After looking at every team in every division of the AFC it is time for some playoff predictions. I think that the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Diego Chargers will have byes into the second round of the playoffs. In the Wild Card round I think it will be the Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts.

Wild Card Round

Baltimore at New England: This game will be a rematch from Week 4, a game I think the Patriots win a close one. I think the Playoff match-up will be the same type of game, hard-hitting and a defensive slugfest. Even though I think that the Ravens have a better defense overall, I think that the Patriots will be able to pull this one out. Joe Flacco is still young and Coach Bill Belichick will find a way to confuse the second year quarterback into making a mistake late in the game; Patriots move on.

Miami at Indianapolis: This game would also be a rematch from earlier in the season, a Week 2 game in Miami on Monday Night Football. The Colts will win the regular season game in my opinion, but I think the playoffs would be a different story. The wrinkle of the Wildcat offense that Miami has will give the Colts defense trouble. Indianapolis relies on being able to stop the run with the help from safety Bob Sanders but the Wildcat will make him think twice before committing to the run or the pass, giving Miami an opening. I think the Dolphins will be able to hold on and win another close game; Miami moves on.

Divisional Playoffs

New England at Pittsburgh: This matchup would have the two current NFL dynasties against one another for a shot at the AFC Championship game. The weather may play a big part in this game on a Sunday late in January the snow and sleet will probably be falling in Pittsburgh feeding into both teams strengths, running the ball and defense. I think that the experience that the Steelers gained last season will carry them into the AFC Championship game after running through the Patriots in sloppy conditions; Steelers move on.

Miami at San Diego: From snow covered fields to 75 and sunny in San Diego with a game that will pit two explosive offenses against one another. Both teams have a great quarterback, running back, and go to wide receiver that can always make the big play. This will definitely be a high scoring affair with the winner being the first team that can make a stop on defense. With the return of Shawne Merriman I think that the Chargers have the better defense and will come up with that big stop; Chargers move on.

AFC Championship

San Diego at Pittsburgh: Once again we have a game in late January played in Pittsburgh with the weather most likely playing a big factor. The Chargers are not use to playing in these types of conditions and will probably make some mistakes early, causing them to fall behind. Philip Rivers will be forced to make the Chargers one-dimensional and pass all over the field, and with the pass rush of the Steelers he will be forced into making some mistakes. The Steelers repeat as AFC Champions defeating the Chargers by two touchdowns.

AFC Champions-Pittsburgh Steelers