Predicting the 2011 NFL Playoff Teams

It’s that time of the year when all the so-called national experts and football pundits take their shot at predicting the field of NFL playoff teams for the upcoming season. It’s a pretty mixed bag, with most of the ”predictions sure to go wrong” as ESPN’s Mike & Mike have labeled it. Pretty funny actually.

So with all the know-it-alls giving it a shot here in the last few days of the pre-season, I thought I’d jump into the fray. I spend a lot of brainpower thinking about it anyway, so I just as well share it with the sporting world and make a jerk out of myself like everybody else.  So here goes …

*Division winner

**Wildcard team

AFC North – Pittsburgh*, Baltimore**, Cleveland, Cincinnati

Steelers continue their dominance of the Ravens. Both make the playoffs, again.

AFC South – Houston*, Indianapolis, Tennessee, Jacksonville

Texans take advantage of Peyton’s neck and finally break through.

AFC East – New England*, NY Jets**, Buffalo, Miami

The hoodie does it again; Jets continue to back up Rex’s big talk.

AFC West – San Diego*, Kansas City, Oakland, Denver

Chargers get the special teams figured out; Chiefs can’t overcome the tougher schedule.

NFC North – Green Bay*, Detroit**, Chicago, Minnesota

Packers win the division this year while the Lions are the NFC surprise.

NFC South – New Orleans*, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Carolina

Saints O and D are tough all season while the rest of the division takes a step back.

NFC East – Philadelphia*, Dallas**, NY Giants, Washington

Eagles aren’t as dreamy as everyone expects and Romo leads the ‘Boys back to the playoffs.

NFC West – St. Louis*, Arizona, Seattle, San Francisco

Rams are the class of this weak division; Kolb and Co. are better but not quite there yet.

Super Bowl prediction: Packers v Chargers.

Titletown USA celebrates again because (as a Chiefs fan) I just can’t make myself predict the Chargers winning the championship. I don't see it happening with Norv Turner as coach.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come on … give it a shot. Who do you think will be the surprise and potential flop teams this season?

Until next time, thanks for reading.

Steve