rookie QB and the Dolphin's coach isn't Norv Turner

Why they might win it all: I don't know. Well placed snipers? Heck, maybe they'll win just to spite the Patriots, who deserve to be in the playoffs.

Why they won't win it all: Chad Pennington? Really? He's a good regular season QB. Also, the last time Parcells ran out on a team...



9) San Diego Chargers (8-8)

First opponent: vs Indianapolis

Why they might win this week: Beat the Colts last year, somehow.

Why they might win it all: The sports pundits LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUV the Chargers this year. And look what sports pundit luv did to the 2000 Ravens.

Why they won't win it all: Norv Turner. "Hey, let's punt it away to the team with the best offense in NFL history!"

By the way, note that I picked all the home teams of the first round to be the least likely to win the Superbowl. The current way of letting teams into the playoffs is broken, pure and simple.


8) Atlanta Falcons (11-5)

First Opponent: @ Arizona

Why they might win this week: I SAID Arizona.

Why they might win it all: The sports media would love to write articles about how this team won a championship after the Vick thing, so they might wish it to happen. Again, see 2000 Ravens.

Why they won't win it all: I just don't trust rookie QBs.



7) Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

First Opponent: @ Vikings

Why they might win this week: Accept that awful game at Washington, Eagles have some momentum going into this game against a shaky QB.

Why they might win it all: McNabb and Reid may be due.

Why they won't win it all: McNabb and Reid lost three straight NFC championships for a reason. And it wasn't bad luck. Plus this team may be worst than it actually looks right now. I don't trust them past the first round but I will root for them because they knocked Dallas out.


6) Indianpolis Colts (12-4)

First Opponent: @ San Diego

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

Why they might win it all: They've done it before by winning three on the road.

Why they won't win it all: This team has a record number of consecutive 12-4 or better seasons, yet they only have one SuperBowl appearance. Plus, the Colts are suspect after losing to the Chargers last year. Add in the fact that some tough teams like Pittsburgh and Tennessee are in their way and it'll be real tough.


5) Baltimore Ravens (11-5)

First Opponent: @ Miami

Why they might win this week: Miami is probably just happy to be in the playoffs.

Why they might win it all: Great defense may be enough to cover for rookie QB. Heck, this franchise won with Dilfer.

Why they won't win it all: I don't trust rookie QBs in the playoffs, and the Ravens can't play against the Chargers every week.


4) Carolina Panthers (12-4)

Why they might win it all: Looks like a tough team in a weaker conference. The AFC may beat each other up and leave it open for the Panthers.

Why they they won't win it all: Between Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Tennessee, and Baltimore, I just don't see the Panthers winning this year.


3) Tennessee Titans (13-3)

Why they might win it all: Experienced QB. Experienced coach. Best record in the league.

Why they they won't win it all: That experienced QB was murdered in his one SuperBowl appearance, while that experienced coach snuck into the SuperBowl after the ridiculous Music City Miscall. I'm surprised Jeff Fischers wasn't fired five years ago, as well.


2) Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

Why they might win it all: A damn good team and a QB who's won it before. Somehow.

Why They they won't win it all: I still don't know enough about their head coach as compared to Cowhers. Not that I was a Cowhers fan, but this guy needs to be tested against the likes of the Titans and Colts first.



1) New York Giants (12-4)

Why they might win it all: They did it last year and I just can't fully trust any of the other teams. (Admittedly, I watched very little football this year as you can probably tell.) Maybe another LUCKIEST PLAY EVER will help them down the line.

Why They they won't win it all: I would put my money on the Titans, Colts, or Steelers being better overall teams. Plus, that guy shooting himself in the thigh may be just distracting enough to ultimately hurt this team.