NFL 2013 Playoff Power Rankings and picks

The Power Rankings go to the top thirteen teams this week, so that all playoff teams can be included.

Top Teams [Last week's position]
1.  Seattle Seahawks (13-3) [1] : This is a powerful team, and they gained home field advantage throughout the playoffs.  They are the NFC favorite to reach the Super Bowl.

2.  Denver Broncos (13-3) [2] : The AFC top seed was the most potent offense of the season, and one of the best of all time.

3.  San Francisco 49ers (12-4) [3] : How screwy is it that a WILDCARD team is the Number Three team?  That shows the power of the NFC West this season.

4.  Carolina Panthers (12-4) [4] : The NFC second seed is a defensive behemoth
5.  Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) [5] : Like the NFC, the second place team in the conference is a wildcard, as they share a division with the top seed.  How strong are the Chiefs?  They nearly beat San Diego with SEVEN starters sitting out the entire game!

6.  New England Patriots (12-4) [6] : Despite injuries, this team continued to find ways to win.  That makes them tough in the playoffs, where determination and clever strategy counts as much as talent.

7.  Cincinnati Bengals (11-5) [7] : The Bengals have been strong the last few weeks leading into the postseason, and such momentum makes a big difference.

8.  New Orleans Saints (11-5) [8] : The Saints ended well against a divisional opponent, and at home, both situations where they have played well this season.

9.  Indianapolis Colts (11-5) [9] : Colts ended strongly
10. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) [11] : The Eagles dominated Dallas for much of the game, but Kyle Orton nearly engineered a comeback.

11. Arizona Cardinals (10-6) [10] : San Francisco knocked them out of the playoffs, but the Cards had a great winning streak.

12. San Diego Chargers (9-7) [12] : The Chargers barely beat a hampered Chiefs team, so you wonder how they will do in the playoffs.

13. Green Bay Packers (8-7-1) [15] : The return of Aaron Rodgers and Randall Cobb propelled them past the Bears

Playoff picks
#5 Kansas City Chiefs at #4 Indianapolis Colts:  The Colts beat the Chiefs the last time they met, but the Chiefs seem stiffer now.  They played San Diego tough missing seven of their starters, and the Colts have not gained the consistency that instills great confidence.  The Colts were the only team from outside the AFC West to beat the Chiefs, and I don't think they can do it twice in the same season.  CHIEFS, 23-20

#6 New Orleans Saints at #3 Philadelphia Eagles:  The Eagles nearly lost to a Kyle Orton-led Cowboys, but then against Orton doesn't force throws as much as Romo.  The Saints are a stronger team, but they have played very poorly on the road this season.  If the Eagles establish an early lead, the Saints might force some plays, putting them in a situation similar to a Romo-led Cowboys team.  EAGLES, 26-23

#6 San Diego Chargers at #3 Cincinnati Bengals:  With the Cardinals failing to reach the playoffs, the team with the most momentum coming into these playoffs are the Bengals.  They have been very consistent and very strong.  Given how the Chargers struggled against a weakened Chiefs squad last week, I don't think San Diego can win.  BENGALS, 23-17

#5 San Francisco 49ers at #4 Green Bay Packers:  Aaron Rodger's return has breathed new life into this team, but I don't think that will be enough.  The Pack is still banged up, and the stiff 49ers defense will pound them.  Colin Kaepernick is still having some problems, but the team has done a good job of supporting him.  49ERS, 23-16