It’s playoff time in the NFL, and we’ve condensed our expert analysis of each team’s chances into a handy capsule form.
New England: Opponents may think they’re not what they were when they were younger, but have they considered Tom Brady might get even more handsome with gray hair?
Baltimore: Aging middle linebacker Ray Lewis may have lost a step, but he’s still a very important part of talking about the Ravens
Houston: Have a chance considering their opponents will see them and just assume it’s a meaningless preseason game
Denver: They’re at their best playing against terrible football teams, so they’re hoping some of those made it to the playoffs
Pittsburgh: Neither a first-round exit nor a Super Bowl victory would be particularly surprising, especially because nothing really matters
Cincinnati: It’s going to be tough for Cincinnati’s players to start the playoffs on the road, in a dome, and while on the same team as the other Bengals
Green Bay: If ever there was a team built for this year’s playoffs, it’s this team one year ago
San Francisco: With a lot of reliable, workmanlike players on offense, the Niners will go far into the first round before losing by 40 or 50 points
New Orleans: Drew Brees has so many passing options he may get overwhelmed and crumble from sheer option paralysis. Probably not, though
New York: In a strange turn of events, the Giants have actually improved their chances of winning by having Eli Manning on the field
Atlanta: Have to put their trust in the hands of rookie QB Matt Ryan, which still sounds right even though this is his fourth year
Detroit: Look for Jim Schwartz to set the tone for his inexperienced team by freaking out under pressure and screaming at somebody for no reason
