The first round of the NFL playoffs are over. It's down to the final eight teams and all of them think they can win the Super Bowl. With the Divisional Round approaching, it's time to rank the remaining teams.
These power rankings could turn to out to be complete wrong, and there isn't much separation between the top six teams. I wouldn't be surprised if any of those six lift the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season. Without further ado, here are my power rankings of the NFL playoff teams.
8. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have put together an impressive run to end the season, but I don't see them making it all the way to the Super Bowl. Eventually their 11-game winning streak will come to an end. I think they'll come up short in the Divisional Round. There isn't much seperation between the Packers and Chiefs right now.
7. Green Bay Packers
The Packers didn't win the NFC North, but they made it further than the Vikings. Aaron Rodgers makes things easier, even if he hasn't been as great this season. However, I don't see them beating the Cardinals in the Divisional Round.
6. Denver Broncos
This is where things start to get jumbled. All of these top six teams are true Super Bowl contenders and I wouldn't be surprised if Denver ended up winning. I love their defense, but I don't trust their offense. Snagging the No. 1 seed helps and playing an injured Big Ben does as well. The team will need Peyton Manning to avoid the turnovers that plagued him early this season.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
I originally thought the Steelers would end up playing in the Super Bowl. However, the injuries to Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown have me worried. I'm not sure Big Ben will be able to throw down field with his injured shoulder and I'm playing it safe by sliding them down to five.
4. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks, thanks to improved offensive line play, Russell Wilson and a strong defense, are true title contenders. Seattle got a little bit lucky against the Vikings and they'll need to do better against the Panthers. I think they come up just short against Carolina.
3. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have been incredible this season, but a lack of weapons could up preventing the team from winning a Super Bowl. Cam Newton and the defense have been great this year and I wouldn't be surprised if they end up winning. However, I think another NFC team will beat Carolina in the Conference Championship.
2. New England Patriots
It's tough to bet against Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, but injuries could cost the Patriots in the end. I think they end up beat the Chiefs in the Divisional round and defeat the winner of the other AFC matchup. However, I don't think they'll win the Super Bowl.
1. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are my pick to win Super Bowl 50. They've been one of the most balanced teams in the NFL this season and have the offense and defense to win. Carson Palmer has been wonderful this season and he'll capture the Super Bowl title he's wanted so badly.