The team coming into Week 14 with the best record, the Seattle Seahawks, stumbled in San Francisco. The league’s best offense, the Denver Broncos, put on another highlight performance against the Titans. It was an interesting week for division leaders. The Patriots fell in a hole early to the Browns, but managed another miraculous comeback. The Bengals are on the upswing after defeating the Colts, who look like the worst playoff team in football.
1. Seattle Seahawks- The Seahawks are the best team in football. They’ve struggled on the road this season, with both of their losses coming away from home. However, the Seahawks will not have to play a meaningful road game until February! The NFC playoffs run through Seattle, and they must be considered the favorite to win the Superbowl.
2. Denver Broncos- The Broncos have the best offense in football. Quarterback Peyton Manning is on pace to shatter the records for most passing yards and most passing touchdowns in a single season. Slowing down this offense won’t be easy, but their Achilles heel is their defense. Can they consistently get stops on defense against elite offenses in the playoffs?
3. New Orleans Saints- The Saints, along with Seattle and New England, have the luxury of one of the most distinct home-field advantages in the NFL. It is close to impossible to beat Sean Payton and Drew Brees in the Superdome. If their offense continues to shine, they could return to the Big Game in February.
4. New England Patriots- This narrative has been written over and over again this season. New England falls in a huge hole in the first half of a game, but Belichick and Brady find a way to come out on top. Although the Ravens did it last year, I don’t see any team going into Foxboro and coming out with a victory in the playoffs.
5. Kansas City Chiefs- The Chiefs blew the Redskins (and their fans) right out of the stadium in the first half on Sunday. If the Broncos stumble, they could be looking at a division crown, but that would require at least two Denver losses. As it is right now, the Chiefs will likely play the sliding Colts in Indianapolis in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Not a bad season so far for former Eagles coach Andy Reid.
6. San Francisco 49ers- The 49ers have won three games in a row, and their defense finally looks like the elite squad from last season. Colin Kaepernick is the key to their success. If he can make plays with his legs, and protect the ball, the 49ers will be in business.
7. Philadelphia Eagles- The Eagles are officially the hottest team in football, having won five games in a row. Although much of the credit has gone to Nick Foles and the offense, the Philly defense has been one of the most underrated squads in all of football. With a chance at winning the division crown and a home playoff game, I expect the Eagles to put on more dominant performances and carry that momentum into the playoffs.
8. Carolina Panthers- An elite defense and an explosive quarterback have carried the Panthers to one of the best records in the NFC. Although their flaws were exposed last Sunday night in New Orleans, they still have a very good chance at making the playoffs. Ron Rivera has done a very good job in righting the ship after a tough start.
9. Cincinnati Bengals- The Bengals were one of the most inconsistent teams in the middle of the season, but look strong now with three wins in a row. With the AFC North title all but assured, it’s up to quarterback Andy Dalton to perform better in the playoffs than he has in past years. The Bengals need to carry this momentum into the playoffs with them, so that first-round exits don’t become a habit.
10. Baltimore Ravens- The defending Superbowl champions were very inconsistent to start the season, but have now won three games in a row. Don’t expect the Ravens to go down without a fight, especially now that one of Joe Flacco’s favorite targets, TE Dennis Pitta, has returned from injury.
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