AFC Playoff Picture Raises Interesting Questions

Well it's that time of year. The best of the best (I say that with reservations), are set to play starting this Saturday to earn a trip to cold, snowy Indianapolis in early February for Super Bowl XLVI.

The AFC welcomes back three teams from last years playoffs, and three new teams, which includes one franchise that is getting its first taste of the postseason. Looking at the field in the AFC, there are few things to ponder about the six teams in the running for the Lombardi trophy.

1) New England Patriots: Let's face it, a year without the Patriots in the playoffs is like a Christmas without a tree. It doesn't seem right. Of course, Tom Brady leads the Pariots offense into the playoffs, while him and his offense have to carry the defense on their backs. No doubt the offense is potent, but the defense flat out stinks. Tight end Rob Gronkowski has been a beast the entire season for New England. As of now, the Patriots are a clear favorite, as always. But could a team like Pittsburgh knock them off after the bye week? Let's not forget the Divisional game against the Jets last year. Don't worry Bill, Rex is watching from home this year.

2) Baltimore Ravens: Where do I start with the Ravens? Great at home, bad on the road against sub-par teams. Best thing that happened for Baltimore was beating the Steelers both times this year. The football universe will show that the two teams will most likely meet at some point. The Ravens are dangerous at home and are vulnerable on the road (except Pittsburgh apparently). Lewis and Suggs lead the defense, which is one reason why the Ravens are where they are and Flacco has played well, but still needs to prove himself in the playoffs. If Baltimore and New England meet in the AFC Championship, you would have to believe New England has the advantage. If Baltimore gets lucky and is home for the AFC title game against Pittsburgh or whoever, put your money on Baltimore.

3) Houston Texans: Welcome to the postseason Houston! A favorite at the beginning of the season to win in a weak AFC South, the Texans have had their high and low moments this season. The lowest being losing Matt Schaub to injury and losing their last three games of the regular season, but we all knew they would be the #3 seed regardless of how they finished after clinching the division. The lack of a quarterback could mean an early exit for the Texans against Cincinnati this Saturday in Houston. If anything, they only make it to the divisional round.

4) Denver Broncos: Where's the Tylenol?! I guess it wouldn't be fair to start talking about the Broncos without mentioning Tim Tebow. Yes, he pulled out some magical comebacks at the end of most of the games during their 6 game winning streak, but "Tebow Time" took a backseat to the New England Patriots on December 19th and lead to Denver losing their final three games. Only in the AFC West can you lose three straight and still win the division. Thank the Broncos defense and kicker Matt Prater for keeping them in the playoff picure. Of course, Tebow worked the little magic he's had this year, but he'll need a lot more with Pittsburgh coming to town. Tim Tebow, have you met James Harrison. Denver deserves to be out after the Wild Card game. But the dreaded "Tebow Time" could strike if the Steelers let Denver stay in the game.

5) Pittsburgh Steelers: For as many times Baltimore shot itself in the foot, Pittsburgh did so themselves. Losing twice to the Ravens didn't help their cause and when opportunity showed itself as an early Christmas gift for the Steelers in San Francisco following a Ravens loss to the Chargers, Pittsburgh wasted it. Of course the Steelers have dealt with once again a thin offensive line, an injured quarterback and now their number one running back out with an ACL injury. As it has been over the past few years, the Steelers rely on Roethlisberger to carry the offense. With all the injuries Big Ben has sustained in his career, a high ankle sprain injury couldn't stop him from playing against the 49ers. The result was bad, but you see the toughness of Roethlisberger. The Steelers defense is aging, but they have been able to stay #1 overall in the NFL. Troy Polamalu will be a key asset as the playoffs begin. James Harrison can make Tebow's day a nightmare if his offensive lineman can't contain him. Steelers should be favorites to knock out the Broncos. But keep in mind the NFC Wild Card game with 7-9 NFC West Champion Seahawks shocked the defending Super Bowl Champion Saints. So be on your toes Pittsburgh. Crazier things have happened.

6) Cincinnati Bengals: Be honest, after Carson Palmer opted out of Cincy and Ochocinco and Owens left, it seemed like "doom and gloom" for Bengals fans. Some even gave up their season tickets they were that disgusted. With a rookie quarterback in Andy Dalton, nobody expected a winning year or even in the playoff run. But Dalton stood strong along with rookie wide receiver AJ Green, the Bengals are looking at a bright future. Even if they don't beat Houston, it was an unexpected season for this club after all their key players left. Can they beat Houston? I think they can, but don't expect an upset win over the Patriots in Foxboro.