The AFC playoff picture is looking really interesting. While many would have anointed the Colts the favorite to win it a few weeks ago, there are a few reasons that shouldn't be the case.
These playoffs are pretty wide open in both conferences, and we're sure to see a few really exciting weeks of football during the games to come.
Let's take a look at the AFC playoff picture here. We'll examine each division winner that made it through, along with a quick analysis of their situation.
The #1 seed is the Indianapolis Colts. Having run out to a 14-0 start, they were clearly the strongest team in the AFC through and through. Losses in their last two weeks were somewhat deliberate since the team wanted to avoid injuries.
Still, it makes one wonder if the team may have been thrown off its rhythm and could come out showing signs of rust. The fact that many of their wins this season were close, come from behind wins, including one against New England, goes to show that the Colts can by no means be considered a lock.
Next in line are the San Diego Chargers, perhaps the hottest team in the NFL. Having won 11 straight games to close out the season, this team rebounded from a 2-3 record and ended up with one of the best records in the NFL. The Chargers have a great offense led by QB Philip Rivers, and could easily find their way to the Super Bowl this year.
Coming in at number three are the Cincinnati Bengals. With a great QB in Carson Palmer, great receiving talent in Chad Johnson, and an able running back in Cedric Benson, this team turned everything around this year and found their way to the post season. They'll meet the Jets in round 1, and they'll be hungry to avenge them for last week's loss.
The fourth seed is the AFC East champion New England Patriots. With Tom Brady back in tow, anything should be considered possible. They also played extremely dangerously against the Colts in Indianapolis and should have won that game, so they have every reason to believe they can win this game should they meet again.
Still, the Pats have looked a bit rustier than usual at times this season, losing some games they would have won in years past. Additionally, the injury of Wes Welker in week 17 and the loss of him throughout the playoffs will leave a gaping hole in their offense.
Alex Wilhelm will be blogging about art deco table lamps [http://bankerslamp.org/art-deco-table-lamps/] and the bankers lamp as he watches this year's playoff matchups.
