Using Our Power Rankings to Predict the 2014 NFL Playoffs
NFC Wild Card Teams
It's going to be an all-out brawl in the NFC to snag the last two wild-card spots for the playoffs. From our numbers, it looks like nine is the magic number for this conference. All playoff teams are projected to have at least nine wins on the season, with only one team getting double-digit wins. That's how important every game is, and that's how tightly bunched the teams are in this conference.
We expect the entire NFC East to be a tight race, with many matchups not just shaping the divisional race, but the wild-card one as well. The Redskins, Cowboys, Bears, and Lions are all projected to be in the hunt for the NFC's final spots, but they won't have enough of what it takes to make the playoffs this year.
Last Two Out
Atlanta Falcons
Chance to make the Playoffs: 33.8%
Chance to win the Super Bowl: 2.1%
Despite having one of the worst defenses last year, the Falcons could return to relevancy in 2014. The consistency of Roddy White and the return of Julio Jones for Matt Ryan means our numbers project the Falcons to have the third-best offense in the conference. If the defense keeps them in a couple of more games than we expect, don't be surprised to see the NFC South represented by three different teams.
Arizona Cardinals
Chance to make the Playoffs: 34%
Chance to win the Super Bowl: 2.4%
So close yet again. If the Cardinals were in the East division, they would probably have a better shot at the playoffs and maybe even win that division. Our numbers indicate another big year from their defense (fifth-best in the conference), but they might be a very average offense. If Bruce Arians can get big years out of Andre Ellington and Michael Floyd, all bets are off.
Wild Card Teams
#6 Seed: Carolina Panthers
Chance to make the Playoffs: 48.2%
Chance to win the Super Bowl: 4.6%
A year after winning their division, the Panthers should sneak in the playoffs, thanks in no part to their offense. Their defense should save them in a couple games this year, but if no receiver stands out for this team, it could be a short-lived trip to the postseason.
#5 Seed: San Francisco 49ers
Chance to make the Playoffs: 49.5%
Chance to win the Super Bowl: 4.9%
Has Jim Harbaugh started another dynasty in San Francisco? After missing the playoffs for eight years in a row, the Niners have been to at least the NFC Championship game in each of the past three years with Harbaugh. For being a predominantly running team, the Niners strengthened their receiving corp this past offseason. The defense should be as tough as always so this team will be a tough out in the playoffs no matter who they face.
