NFL Playoff Predictions - 2016

The NFL playoffs are here. This year, there aren't nearly as many dominant teams as there have been in the past, meaning that the Super Bowl is definitely up for grabs. Here are my predictions for the playoffs:


Wild Card Weekend:

• Chiefs 20, Texans 13
• Steelers 34, Bengals 24
• Seahawks 20, Vikings 17
• Packers 24, Redskins 17

Divisional Round:

• Steelers 27, Broncos 13
• Patriots 24, Chiefs 13
• Seahawks 24, Panthers 21
• Cardinals 30, Packers 20

Conference:

• Steelers 31, Patriots 27
• Cardinals 27, Seahawks 24

Super Bowl:

• Cardinals 35, Steelers 27

NFL Power Rankings - Final 2015 / 2016 Rankings

Final rankings below!

1. Carolina Panthers: 470
Last Week: 2
Notes: Back in the #1 spot after a win and Cardinals loss.

2. Arizona Cardinals: 388
Last Week: 1

Notes: The Cardinals looked terrible against the Seahawks. They at least have the bye week to sort out any issues from that game.

3. New England Patriots: 325
Last Week: 3
Notes:  The Patriots all of a sudden look very beatable over their last 6 games, going 2-4. Their dominance the first 10 games keeps them at the #3 spot, but they look like a team who will struggle against whoever they end up playing in the divisional round.

4. Cincinnati Bengals:315
Last Week: 4
Notes: The match up against the Steelers will be a great one. They were 1-1 during the year and lost their home match up against them.

5. Seattle Seahawks: 271

Last Week: 6

Notes:  The Seahawks rebounded in a big way with a dominant performance over the Cardinals. Even with the lower record and being 3 lower seeds, the Seahawks look like a much better team than the Vikings.

6. Kansas City Chiefs: 260

Last Week: 5

Notes: The Chiefs end the season with the longest active winning streak (10 total). 

7. Denver Broncos: 234
Last Week: 7

Notes: Two weeks ago, there was a chance the Broncos weren't making the playoffs. Now they have home field advantage throughout the AFC.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers: 215
Last Week: 10

Notes: The Steelers sneak their way into the playoffs with a Jets loss and a win over the Browns.

9. Minnesota Vikings: 213
Last Week: 11

Notes: A nice win by the Vikings that helps them claim the NFC North and #3 seed.

10. New York Jets: 175
Last Week: 8

Notes:  The best team to not make the playoffs. Fitzpatrick looked mediocre against the Bills and did not handle the pressure of playoff implications well.

11. Green Bay Packers: 168
Last Week: 9

Notes:  They have a favorable match up against the Redskins, but will be a tough game for the struggling Packers.

12. Houston Texans: 105

Last Week: 12

Notes:  The Texan win the AFC South after taking 3 in a row. 

13. Washington Redskins: 92

Last Week: 13

Notes: The lowest of the playoff teams, but don't count the Skins out. They've won 4 in a row and face the Packers to start the series at home (where they are 6-2).

14. Buffalo Bills: 64

Last Week: 15
Notes:  While a disappointing season for the Bills, Rex has got to feel good about knocking the Jets out of the playoffs.

15. Atlanta Falcons: 47

Last Week: 14

Notes: 8-8 wouldn't be viewed as terrible for the Falcons entering the 2015 season, but after their red hot start it's a huge disappointment. 

16. Detroit Lions: -32
Last Week: 21

Notes:  Going 6-2 in the 2nd half of the season might save Caldwell's job, especially after going 11-5 the prior year. Think he gets one more year.

17. Indianapolis Colts: -33
Last Week: 19

Notes: Pagano is safe and deservedly so. With Luck back next year, this team should be back in the playoffs.

18. Philadelphia Eagles: -35
Last Week:20

Notes: The Eagles are 1-o without Chip. Pat Shurmur likely won't get the job despite the win.

19. Oakland Raiders: -43

Last Week: 17

Notes: Expect better things from the Raiders in 2016.

20. New York Giants: -44
Last Week: 18

Notes: The Giants lose in typical Giants fashion. Coughlin "resigns" bringing an end to a great era despite mediocrity over the last couple of seasons.

21. New Orleans Saints: -45

Last Week: 23

Notes: Will be interesting to see if Payton stays on next year.

22. St. Louis Rams: -48

Last Week: 16

Notes: Fisher is safe despite not having a winning season in four seasons with the Rams.

23. Chicago Bears: -87
Last Week: 24

Notes: The Bears lose to the Lions and end up last in the division.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -92

Last Week: 22

Notes: From 6-6 to 6-10. Not a good way to end the season.

25. Miami Dolphins: -114

Last Week: 27

Notes: Don't expect Campbell to stay on as head coach next year.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars: -137

Last Week: 25

Notes: Bradley gets one more shot next year. If Luck is healthy next year, this team has no shot.

27. Baltimore Ravens: -139
Last Week: 26

Notes: They couldn't pull off the upset two weeks in a row.

28. San Diego Chargers: -177
Last Week: 28

Notes: McCoy is safe even after the Chargers have one of their worst seasons in franchise history.

29. Dallas Cowboys: -187

Last Week: 29

Notes: If Romo is healthy for all of 2016, expect the Cowboys to be back in the playoff picture.

30. San Francisco 49ers: -207

Last Week: 30

Notes: Tomsula is gone after only one season and finishing 5-11.

31. Tennessee Titans: -252

Last Week: 31

Notes:  It will be interesting to see who ends up as coach of the Titans.

32. Cleveland Browns: -285
Last Week: 32

Notes: Pettine is gone after two seasons. No matter who is coach, if they don't make major upgrades this will be a subpar team next year.

NFL Power Rankings - Week 17

A new #1 team has emerged!

1. Arizona Cardinals: 432
Last Week: 2

Notes: The Cardinals look like the most complete team in football. Despite the lower record, they look better than the Panthers right now.

2. Carolina Panthers: 422
Last Week: 1
Notes: A loss might do this team some good since it takes pressure of the "perfect season".

3. New England Patriots: 350
Last Week: 3
Notes:  The coin toss mistake is not a Patriots-like mistake to make. Despite the loss, they look like the best team in the AFC.

4. Cincinnati Bengals:288
Last Week: 4
Notes: Unfortunately for the Bengals, Dalton is unlikely to come back for the playoff opener. Makes getting a bye week even more important for them.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: 237

Last Week: 7

Notes: The Chiefs keep cruising, getting their 9th win a row, the longest active streak in the NFL alongside the Cardinals.

6. Seattle Seahawks: 218

Last Week: 5

Notes:  Not a concerning loss - the Rams always play the Seahawks tough.

7. Denver Broncos: 215
Last Week: 9

Notes: In a battle of the 2nd string QBs, the Broncos get the win and go from possibly not making the playoffs to a possible bye week in the playoffs.

8. New York Jets: 201
Last Week: 10

Notes:  The Jets are looking great and now control their own playoff destiny.  Don't count this team out in the playoffs if they make it.

9. Green Bay Packers: 191
Last Week: 6

Notes:  The loss shows how the Packers are not at the same level as elite teams like the Cardinals and Panthers.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers: 191
Last Week: 8

Notes: A surprising loss to the Ravens that puts them on the outside looking in for the playoffs.

11. Minnesota Vikings: 184
Last Week: 11

Notes: The Vikings dominate the Giants and get back into the playoffs.

12. Houston Texans: 67

Last Week: 14

Notes:  The Texans win and maintain the AFC South division lead. If they beat the Jags or if the Colts lose, they're in the playoffs.

13. Washington Redskins: 66

Last Week: 12

Notes:  The Redskins beat the Eagles and win the NFC East for the first time since 2012 and only 2nd time in 16 years.

14. Atlanta Falcons: 63

Last Week: 15

Notes: The Falcons all of a sudden woke up against the Panthers, but too little too late.

15. Buffalo Bills: 43

Last Week: 16

Notes: The Bills are looking to play the role of upset, keeping the Jets out of the playoffs and getting to .500.

16. St. Louis Rams: -13

Last Week: 19

Notes: If the Rams had a 16 game schedule against the NFC West, they'd be one of the best teams in football.

17. Oakland Raiders: -19

Last Week: 20

Notes:  A .500 season would be a nice improvement over last season.

18. New York Giants: -23
Last Week: 13

Notes: The Giants played like a team who has given up, which is possible since the Redskins already clinched the division at this point. Will Coughlin be back next year?

19. Indianapolis Colts: -49
Last Week: 22

Notes: Even if they make the playoffs, they are a one and done team without Luck.

20. Philadelphia Eagles: -54
Last Week: 17

Notes: They couldn't even make a game competitive that had playoff implications.

21. Detroit Lions: -55
Last Week: 23

Notes: Despite the 6-9 record, the 2nd half Lions look a helluva lot better than the 1st half Lions.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -59

Last Week: 18

Notes: If Tampa Bay had won their last 3 instead of lost their last 3, they would be looking at the possibility of the playoffs right now.

23. New Orleans Saints: -65

Last Week: 25

Notes: The Saints get the win, but what a disappointing season for a team that many thought could win the division.

24. Chicago Bears: -67
Last Week: 24

Notes: The Bears snap a 3 game losing streak with a win over Tampa.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars: -95

Last Week: 21

Notes: The Jaguars played like the team we expected heading into this year.

26. Baltimore Ravens: -114
Last Week: 29

Notes: A nice upset win by the Flacco-less Ravens.

27. Miami Dolphins: -143

Last Week: 26

Notes: The Dolphins are looking more and more terrible and the season progresses.

28. San Diego Chargers: -154
Last Week: 28

Notes: Many thought the Chargers would be 11-4 at this point, not 4-11.

29. Dallas Cowboys: -158

Last Week: 27

Notes: The Cowboys might actually beat the Redskins, who are in a position to rest their players.

30. San Francisco 49ers: -222

Last Week: 31

Notes: They move up a spot only because the teams below are so terrible.

31. Tennessee Titans: -228

Last Week: 30

Notes:  The Titans look to play the role of upset and keep the Colts out of the playoffs. Highly unlikely.

32. Cleveland Browns: -247
Last Week: 32

Notes: This might be the biggest blowout of the year - a terrible Browns team against a Steelers team who is fighting for the playoffs.

NFL Power Rankings - Week 16

Skipped a week so last week's number isn't included.

1. Carolina Panthers: 446
Last Week: 1
Notes: A nail biter, but they get to the exclusive 14-0 club.

2. Arizona Cardinals: 380
Last Week: 2

Notes: Probably the most well rounded team in football. Definitely not a team others want to face in the playoffs.

3. New England Patriots: 371
Last Week: 3
Notes:  They are powering through despite injuries and look like a lock for a first round bye.

4. Cincinnati Bengals:302
Last Week: 4
Notes: They rebound and get the win and pretty much all but clinched the division.

5. Seattle Seahawks: 241

Last Week: 6

Notes:  A likely 5 seed, but a team that can very likely make the Super Bowl this year. During their 5 game winning streak they looked like the Super Bowl caliber team they were last year, maybe even better.

6. Green Bay Packers: 230
Last Week: 7

Notes:  The Packers are finding their rhythm again and have won 3 games in a row.

7. Kansas City Chiefs: 218

Last Week: 9

Notes: The Chiefs are now winners of 8 in a row. They should clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Browns next week.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers: 213
Last Week: 8

Notes: Just shows you that this offense can win any game. With the Jets and Chiefs playing good football, the playoffs aren't a lock, but not a team others want to face come playoff time if they make it.

9. Denver Broncos: 190
Last Week: 5

Notes: The Broncos are starting to look like a mess. If they lose to the Bengals and the Jets, Chiefs, and Steelers win next week the playoff picture becomes very interesting.

10. New York Jets: 173
Last Week: 10

Notes:  Not an easy win, but they keep pace with the Chiefs and Steelers with a win over the Cowboys.

11. Minnesota Vikings: 137
Last Week: 11

Notes: A win that pretty much makes them a lock for the playoffs.

12. Washington Redskins: 37

Last Week: 16

Notes:  The Redskins are now in first place by themselves in the NFC East. A win against the Eagles is all they need to win the east.

13. New York Giants: 29
Last Week: 13

Notes: A great comeback, but you just knew the Panthers were going to score on that last drive. No Beckham really hurts the Giants against the Vikings next week.

14. Houston Texans: 29

Last Week: 17

Notes:  The Texans are really benefiting from a Luck-less Colts team. 

15. Atlanta Falcons: 28

Last Week: 15

Notes: The win keeps their playoff chances barely alive. They need to win out and the Vikings need to lose their remaining games.

16. Buffalo Bills: 21

Last Week: 12

Notes: The Bills are officially out of the playoffs. Players are quitting on Rex after his first year. What a mess.

17. Philadelphia Eagles: -20
Last Week: 14

Notes: Just when the Eagles look like they're back on track they show why they are a mediocre at best team.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -37

Last Week: 18

Notes: 2nd place would still be a small victory for this team who is used to being at the bottom of the division.

19. St. Louis Rams: -39

Last Week: 24

Notes: If they can win another game this season, they at least improve over their 6-10 record from last year.

20. Oakland Raiders: -40

Last Week: 19

Notes:  No matter how they end up this year, they at least are a significantly improved team from 2014.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars: -66

Last Week: 21

Notes: A win would have kept it a 3 way race in the AFC South. They're still in it, technically, but need a miracle.

22. Indianapolis Colts: -70
Last Week: 20

Notes: Without Luck they're pretty much dead in the water.

23. Detroit Lions: -86
Last Week: 28

Notes: This is the highest the Lions have been all season. Still a disappointing season after making the playoffs the year before.

24. Chicago Bears: -88
Last Week: 22

Notes: After looking like a potential wild card team, the Bears lose 3 straight.

25. New Orleans Saints: -92

Last Week: 23

Notes: They'll need to completely revamp their team to become the Saints we are used to seeing.

26. Miami Dolphins: -121

Last Week: 25

Notes: With the Patriots being the Patriots, the Jets improving significantly, and even the Bills the Dolphins need to make some serious upgrades to become competitive next season.

27. Dallas Cowboys: -126

Last Week: 27

Notes: From first to last in the division. Shows how important Romo is to this team.

28. San Diego Chargers: -136
Last Week: 31

Notes: Give the Chargers credit for at least playing hard still.

29. Baltimore Ravens: -137
Last Week: 26

Notes: Tied for the longest losing streak alongside the Colts and Bears.

30. Tennessee Titans: -180

Last Week: 29

Notes:  If they lose out, they'll end up with the worst record in football, losing the tiebreaker against the Browns.

31. San Francisco 49ers: -191

Last Week: 30

Notes: As with a lot of the other teams towards the bottom, some serious upgrades need to happen to this team in order to be competitive again.

32. Cleveland Browns: -232
Last Week: 32

Notes: 3-13 is probable with games against the Chiefs and Steelers coming up.