The 2012 NFL Playoffs are just about set, and here at Bankroll Sports, we are dissecting the NFL playoff bracket and the NFL playoff possibilities for the road ahead, as we head towards the 2012 Super Bowl 46.

Current NFL Playoff Picture (AFC Playoff Bracket)
1: New England Patriots (13-3)
2: Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
3: Houston Texans (10-6)
4: Denver Broncos (8-8)
5: Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
6: Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)

AFC Playoff Game Previews

Cincinnati Bengals @ Houston Texans Predictions

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos Predictions

Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens Predictions

Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots Predictions

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots Predictions

New England Patriots Keys To Win The Super Bowl

The New England Patriots were the team that survived the NFC. It wasn’t all that much of a surprise, as they were the favorites to win this conference from the get go this year. One would have to admit that it wasn’t the hardest road to reach the Super Bowl, as the Pats ended up beating a Denver Broncos team that probably had no business being considered as one of the 12 teams fighting for the Lombardi Trophy. The argument could have been made that they weren’t the better team against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game, knowing that the game ended on a missed field goal by one of the best kickers in the game in K Billy Cundiff. Still, with home field advantage on their side, the Patriots took the utmost advantage, and in a conference where the home team won all five playoff games, it was New England that was left standing to compete in the Super Bowl for the seventh time in team history.

Current NFL Playoff Picture (NFC Playoff Scenarios)
1: Green Bay Packers (15-1)
2: San Francisco 49ers (13-3)
3: New Orleans Saints (13-3)
4: New York Giants (9-7)
5: Atlanta Falcons (10-6)
6: Detroit Lions (10-6)

NFC Playoff Game Previews

Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints Predictions

Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants Predictions

New Orleans Saints @ San Francisco 49ers Predictions

New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers Predictions

New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers Predictions

New York Giants Keys To Win The Super Bowl

Many made comparisons between this version of the New York Giants and the one that won the Super Bowl four years ago. And yes, we would have to admit that the comparisons are scary. In both instances, New York proved that it could beat the best teams in the league, in both instances it had to go through the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, and in both instances, it had to kick a field goal in overtime in a game that probably could have been won several times before that just to get into the Super Bowl. And guess what? In both instances, no one really believed that this team had a shot at doing the ultimate deed of lifting the Lombardi Trophy. However, after virtually pitching a shutout in the first round of the playoffs against the Atlanta Falcons, taking out the Packers, the team that was almost certainly the best in the league this year on their home turf and bouncing the San Francisco 49ers in the Bay Area in a driving rain storm in overtime, the Giants have proven to be battle tested, and they are certainly going to make a formidable foe in Super Bowl 46 even though they were the No. 4 seed in the NFC at the outset of the playoffs.

The AFC West was one of the worst divisions is football last season, as the division generally disappointed and was out of the playoffs right away in resounding fashion. This year, there hasn’t been a lot of change, but our AFC West picks couldn’t be any harder to sort out.

The favorites of the bunch this year are the San Diego Chargers (Current AFC West Odds: 1 to 2. at Oddsmaker Sportsbook). The Bolts were head and shoulders above the rest of the division last year, but the team just didn’t end up getting the job done late in games when it really mattered. Now, QB Philip Rivers and company have a chip on their shoulder, but we’re not so sure that it is justified. Save for Rivers, TE Antonio Gates, and a returning WR Vincent Jackson, there really isn’t all that much that we are smiling about on this team. The Chargers might not be all that great after all, and we would feel a lot better about taking the field at +190 than the Bolts at this price.

Meanwhile, the defending champs of the division are the Kansas City Chiefs (AFC West Lines: 5.25 to 1 at JustBet Sportsbook). We like to give credit where credit is due, and we know that Head Coach Todd Haley did a fantastic job last season. However, Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis is gone, and there is a real question how badly this will hurt an offense that was incredibly efficient last season. Cause for concern? You betcha, especially after not really doing anything major to bolster the team during the free agency period.

Though they’re the huge underdogs in this division, we like the chances that the Denver Broncos (Odds to Win the AFC West: 14 to 1 at JustBet Sportsbook) have of at least making things interesting. The team made the right call by bringing in Head Coach John Fox, a man with a winning pedigree from the Carolina Panthers, and he made the right decisions in using QB Kyle Orton and bringing in RB Willis McGahee. This is clearly going to be a smash mouth team this year, and the defense should be improved with the return of LB Elvis Dumervil and the drafting of LB Von Miller. Don’t be shocked if this team challenges for the division crown at very long NFL odds this year.

And then there is the laughing stock of football, the Oakland Raiders (2011 AFC West Odds: 6 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). Raider Nation hasn’t seen a winning team in quite some time, and this year is probably going to be no exception with DB Nnamdi Asomugha flying the coup and heading to the Philadelphia Eagles. QB Jason Campbell at least gets to stay in the same offensive system he was in last year. There are high hopes for new Head Coach Hue Jackson, but it is likely to be a relatively long season in the Black Hole this year once again.

2011 NFL Odds @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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Odds To Win AFC West
Denver Broncos 12.50 to 1
Kansas City Chiefs 4.60 to 1
Oakland Raiders 6 to 1
San Diego Chargers 1 to 2.50

Odds To Win Super Bowl
Denver Broncos 165 to 1
Kansas City Chiefs 80 to 1
Oakland Raiders 175 to 1
San Diego Chargers 11 to 1

AFC West Super Bowl Odds @ JustBet Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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Odds To Win AFC West Division
Denver Broncos 14 to 1
Kansas City Chiefs 5.25 to 1
Oakland Raiders 7 to 1
San Diego Chargers 1 to 5

Super Bowl 46 Odds
Denver Broncos 62 to 1
Kansas City Chiefs 42 to 1
Oakland Raiders 50 to 1
San Diego Chargers 10 to 1

AFC West Odds @ Oddsmaker Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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2011 AFC West Odds
Denver Broncos 12 to 1
Kansas City Chiefs 4 to 1
Oakland Raiders 5 to 1
San Diego Chargers 1 to 2

AFC West Odds To Win the Super Bowl
Denver Broncos 70 to 1
Kansas City Chiefs 35 to 1
Oakland Raiders 50 to 1
San Diego Chargers 12 to 1

NFL Betting Odds @ BoDog Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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AFC West Odds
Denver Broncos 10 to 1
Kansas City Chiefs 4.50 to 1
Oakland Raiders 6 to 1
San Diego Chargers 1 to 2.50

Super Bowl Odds
Denver Broncos 80 to 1
Kansas City Chiefs 45 to 1
Oakland Raiders 65 to 1
San Diego Chargers 11 to 1

The AFC South might be the most intriguing division in football this year, as there are a slew of teams that think they are going to be playoff bound with a ton of new faces in place. Take a look at how we see things shaking out with our 2011 AFC South picks.

The team that everyone is buzzing about is the Houston Texans (Current AFC South Odds: 1.75 to 1 at Oddsmaker Sportsbook). This is always the team that is the “Yeah, but” team in football, as it has never been to the playoffs in team history in spite of the fact that the talent level is seemingly always improving. Head Coach Gary Kubiak knows that this is the year that he has to get it right, or he will be out of a job. The defense was terrible last season, but bringing in DE JJ Watt, DB Johnathan Joseph, and DB Danieal Manning, along with new Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips should push this team to the next level as long as QB Matt Schaub and the offense continue to put up points at a torrid pace.

This might be a do or die year for Head Coach Jack Del Rio and his Jacksonville Jaguars (AFC South Lines: 6 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook), too. QB Blaine Gabbert is going to take over for QB David Garrard at some point in all likelihood, and we know that that probably won’t be good enough to take this team to the postseason. The defense has some major holes in it, and there won’t be so many last second wins in all likelihood like this team got last year. There are major health questions about RB Maurice Jones-Drew this year, and if he doesn’t stay healthy, the Jags are in big trouble, especially with backup RB Rashad Jennings already out for the season.

The Tennessee Titans (Odds to Win the AFC South: 9 to 1 at Oddsmaker Sportsbook) just have to be happy that they resigned the face of their franchise, RB Chris Johnson just before the final week of the preseason started. Johnson is the only thing that the Titans have going for them, as QB Jake Locker and QB Matt Hasselbeck don’t exactly scare the wits out of the other defenses in this division. This is the first time in over a decade that the Titans franchise is going to run on the field without Head Coach Jeff Fisher, who was dismissed after a relatively dismal season in 2010.

And yet the team that is still favored in this division is the team that has dominated it for the last decade, the Indianapolis Colts (2011 AFC South Odds: 1.15 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). Many think that this is the year that the Indianapolis dynasty comes crashing down, especially if QB Peyton Manning has any serious lingering issues with his neck injury. The offense is getting older but should still be able to put up some points, but the defense has never really been addressed. Head Coach Jim Caldwell will have to do a yeoman’s job coaching up this unit to get this team back into the playoffs in the stacked AFC this year.

2011 NFL Odds @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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Odds To Win AFC South
Houston Texans 1.33 to 1
Indianapolis Colts 1.15 to 1
Jacksonville Jaguars 6 to 1
Tennessee Titans 7.50 to 1

Odds To Win Super Bowl
Houston Texans 26 to 1
Indianapolis Colts 23 to 1
Jacksonville Jaguars 125 to 1
Tennessee Titans 165 to 1

AFC South Super Bowl Odds @ JustBet Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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Odds To Win AFC South Division
Houston Texans OTB
Indianapolis Colts OTB
Jacksonville Jaguars OTB
Tennessee Titans OTB

Super Bowl 46 Odds
Houston Texans 25 to 1
Indianapolis Colts 15 to 1
Jacksonville Jaguars 60 to 1
Tennessee Titans 60 to 1

AFC South Odds @ Oddsmaker Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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2011 AFC South Odds
Houston Texans 1.75 to 1
Indianapolis Colts 1 to 1.20
Jacksonville Jaguars 7 to 1
Tennessee Titans 9 to 1

AFC South Odds To Win the Super Bowl
Houston Texans 35 to 1
Indianapolis Colts 15 to 1
Jacksonville Jaguars 65 to 1
Tennessee Titans 55 to 1

NFL Betting Odds @ BoDog Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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AFC South Odds
Houston Texans OTB
Indianapolis Colts OTB
Jacksonville Jaguars OTB
Tennessee Titans OTB

Super Bowl Odds
Houston Texans 25 to 1
Indianapolis Colts 18 to 1
Jacksonville Jaguars 75 to 1
Tennessee Titans 75 to 1

The AFC North has really been split right down the middle in recent years. Two of the teams have been great and have been postseason contenders every year, while the other two have struggled and struggled mightily. Check out whether our AFC North picks are changing this year.

The team that is the most interesting to watch this year is the Cleveland Browns (Current AFC North Odds: 12 to 1 at Oddsmaker Sportsbook). With a new West Coast offense installed, QB Colt McCoy really could be a star in the making after a solid rookie campaign last year. Look for rookie WR Greg Little and WR Mohammed Massaquoi to have significantly better seasons in this offense, while RB Peyton Hillis might take a step back. The defense is the sticking point for GM Mike Holmgren’s team, but there are definitely some great, young pieces that can be built around. The Browns might still be a year away, but this is a team that could have some great value should anything happen to any of the important Steelers or Ravens over the course of the season.

And what about those Baltimore Ravens (AFC North Lines: 1.35 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook)? What’s not to like? The defense, save for LB Ray Lewis and SS Troy Polamalu is still awfully young, and the offense is only getting better as QB Joe Flacco and RB Ray Rice gain experience. Adding WR Lee Evans was crucial in the offseason, but the best signing might have been FB Vonta Leach, who arguably is the best fullback in the league. It’ll all come down to these two games with Pittsburgh once again to determine who is going to win the division crown in all likelihood.

The one team that we know has no chance whatsoever of doing anything useful this season is the Cincinnati Bengals (Odds to Win the AFC North: 30 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). QB Andy Dalton just doesn’t have it in him to lead an offense was largely no talent around him, and no matter how good of a coordinator that new OC Jay Gruden proves to be, there isn’t going to be enough against these outrageous defenses that this division has to offer. Oh yeah, and the defense for the Bengals? Don’t even ask about it. If Dalton and WR AJ Green don’t end up both putting up Rookie of the Year types of numbers, there’s nothing to even bother watching the Bengals about this year.

And then of course, there are the Pittsburgh Steelers (2011 AFC North Odds: 1 to 1.10 at Oddsmaker Sportsbook). QB Ben Roethlisberger will be in the fold for all 16 games this year barring injury, and that is only going to help out the continuity of this team even more. There’s nothing more that can be said about this defense either. This unit is just downright awesome and is the most consistent in the league. The black and gold are a shoe-in to be a playoff team this year.

2011 NFL Odds @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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Odds To Win AFC North
Baltimore Ravens 1.35 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 30 to 1
Cleveland Browns 10.80 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 1 to 1.20

Odds To Win Super Bowl
Baltimore Ravens 16.50 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 250 to 1
Cleveland Browns 200 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 13 to 1

AFC North Super Bowl Odds @ JustBet Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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Odds To Win AFC North Division
Baltimore Ravens 1.25 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 26 to 1
Cleveland Browns 8.50 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 1 to 1.35

Super Bowl 46 Odds
Baltimore Ravens 15 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 110 to 1
Cleveland Browns 65 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 10 to 1

AFC North Odds @ Oddsmaker Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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2011 AFC North Odds
Baltimore Ravens 1.25 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 15 to 1
Cleveland Browns 12 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 1 to 1.10

AFC North Odds To Win the Super Bowl
Baltimore Ravens 14 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 75 to 1
Cleveland Browns 80 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 9 to 1

NFL Betting Odds @ BoDog Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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AFC North Odds
Baltimore Ravens 1.35 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 20 to 1
Cleveland Browns 8 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 1 to 1.25

Super Bowl Odds
Baltimore Ravens 16 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 125 to 1
Cleveland Browns 80 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 15 to 1

Three of the four teams in the AFC East think that they have a real chance this year of being contenders to make the playoffs, but only one of the four might ultimately get into the playoffs in this very deep conference. Check out our AFC East NFL picks for 2011!

It really shouldn’t be considered all that much of a surprise that the New England Patriots (Current AFC East Odds: 1 to 1.70 at 5Dimes Sportsbook) are the favorites in this division. QB Tom Brady has a new target to play with in WR Chad Ochocinco, and he still has the use of both of his great young tight ends, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski as well. There is some concern about the defense for this team, but adding DT Albert Haynesworth should really help out the toughness of this team. Surprisingly though, on Saturday, SS Brandon Merriweather was released to cut down the roster size.

Does that really open the door for the New York Jets (AFC East Lines: 1.90 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook)? Probably not. New York might have a worse team this year than it did a season ago thanks to the fact that WRs Jerricho Cotchery, Brad Smith, and Braylon Edwards are all gone. Only WR Plaxico Burress replaces them. The defense, as always, is stacked, and resigning DB Antonio Cromartie helped out quite a bit. However, this is a team that will only go as far as QB Mark Sanchez takes it, and we aren’t convinced that Sanchez is an elite quarterback as of yet in this league.

The Miami Dolphins (Odds to Win the AFC East: 11.20 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook) might be the biggest joke in football this year. Head Coach Tony Sparano knows that he has to win with this team right now, or he’ll end up getting fired at season’s end, but this is a team that is delusional about just how good it really is. QB Chad Henne is awful, and the defense has a slew of holes in it even though there are some nice, young pieces to build around. Losing both RBs Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown hurt, and adding RBs Larry Johnson, Reggie Bush, and Daniel Thomas just doesn’t seem to be quite the same.

And then there are the Buffalo Bills (2011 AFC East Odds: 40 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook), who really didn’t do anything to help themselves out this year. There were a slew of quarterbacks there for the taking in the NFL Draft, but instead, the team decided that it was going to stick with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, which will likely guarantee yet another year with a Top 10 pick in the NFL Draft.

2011 NFL Odds @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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Odds To Win AFC East
Buffalo Bills 40 to 1
New England Patriots 1 to 1.70
New York Jets 1.90 to 1
Miami Dolphins 11.20 to 1

Odds To Win Super Bowl
Buffalo Bills 210 to 1
New England Patriots 5.65 to 1
New York Jets 15 to 1
Miami Dolphins 100 to 1

AFC East Super Bowl Odds @ JustBet Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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Odds To Win AFC East Division
Buffalo Bills 25 to 1
New England Patriots 1 to 1.75
New York Jets 1.65 to 1
Miami Dolphins 9.50 to 1

Super Bowl 46 Odds
Buffalo Bills 125 to 1
New England Patriots 5 to 1
New York Jets 9 to 1
Miami Dolphins 60 to 1

AFC East Odds @ Oddsmaker Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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2011 AFC East Odds
Buffalo Bills 40 to 1
New England Patriots 1 to 1.75
New York Jets 1.80 to 1
Miami Dolphins 9 to 1

AFC East Odds To Win the Super Bowl
Buffalo Bills 150 to 1
New England Patriots 6 to 1
New York Jets 9 to 1
Miami Dolphins 50 to 1

NFL Betting Odds @ BoDog Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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AFC East Odds
Buffalo Bills 20 to 1
New England Patriots 1 to 1.65
New York Jets 1.85 to 1
Miami Dolphins 9 to 1

Super Bowl Odds
Buffalo Bills 150 to 1
New England Patriots 11 to 2
New York Jets 12 to 1
Miami Dolphins 60 to 1

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) – Philly’s chances of moving up in the playoff picture was shot on Tuesday night when it was shocked by the Minnesota Vikings at home. Now, the No. 3 seed awaits the NFC East champs regardless of what happens in the finale against the Dallas Cowboys. Remaining Schedule: vs. DAL

New York Giants (9-6) – The Giants put themselves in a world of hurt right now in the push in the NFC. A win is a must next week against the Washington Redskins, and anything less won’t get the job done. Then from there, the G-Men need either a loss by the Packers against the Chicago Bears, or they need the New Orleans Saints to lose both this week against the Atlanta Falcons and next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Remaining Schedule: @ WAS

Washington Redskins (6-9) – The Redskins upset the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, but they know that they can deliver an even bigger blow to the New York Giants next week with an upset at home. Aside from the ability to feel good about ending an arch rival’s season though, there’s nothing else to play for in our nation’s capitol. Remaining Schedule: vs. NYG

Dallas Cowboys (5-10) – Gaffes both offensively and on special teams really cost the Cowboys a ‘W’ at the lowly Arizona Cardinals. We’re probably going to get our first look at QB Stephen McGee as a starter next week unless QB Tony Romo decides to suit up, as QB Jon Kitna is out of the lineup. Remaining Schedule: vs. PHI

NFC North

Chicago Bears (11-4) – It’s not often that you see the Bears rooting for the Minnesota Vikings, but with their hated rivals’ victory on a rare Tuesday Night Football duel, they clinched a first round bye in the playoffs. Chicago really doesn’t have anywhere to go from here unless a bunch of things happen. It needs a win and losses by both the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints to become the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Remaining Schedule: @ GB

Green Bay Packers (9-6) – It’s win and in for the Packers this week, as they know that a ‘W’ against the Chicago Bears puts them in the playoffs once and for all. They can also get in with a loss, but only if both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants lose in Week 17 as well. There’s nowhere to go but to be the No. 6 seed in the playoffs, meaning a win parlayed with a victory by the Philadelphia Eagles sets up a rematch in the Windy City between these same two teams next week in the first round of the playoffs. Remaining Schedule: vs. CHI

Minnesota Vikings (6-9) – Give the Vikes some big time credit for taking down the Philadelphia Eagles on the road on Tuesday with third string QB Joe Webb doing the bulk of the damage offensively. The ‘W’ might have saved the job for Head Coach Leslie Frazier, who really wants to have the interim tag removed from his title for next year. Remaining Schedule: @ DET

Detroit Lions (5-10) – Give it up for the Lions, who have now won back to back road games for the first time in eons. Their fans should come out in droves this week to support them for the finale against the Minnesota Vikings, which could be the game that ensures that they do not finish in last place in the NFC North. Remaining Schedule: vs. MIN

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NFC South

Atlanta Falcons (12-3) – Atlanta didn’t do itself any favorites on Monday Night Football by losing to the New Orleans Saints, as now, it needs to win this final game of the season against the Carolina Panthers to ensure the No. 1 seed in the playoffs in the NFC. A loss makes things more interesting. If that happens and the Saints win on Sunday, the Falcons are suddenly going on the road as a Wild Card. If the Saints also lose and the Bears win, they’ll be the No. 2 seed, and if all three teams lose, they’ll hang on as the top seed in the conference. Remaining Schedule: vs. CAR

New Orleans Saints (11-4) – The Saints took a situation that could have been very, very sticky and turned it into one with nothing to lose on Sunday. They beat the Atlanta Falcons and kept their hopes alive for an NFC South title, and if it were acquired, they would be the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC. It’ll take a win by over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and an Atlanta loss to the lowly Carolina Panthers to happen though, and anything less leaves it on the road as the No. 5 seed, where it will take on the NFC West champs in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Remaining Schedule: vs. TB

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6) – The Bucs pretty much know that they are coming out of the No. 6 seed in the playoffs if they get in, as their only chance of being the No. 5 seed would be a win in Week 17 over the New Orleans Saints and losses in Week 17 by both the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants. With the unlikeliness of that happening, Tampa Bay is sitting at home tonight and cheering for the Atlanta Falcons. That would put the Bucs in a position where a win would put them within a win and loss by either the Packers or Giants from getting into the playoffs. A loss in Week 17 eliminates Tampa Bay one way or the other. Remaining Schedule: @ NO

Carolina Panthers (2-13) – It’s official… And with the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select… Remaining Schedule: @ ATL

NFC West

St. Louis Rams (7-8) – Once St. Louis won its duel against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, it knew that the showdown next week against the Seattle Seahawks was for all the marbles in the division. A win leaves the Rams as the No. 4 seed in the playoffs and hosting a game in the first round. A loss eliminates them from the postseason. Remaining Schedule: @ SEA

Seattle Seahawks (6-9) – Seahawks fans have to be wondering what in the heck Head Coach Pete Carroll was doing when he played QB Matt Hasselbeck last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The game was 100% meaningless to the Seahawks once the St. Louis Rams beat the San Francisco 49ers, as we knew that the game up at Qwest Field on Sunday Night Football was going to be the one that determined the winner of the NFC West regardless. Just like the Rams, a win earns the No. 4 seed, while a loss knocks Seattle out of the playoffs. Remaining Schedule: vs. STL

San Francisco 49ers (5-10) – It should really come as no surprise to anyone that the Niners canned Head Coach Mike Singletary just hours after they were eliminated from the playoffs mathematically. Remaining Schedule: vs. ARI

Arizona Cardinals (5-10) – Can you imagine just how bad the NFC West is if the Cardinals end up finishing second in the division? That could be a reality with a win on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Remaining Schedule: @ SF

AFC East

New England Patriots (13-2) – The road to the Super Bowl goes through Foxboro officially, as the Pats locked up the No. 1 overall seed in the playoffs with a win on Sunday at the Buffalo Bills. If we see QB Tom Brady and the regulars on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, it will only be as a cameo appearance for the hometown crowd to applaud their heroes, as this one is totally meaningless. Remaining Schedule: vs. MIA

New York Jets (10-5) – The Jets essentially hit the backdoor in the playoffs, earning a spot in the second season in spite of the fact that they lost on Sunday to the Chicago Bears. They know that they’ll be the No. 6 seed if the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers both win in Week 17 regardless of what happens at home against the Buffalo Bills, but if the Pittsburgh Steelers lose and the Jets win, they’ll move up to the No. 5 seed. To show how little Head Coach Rex Ryan cares about that, he’s already announced that he is sitting QB Mark Sanchez on Sunday. Remaining Schedule: vs. BUF

Miami Dolphins (7-8) – Is it just us, or are the Dolphins praying that QB Jake Locker falls to them this year in the NFL Draft? The offense has been disgraceful all season long, and two picks by QB Chad Henne in a span of just a few minutes took a ten point lead and turned it into a seven point defeat against the lowly Detroit Lions. Remaining Schedule: @ NE

Buffalo Bills (4-11) – The Bills never really stood a chance on Sunday in the home finale against the New England Patriots, and they can’t even really spoil anything against the New York Jets this weekend either. Remaining Schedule: @ NYJ

AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4) – Step 1 for Pittsburgh is complete, but there is still one more matter to take care of. The Steelers need to beat the Cleveland Browns on Sunday to win the AFC South. A loss by the Baltimore Ravens would also get the job done, though there is clearly no desire to backdoor into a first round bye like that. A loss and wins by the Ravens and the New York Jets would leave Pittsburgh as the No. 6 seed. A loss and a loss by the Jets leaves it at No. 5.Remaining Schedule: @ CLE

Baltimore Ravens (11-4) – Baltimore is going everything that it can to become the No. 2 seed in the AFC, as it needs to just keep on winning and hope that the Pittsburgh Steelers trip in Week 17. A win and a loss by the New York Jets guarantees no worse than the No. 5 seed in the playoffs, while a win and a Pittsburgh loss wins the division. The Ravens are already in the dance for certain, though. Remaining Schedule: vs. CIN

Cleveland Browns (5-10) – The Browns never stood a shot against the Baltimore Ravens, and now they are stuck taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Remaining Schedule: vs. PIT

Cincinnati Bengals (4-11) – The Bengals upset the San Diego Chargers to end their season on Sunday, and they can ensure that the Baltimore Ravens are going on the road with an upset at M&T Bank Stadium in Week 17. Remaining Schedule: @ BAL

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts (9-6) – It’s win and in at this point for the Colts, but they have a lifeline now as well after extending their lead in the AFC South to one with one to play. A win and a loss by the Kansas City Chiefs wins the No. 3 seed, while a win or a loss by the Jacksonville Jaguars and a win by the Chiefs leaves Indy at No. 4. Remaining Schedule: vs. TEN

Jacksonville Jaguars (8-7) – The Jags know that they need to win on Sunday, something that they probably had to do one way or the other to win the AFC South. Sunday’s loss against the Washington Redskins really didn’t hurt them any. The only road to the second season is a win parlayed with a loss by the Indianapolis Colts, and if that were to happen, Jacksonville would be the No. 4 seed in the playoffs. Remaining Schedule: @ HOU

Tennessee Titans (6-9) – The Titans were officially knocked out of the playoffs in Week 16 with a bad loss at the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, all they can do is play the role of spoiler against the Indianapolis Colts, who are likely to win the AFC South again this year. Remaining Schedule: @ IND

Houston Texans (5-10) – The newest way the Texans blew a game came this week when they were beaten by a rookie quarterback for his first career win after holding a 17 point lead at halftime and a 13 point edge going into the fourth quarter. Is there a reason that Head Coach Gary Kubiak hasn’t been fired yet? Remaining Schedule: vs. JAX

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs (10-5) – Kansas City could really care less whether it ends up being the No. 3 or the No. 4 seed, but a win on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders would clinch the No. 3 seed. A loss and a win by the Indianapolis Colts would knock the Chiefs down to No. 4. Regardless though, KC can call itself the champion of the AFC West, something that was looked at as an impossibility at the outset of the season. Remaining Schedule: vs. OAK

San Diego Chargers (8-7) – In typical Chargers fashion, they were defeated by the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday to knock them out of the playoffs once and for all. It probably wouldn’t have mattered, as KC was probably unlikely to lose a game down the stretch, but this really eliminated any chance and might have put Head Coach Norv Turner on a very, very hot seat as we go into next year. Remaining Schedule: @ DEN

Oakland Raiders (7-8) – Oakland knew that its season was over before getting started in Week 16, as it was bounced from the second season when the Kansas City Chiefs won earlier that day. Still, the chance to finish .500 by beating the division champs on the road in the regular season finale is too good of a chance to pass up for a team that is clearly on the rise. Remaining Schedule: @ KC

Denver Broncos (4-11) – Denver really messed up its chances of having the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft by beating the Houston Texans on Sunday, but QB Tim Tebow was all smiles after posting a huge comeback from down 17 at the half and 13 through three quarters to notch his first ever win. Remaining Schedule: vs. SD

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The 2011 Pro Bowl is just a few weeks away, and the rosters were announced on Tuesday night. What we have to remember about the Pro Bowl this year is that players that are playing in the Super Bowl are not going to be in the game this year, as the Pro Bowl is played the week before the biggest game of the year, not a few weeks later.

That being said, it wouldn’t be overly surprising if either AFC QB Tom Brady or NFC QB Michael Vick are kept out of this game due to the fact that they are playing for the Lombardi Trophy the next week.

Even though we know right now that the rosters aren’t going to look like this when push comes to shove, we can still analyze the rosters as they sit at the moment.

Quarterbacks: The AFC has a fantastic trio of pure drop back passers. Brady simply plays with precision with every single pass, while his backups, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning were both fantastic all season long. In Manning and Rivers, the AFC has two of the top passers in terms of yardage in the league, while Brady has a great touch and should only be made better by a great crop of receivers, something that he doesn’t have in New England. The NFC is probably more dynamic. Atlanta’s Matt Ryan refuses to lose, while Drew Brees is seemingly always here in the Pro Bowl. Michael Vick as the start is an interesting choice, especially since he wasn’t even good enough to start in Philly at the outset of the season. There’s more than Vick can do with his legs, but the better passers are clearly in the AFC. Advantage: AFC

Running Backs: This is about as even of a match as you can get assuming that these are the backs that end up in the game. The AFC South duo of Maurice Jones-Drew and Arian Foster can run all day long, while Jamaal Charles has an explosive first step and is used to splitting carries. Michael Turner has been a workhorse all season long, which might cause him to be left out of the lineup for the Pro Bowl. Adrian Peterson is probably the most talented back in the league, while Steven Jackson is one of the most underappreciated backs that the league has to offer. Just one question for the AFC, though. Where’s Chris Johnson? Advantage: NFC

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: If the AFC is winning this game, this is where it is doing it. This conference has three of the top men for receiving yards in the league in Andre Johnson, Brandon Lloyd, and Reggie Wayne, and you won’t find a better target near the end zone than Dwayne Bowe, who has three more TD catches than anyone else in the league. Antonio Gates probably isn’t playing, which leaves just Marcedes Lewis and potentially a man like Dustin Keller. The NFC has the better tight ends and a fantastic option sitting on the sidelines, as Vernon Davis would easily be a starter in the red conference. Jason Witten and the experienced Tony Gonzalez are fantastic. Roddy White is probably the best possession receiver in the NFL, and there is a nice mix as well with some speed, as both Greg Jennings and DeSean Jackson have some major speed. Advantage: AFC

2011 Pro Bowl Roster – AFC (Bold denotes starter)
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning
Running Backs: Maurice Jones-Drew, Arian Foster, Jamaal Charles
Fullback: Vonta Leach
Wide Receivers: Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Brandon Lloyd, Dwayne Bowe
Tight Ends: Antonio Gates, Marcedes Lewis
Centers: Nick Mangold, Maurkice Pouncey
Guards: Kris Dielman, Logan Mankins, Brian Waters
Tackles: Jake Long, Joe Thomas, D’Brickashaw Ferguson
Defensive Linemen: Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, Haloti Ngata, Vince Wilfork, Richard Seymour, Jason Babin
Linebackers: Ray Lewis, James Harrison, Cameron Wake, Jerod Mayo, Terrell Suggs
Cornerbacks: Nnamdi Asomugha, Darrelle Revis, Devin McCourty
Safeties: Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed, Brandon Meriweather
Punter: Shane Lechler
Kicker: Billy Cundiff
Kick Returner: Marc Mariani
Special Teams: Montell Owens

2011 Pro Bowl Roster – NFC (Bold denotes starter)
Quarterbacks: Michael Vick, Matt Ryan, Drew Brees
Running Backs: Michael Turner, Adrian Peterson, Steven Jackson
Fullback: Ovie Mughelli
Wide Receivers: Roddy White, Calvin Johnson, DeSean Jackson, Greg Jennings
Tight Ends: Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez
Centers: Andre Gurode, Shaun O’Hara
Guards: Jahri Evans, Chris Snee, Carl Nicks
Tackles: Jason Peters, Jordan Gross, Chad Clifton
Defensive Linemen: Julius Peppers, John Abraham, Ndamukong Suh, Jay Ratliff, Justin Tuck, Justin Smith
Linebackers: Patrick Willis, Clay Matthews, DeMarcus Ware, Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher
Cornerbacks: Asante Samuel, Charles Woodson, DeAngelo Hall
Safeties: Nick Collins, Adrian Wilson, Antrel Rolle
Punter: Mat McBriar
Kicker: David Akers
Kick Returner: Devin Hester
Special Teams: Eric Weems

Last week a lot of NFL team’s postseason chances came to an end primarily in the NFC. However, the AFC wildcard race is still completely up for grabs with a host of teams lingering at the 7-7 mark on the season. Among those teams are the defending Super Bowl Champions in the Pittsburgh Steelers who kept their chances alive with a Ben Roethlisberger game winning touchdown pass as time expired in a big victory against the Green Bay Packers. However, the odds may be stacked against the Steelers to find a position in the playoffs. Find out the Steelers chances to make the playoffs along with all the other teams in the NFL as we continue to breakdown the postseason playoff picture.

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles (10-4) – Philadelphia clinched a playoff berth with their 27-13 win over the 49ers this weekend. However, the Eagles can still do more damage. They currently sit a top the NFC East and could clinch the division with another win combined with a Dallas loss. The Eagles could also lose to the Broncos this week and still win the division with a victory against Dallas in the finale. Also, the Eagles could still get a first round bye in the playoffs with another Vikings loss as long as they continue to win.

Dallas Cowboys (9-5) - The Cowboys stunned the football world with a big victory over the previously unbeaten Saints last weekend. The milestone victory ended at ever going talk of the December slump and kept the Cowboys in the wildcard position for the playoffs. Dallas is currently in a race with the Giants for the final wildcard spot. The Giants would win the tie breaker due to the head to head sweep, but the Giants trial by one game currently. Dallas also has the same record as Green Bay meaning they could also guarantee a spot in the playoffs with one more victory if the Packers lost their remaining two. However, all those scenarios are given if the Cowboys lose another game but they still control their destiny if they continue to win. Also, if the Cowboys get by Washington this weekend they will have the chance to take down the division against the Eagles in week 17.

New York Giants (8-6) – The Giants just crushed Washington this past Monday 45-12 in an all around impressive effort. The Giants would currently be out of the playoffs if the season ended today, but they are also the only team still alive outside of the 6 teams that are currently in the playoffs. The Giants could close the door with another Dallas loss if they were to win out. Also, if the Packers lose their last two games the Giants could earn a spot with two more victories. If the Giants just split the last two games, they would need Dallas to lose both games.

Washington Redskins (4-10) – Out

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings (11-3) – Clinched Division

The Vikings loss to the Panthers opened the door for the Eagles to have a chance at taking their first round bye. Minnesota would lose the tie breaker for 2nd best record in the NFL with another loss (given the Eagles win) due to their conference record.

Green Bay Packers (9-5) – The Packers last second loss to the Steelers this week was a setback in regards to the postseason. However, the Packers still have a good chance to lock in a spot with just one more victory due to their head to head victory over Dallas and two game advantage over the Giants. However, if they lost their remaining two games they would need Dallas or New York to at least lose one game.

Chicago Bears (5-9) – Out

Detroit Lions (2-12) – Out

NFC South

New Orleans Saints (13-1) – Clinched Division and first round bye.  New Orleans pursuit of a perfect season ended last week to the Cowboys. However, they are still poised for a deep playoff run and another victory would wrap up home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Atlanta Falcons (7-7) – Out

Carolina Panthers (6-8) – Out

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-12) – Out

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals (9-5) – Clinched Division

San Francisco 49ers (6-8) – Out

Seattle Seahawks (5-9) – Out

St. Louis Rams (1-13) – Out

AFC East

New England Patriots (9-5) - The Patriots definitely have not been the dominating New England team we are accustomed to this time a year. However, last week’s 17-10 victory over Buffalo puts the Patriots just one victory away from clinching the division. The Patriots could also clinch the division guaranteeing a postseason berth with another Miami loss.

Miami Dolphins (7-7) – The Dolphins are just one of six teams currently sitting at 7-7. The Dolphins could still advance if a few scenarios play out. One of course would be if the Patriots lost their last two and the Dolphins win out to steal the division title. For Miami to capture a wildcard spot, they would need either Denver and/or Baltimore to lose their final two games while winning their last two games.

New York Jets (7-7) – The Jets are also at the 7-7 mark on the season after a 10-7 loss to the Falcons last week. The Jets can not win the division so their only option is to somehow win a wildcard position. The Jets absolutely have to win their remaining two games and hope for the following: Jacksonville loses to New England and Miami loses to Houston, plus either of the following: have Baltimore lose at Pittsburgh or Denver lose at Philadelphia.

Buffalo Bills (5-9) – Out

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals (9-4) – The Bengals dropped their 2nd straight game last week in an emotional 27-24 loss to the Chargers keeping the door open in the division race. Cincinnati still needs one more victory to clinch the AFC North or a Baltimore loss.

Baltimore Ravens (8-6) – The Ravens blew out Chicago last week 31-7 to strengthen their playoff chances. Baltimore is also still alive in the division, but would need the Bengals to lose their remaining two games to reach that goal. The Ravens could clinch a playoff berth with a win this week with the following scenarios playing out: Jacksonville loss along with Jets or Broncos loss. Ravens could also earn a spot with losses by Jets, Broncos, and Dolphins this week as well.

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7) – The Steelers kept their postseason chances alive last week with a clutch victory against the Packers. Pittsburgh still has an uphill battle to climb given their 4-6 conference record. There are tons of scenarios that could play out. One interesting scenarios would be if the Steelers win out they would need Houston, Jacksonville, Denver, and New York to lose at least one game. (All of those teams are underdogs for week 16) Of course there are many other scenarios given all the teams fighting for wildcard spot, but one thing is certain that is the Steelers must win.

Cleveland Browns (3-11) – Out

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts (13-0) – Clinched Division and home field advantage throughout.

Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7) – The Jaguars played really well against the Colts last week nearly ending their undefeated season. However, the loss put them right in the middle of a pack of 7-7 teams. Still, the Jaguars chances are pretty good or at least better than other teams with the same record. The Jaguars control their own destiny with another Denver or Baltimore loss.

Tennessee Titans (7-7) – The Titans kept their slim postseason chances alive with a 27-24 victory over Miami last Sunday. Tennessee must win their final two games of the season and get a lot of help. The Titans need both Denver and Baltimore to lose their final two games. Also, Tennessee would nearly need to finish ahead of all the current teams at 7-7 given they have the worse conference record of every team except Houston.

Houston Texans (7-7) – The Texans are also still alive for just one more week, but they need more help than anyone. Houston needs Denver and Baltimore to lose out. The Texans will also need the Jets to possibly lose out along with losses from both Pittsburgh and Jacksonville. All of those scenarios have to play out and the Texans must win their final two just to be eligible of a few of the tie breaker scenarios.

AFC West

San Diego Chargers (11-3) – Clinched Division

The Chargers may just be the hottest team in the AFC even with the Colts still undefeated. San Diego’s winning streak in December is now 17 straight games and they have also posted 9 straight wins currently. The Chargers are already in the postseason, but need just one more victory to capture a first round bye and home field advantage in their first playoff game.

Denver Broncos (8-6) – Denver’s postseason chances took a big hit with an unexpected loss to Oakland last week. The Broncos still currently own the final wildcard position and control their own destiny. However, they would lose tie breakers to Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Pittsburgh in the wildcard race meaning another loss would really devastate their chances. If the Broncos had to take a loss, they can not afford to lose to the Chiefs in the finale considering that would really damage their conference record. A win over Kansas City would increase their chances at 9-7, but there are too many scenarios that could play out if that happens. The main thing for Denver is to approach each game as a “must win.”

Oakland Raiders (5-9) – Out

Kansas City Chiefs (3-11) – Out