2011 NFL Playoff Team Predictions

Week 1 of the NFL season left many football fans scratching their heads. Playoff teams from a year ago managed to go only 6-6, with some teams looking more like last place teams instead of Super Bowl contenders. The NFC south went 0-4 with Carolina looking much better than most people predicted. The Colts without Peyton Manning looked like a team that had no heart and more like a team playing for a high draft pick. The Steelers were outplayed in every aspect of the game against Baltimore, while Detroit winning on the road looked very impressive. However, it was only the first game of the season and many of these results will likely not happen again.

Baltimore and New England in the AFC showed their dominance in Week 1 and will continue to be the favorites to reach the AFC title game. Both teams showed their offenses are high powered and are going to be very difficult to stop. Baltimore’s defense was very impressive forcing 7 turnovers and 4 sacks while allowing only seven points against a very good Pittsburgh Steelers team. New England showed how efficient their offense can be scoring from every part of the field. Tom Brady and Wes Welker had record breaking games while the defense made the stops when they needed too.

Green Bay and Philadelphia in the NFC also showed that they are the teams to beat to get to the NFC Championship game. Green Bay and Aaron Rodgers started the season just like they ended last season, clicking on all cylinders. They have an upgraded special teams unit, a healthly group of running backs, and a very solid defense. Philadelphia proved that signing Michael Vick was a very smart decision, and with other key additions the offense is very explosive. Defenses playing the Eagles have to worry about a strong running game, a passing game with deep threats, and an explosive running quarterback. The defense for the Eagles needs to be better against the run, but that is something that can easily be fixed.

The four remaining playoff spots in the AFC will go to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, San Diego Chargers, and the New York Jets. Pittsburgh is a veteran team that had a game that every Steeler player and fan would like to forget. In Week 2 they get to play against the Seattle Seahawks at home, and will show the league that Week 1 was just a fluke against a very impressive Ravens team. With Peyton Manning having another neck surgery, the Colts season could be over before it even really began giving the division to a much improved Texans team. San Diego is lucky to get to play in the AFC West and get six games against the Chiefs, Raiders, and Broncos. The Chargers are a mediocre team that has major special team issues, along with problems in their defense. Playing in the weak AFC West , however, will allow them to win the division and make the playoffs. The New York Jets have very solid receivers and an above average running game that will make life a lot easier for Mark Sanchez. The defense also played well in Week 1 forcing turnovers at very critical times in their victory over the Dallas Cowboys. They will not have the same fortunes as they did last year, and will have a very hard time competing with the New England Patriots for the AFC East crown.

On the NFC side the remaining four playoff spots will go to the Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, and the Detroit Lions. The Chicago Bears are going to be the odd man out in the NFC with a tough division schedule that includes the Packers and Lions. The NFC South is wide open and after the first week of the season Carolina had the most impressive game out of the four teams. All four teams lost, with QB Cam Newton having a record setting day. However the Panthers lack experience and depth at the major skill positions and will have a hard time winning close games, giving the division to the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons added a play maker when they drafted Julio Jones and just need a couple of games to get the offense in sync. Like the Falcons the San Francisco 49ers play in a weak division and will be able to make the playoffs with help from their special teams and improved play by Alex Smith. Ted Ginn gives them a threat as a punt and kick off returner, something they have lacked in the past few seasons. With Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson on the same page the Lions offense will keep them in every game this season. The defense is solid and will finally take the next step and contribute to a winning season and a berth in the playoffs. The Washington Redskins have a much improved offense from last season, and a favorable schedule gives the Redskins a very good chance of making the playoffs.

The 2011 season is still very early and an injury to a key player could ruin any teams chance of making the playoffs, just ask the Colts and Rams. Breakout play from rookies could also effect this season, Cam Newton, Julio Jones, Andy Dalton, AJ Green, and Mark Ingram for example could make their impact felt in their rookie year. Week 2 of the NFL season should give us a little better picture of how the season is going to play out and seperate the contenders from the pretenders.

Week 2 Results
Pittsburgh over Seattle
Detroit over Kansas City
Green Bay over Carolina
Baltimore over Tennessee
New England over San Diego
Philadelphia over Atlanta
San Francisco over Dallas
Houston over Miami
NY Jets over Jacksonville
Washington over Arizona


People also view

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *