By Marco Imperati
NY Giants Rush Feature: Who makes the NFL Playoffs
AFC:
New England Patriots: Why? Since their huge week 4 loss to Kansas City, no team has been hotter. Tom Brady is playing the best he’s played in years. With Gronk playing as well as he is, this team is built for a deep run throughout the NFL playoffs. Beating Denver may assure them home field advantage. However, the schedule does get harder starting with the Colts this Sunday night.
Denver Broncos: Why? They have one of the deepest rosters in the league and skill positions everywhere. It will be a shock if they’re not traveling to Gillette Stadium to face the Patriots in the AFC Championship game. Even with the recent loss, the Broncos are still hungry.
Cleveland Browns: Why? They’re the surprise/feel good story in the league right now. In an offseason where Johnny Manziel was the hot topic with anything Browns related, hometown hero Brian Hoyer has done everything the team has asked to keep them in playoff contention. They’re doing it with three different running backs and solid defense. They’ll also be getting back Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron to help this offense.
NFC:
Arizona Cardinals: Why? At 8-1, this team has to be taken seriously and realized they are a serious playoff favorite. Although the Carson Palmer injury will be difficult to rebound from, this team has been doing it all year despite huge injuries. They’re not afraid to air it out and the roster has proven to be deep in big spots. Two games vs division rival Seattle will paint a clearer picture about the red birds playoff future.
New Orleans Saints: Why? Has anyone seen the records in the NFC South? Does anyone want to win that division. When the dust clears, New Orleans has the best team and will rebound after loosing at home. Drew Brees has weapons all over the field and now a solid running game to propel them in the NFL playoffs.
Detroit Lions: Why? This is not just a Matthew Stafford and Megatron show. The Lions have one of the toughest, nastiest defenses in the league. If you’re looking for an aspect that might plague this team in the NFL playoffs, try the kicking game. They’re now using their third kicker. In a big spot, I’d be worried about them hitting a key field goal. Last weeks lost to the Cardinals wont slow them down.