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NFL postseason: Predicting the 2017 playoff picture and Super Bowl winner

By Peter Panacy

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots raises the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots raises the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 18: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers calls a play against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 18, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 18: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers calls a play against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 18, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

NFL Playoff Seeding & Wild-Card Round Predictions

So we’ve established which teams we think make the dance, which teams are out and those on the fence.

Here’s who gets in.

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    • AFC Playoff Seeding

    1. New England Patriots
    2. Pittsburgh Steelers
    3. Jacksonville Jaguars
    4. Los Angeles Chargers
    5. Tennessee Titans
    6. Baltimore Ravens

    NFC Playoff Seeding

    1. Philadelphia Eagles
    2. Minnesota Vikings
    3. Seattle Seahawks
    4. New Orleans Saints
    5. Los Angeles Rams
    6. Carolina Panthers

    Wild-Card Round Predictions

    AFC

    With the Patriots and Steelers enjoying a bye, the first round will see the Ravens visiting the Jaguars, while the Chargers host the Titans.

    Jacksonville’s success has been predicated on a great defense, combined with a strong rushing attack. But with Baltimore allowing just 3.9 yards per carry on the ground this season, the road team winds up winning, as quarterback Joe Flacco and Co. advance in a defensive showdown.

    BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 14: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens scrambles during the fourth quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at M&T Bank Stadium on December 14, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
    BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 14: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens scrambles during the fourth quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at M&T Bank Stadium on December 14, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

    The Titans, meanwhile, haven’t had a lot of signature wins this season. And those “big” wins they have enjoyed have largely come against bad teams.

    As long as the Chargers stay hot, they win this one too and advance.

    NFC

    Philadelphia and Minnesota finish at Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, so they get this round off.

    Meanwhile, NFL fans can enjoy this round by watching the Panthers visit the Seahawks, while the Rams take on the Saints in New Orleans.

    Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has faced the Seahawks five times during the regular season and has a 1-4 record with a career passer rating of 69.8 versus Seattle — the second lowest out of all NFL teams he’s faced.

    There’s your difference. The Seahawks advance, especially being at home during playoff time.

    L.A. and New Orleans should be a blast — two offensively charged teams with good defenses to boot. This is a tough one to call, but we’ll give the prediction edge to quarterback Drew Brees and his playoff experience over Rams QB Jared Goff, his head coach Sean McVay and their first trip to the NFL postseason.