If the Playoffs Started Today – NFL Week 8

By John in NFL, Patriots ⋅ October 30, 2012 at 7:29pm ⋅ Post a comment

Falcons vs Texans: Week 8's prediction for the Super Bowl

We’re halfway through the season for many teams, and many divisions are starting to open up. The Wildcard races are still pretty interesting, being continually shaken up with new teams. Some teams are in a tailspin, while others are picking up steam. In the ever volatile season we’re seeing so far, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Tuesday, October 30:

NFC

#1 Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta went into Philadelphia and took care of business in the elements. As the only unbeaten team left, they’re making a strong case for a Super Bowl title.

#2 Chicago Bears

Chicago was nearly upset by Carolina, but pulled it together with a winning field goal as time expired. They still have as great a defense as ever, and won’t be taken aback by one close game.

#3 New York Giants vs #6 Green Bay Packers

The Giants gave up a 23-point lead to Dallas, but still came back to take the victory. Green Bay let a horrible team in Jacksonville get way too close for comfort, but still picked up the win. Green Bay is getting things together, but the Giants are even better, and they’re at home for once.

#4 San Francisco 49ers vs #5 Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings suffered a crushing defeat at home, while San Francisco went to the desert and held Arizona to a measly field goal. San Francisco has an amazing defense that is clicking at a good time; Minnesota is in trouble here.

AFC

#1 Houston Texans

Coming off their bye, Houston is still firmly in charge of the AFC. With their strengths on both sides of the ball, they’ll be hard to beat.

#2 Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens, also off their bye, are still hobbling off their difficult loss to Houston and some key injuries. Their offense hasn’t been the best, which only worsens the situation if Baltimore hopes to make another deep playoff run.

#3 New England Patriots vs #6 Indianapolis Colts

Finally, New England got a blowout victory they so desperately needed, even if it was all the way across the pond in London. Their defense was still imperfect, as seen on Sam Bradford’s bomb of a touchdown pass. They did well enough to keep St. Louis down the rest of the game, but still. Indianapolis managed to eke out a win in OT in Tennessee. No doubt the Colts have talent with Andrew Luck and others putting up some good wins, but they’re still too rough without Peyton Manning to compete and stop a well-seasoned New England offense in Gilette Stadium.

#4 Denver Broncos vs #5 Miami Dolphins

Miami has a good defense, but Denver has Peyton Manning cooking on all cylinders and plenty of playmakers around him. If Denver can beat Pittsburgh with Tim Tebow, they can sure beat Miami with Peyton Manning.

What Might Change Next Week:

With Indy hosting Miami, San Diego is in a great position to grab a Wildcard spot.
Any sort of trouble in Seattle, and Minnesota will give up their spot to said Seahawks.

Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New York Giants, NFL Playoffs, San Francisco 49ers