Ranking NFL Playoff Teams From Least Likely to Most Likely to Win Super Bowl

by Eric Fulton
After 17 weeks and 256 games, the 2015 National Football League regular season has concluded. There are 12 teams left in the quest to win Super Bowl 50. I will rank the teams from least likely to most likely to win the Super Bowl.

12. Houston Texans (9-7)
The AFC South Champions benefited from an easy schedule and a weak division.  J.J. Watt should be favorited to win another NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. However, Brandon Weeden will get his first career playoff start this weekend. At least Weeden is not in Dallas.

11. Washington Redskins (9-7)
Another division winning team that came from a bad division (NFC East). They also have another quarterback that is making his playoff debut this weekend in Kirk Cousins. Even with home field advantage, many people don’t think they will go far in the playoffs.

10. Minnesota Vikings (11-5)
The Vikings won the NFC North at Green Bay on Sunday night. Mike Zimmer should be the favorite to win Coach of the Year. However, Teddy Bridgewater is starting his first playoff game and the team they are facing in the Wild Card game Sunday are on a mission.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (12-4)
Despite winning the AFC North title, the Bengals are not sure if they will have Andy Dalton start their game on Saturday. If Dalton is not available, A.J. McCarron will get the start. Can the Bengals finally win a playoff game under Marvin Lewis? This weekend’s game will not be easy.

8. Green Bay Packers (10-6)
The Packers lost an opportunity to host a playoff game after losing to the Vikings in week 17. Since starting 6-0 earlier in the year, the Pack have fallen on some hard times. Can Aaron Rodgers rally his team and help Green Bay recapture their playoff magic?

7. Denver Broncos (12-4)
The Broncos benefited from not only winning their division, but also getting a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Now the question is who starts the first playoff game in two weeks: Peyton Manning or Brock Osweiler? Either way, they must have good quarterback play or they will easily be one and done.

6. Arizona Cardinals (13-3)
The Cardinals are led by MVP candidate Carson Palmer. However, can the Cardinals stay healthy in order to make a run toward the Super Bowl?

5.  Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
The Steelers have proven that if you have good quarterback play and great defense in the playoffs, you have a chance to go all the way. Will they be able repeat the magic they had going during their Super Bowl XL run?

4. Kansas City Chiefs (11-5)
Andy Reid’s Chiefs were one of the hottest teams in the second half of the season. While not a lot are picking them to win without the services of running back Jamaal Charles, they can still make a ton of noise in the AFC.

3. Carolina Panthers (15-1)
The NFL’s best team all year long thanks the shoulders and legs of MVP favorite Cam Newton. While the Panthers, may have the best record, they seemed beatable as of late. Certain teams in the NFC will have the chance to knock them out before the Super Bowl.

2. New England Patriots (12-4)
The Patriots have not looked good losing four out of their final six games of the regular season and losing home field advantage throughout the AFC. However, the defending Super Bowl champs have proven time and time again how to win in the playoffs.

1. Seattle Seahawks (10-6)
The Seahawks have been one of the league’s hottest teams in the second half after a rough start to their season. Now the team is firing on all cylinders. Quarterback Russell Wilson has been playing great football in the second half. They could get running back Marshawn Lynch back this weekend, which would be huge. They are on a mission to right the biggest wrong of last year and they will be dangerous.

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