NFC
No. 1 Atlanta: The Falcons post big numbers on offense. They have a zone-based defense that's predicated on making the occasional big play. And they have a reputation for owning the regular season and then falling flat in the postseason. Will this year be different?
No. 2 San Francisco: The 49ers are not razor sharp heading into the postseason, but they play a brand of football that allows them to easily shake off dullness. Defensively, they're a straightforward man-to-man, two-deep unit. Offensively, the Niners are a bruising run-first club. A week off shouldn't hurt them at all.
No. 3 Green Bay: The Packers' run offense has improved lately, but Aaron Rodgers' play at quarterback has been exceptional all year. Defensively, Green Bay benefits with the return of Charles Woodson, who can plug in anywhere in the defensive backfield.
No. 4 Washington: The Redskins have, in a way, revolutionized the read-option in the NFL with rookie QB Robert Griffin III. The Broncos and the Panthers ran it last year, but not with this kind of dimension or down-to-down effectiveness. Other teams have started to pick it up, including first-round opponent Seattle.
No. 5 Seattle: Rookie QB Russell Wilson never ran the read-option in college. As this season has gone on, it has become more integral in Seattle's offense. With a zone-blocking line and a powerful running back in Marshawn Lynch, all the pieces are in place for it to continue.
No. 6 Minnesota: Adrian Peterson is a given for the Vikings, but QB Christian Ponder can the be difference-maker both ways. He had two bad turnovers in a loss to the Packers, then turned it around in Sunday's victory. Four consecutive victories in a playoff push has the team peaking at the right time.
AFC
No. 1 Denver: The Broncos have won 11 straight. Their margin of victory has been either seven or eight in four of those games and double digits in all the others. Peyton Manning had an MVP-type season, yet Denver's defense is even better than its offense. This is the AFC favorite.
No. 2 New England: The Patriots finished with the No. 1-ranked offense even though they are thin at receiver and TEs Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski were healthy together for only five games. QB Tom Brady still made it work. An improved defense is key to playoff success.
