I hate my AFC playoff predictions. Five of the Six teams picked have a schedule in the top-12 most difficult. Four of the Six teams made the playoffs last year. Three of the Six are in the same division. Mathematically and historically these predictions make almost no sense. Story of my life.
1.) Indianapolis Colts - I spent the better parts of the 2000's hating Peyton Manning and the Colts. Within the past 2-3 years, I've come to enjoy their game, especially the things they can do offensively. Even though New Orleans won the Super Bowl last year, I think this is the best team in the league.
2.) Baltimore Ravens - A lot of people may say this is way too high for the Ravens, but I obviously disagree. Another year of maturation for both Flacco and Rice, as well as an infusion of talented wide receivers and the presence of their top 3 defense should make this team very tough to beat.
3.) New England Patriots - The hometown team has the 6th toughest schedule this season, which definitely plays into this ranking. I expect the offense to perform somewhere between '07 and '09 and the defense to start forcing turnovers.
4.) San Diego Chargers - This is the team I feel is least likely to end up in the playoffs. Luckily for them, the AFC West is a weak division. I think they will struggle to win the division, and could sneak into the playoffs with as few as 9 wins. If some as of yet unknown WR can step up and be the #1 guy they could prove my doubts wrong.
5.) Tennessee Titans - Their season rides on the legs of Chris Johnson and Vince Young (okay, maybe Young's arm as well). If their defense plays well I think the offense will be good enough to win 10-12 games.
6.) Houston Texans - After flirting with the playoffs last season, the Texans will finally make it. They have a stable of running backs, a nice mix of established and up-and-coming receivers, and a solid defense. If they don't lose too many division games I see them beating out the Jets, Dolphins and Bengals for the final playoff spot.
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