NFL Predictions, Division by Division

Okay, so during last night's podcast, Ralph and I discussed playoff predictions. He mentioned something to the effect of taking out six teams that made it the previous year when making this year's picks. Ralph also went so far as to suggest putting a couple last place teams atop their respective divisions as well. I told Ralph I would take him up on that (or at least try to). To quote Lando Calrissian, "Here goes nothing."

(Note: I did not cross reference these record numbers.)

NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints (11-5) *
2. Atlanta Falcons (9-7)
3. Carolina Panthers (6-10)
4. Tampa Bay Bucs (4-12)

NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers (12-4) *
2. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) *
3. Chicago Bears (10-6) *
4. Detroit Lions (3-13)

NFC East
1. New York Giants (10-6) *
2. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
3. Dallas Cowboys (7-9)
4. Washington Redskins (5-11)

NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks (9-7) *
2. San Francisco 49ers (8-8)
3. Arizona Cardinals (6-10)
4. St. Louis Rams (4-12)

AFC South
1. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5) *
2. Indianapolis Colts (10-6) *
3. Houston Texans (8-8)
4. Tennessee Titans (8-8)

AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3) *
2. Baltimore Ravens (10-6) *
3. Cincinnati Bengals (7-9)
4. Cleveland Browns (5-11)

AFC East
1. New England Patriots (12-4) *
2. Miami Dolphins (9-7)
3. New York Jets (7-9)
4. Buffalo Bills (5-11)

AFC West
1. San Diego Chargers (9-7) *
2. Denver Broncos (8-8)
3. Kansas City Chiefs (5-11)
4. Oakland Raiders (3-13)

NOTES:

1. The two last place teams I have making the postseason this year (and winning their respective divisions, no less) are New Orleans and Jacksonville. If not for the Rams' shitty season last year, Seattle would also be on this list.

2. Teams that did not make the playoffs LAST YEAR that I have going THIS YEAR: New Orleans, Seattle, New England, Jacksonville, Chicago and Green Bay.

3. 2008 Playoff Teams not making the trip THIS YEAR: Miami, Tennessee, Arizona, Carolina, Atlanta and Philadelphia.

4. Teams sure to get blown out in their first round match-ups: Seattle and San Diego.

5. I could feasibly see ANY of the other five AFC teams making it to the Super Bowl.

6. Teams in the NFC with the best chance to make it to the Super Bowl: Packers and Saints. Why? Seattle's obviously out; Eli Manning needs better targets; as much as I like Jay Cutler, the Bears aren't turning things around THAT fast, especially with that defense one year older; and because fuck Brett Favre, that's why.

7. I HOPE--repeat, HOPE!--the Bears wind up playing the Saints in the playoffs in New Orleans. About God damn time the Saints had home field advantage late against these asshats.