Ranking the contenders and pretenders in the muddled NFL playoffs

After 17 weeks of hard-hitting, months longer of training and sometimes a lifetime of patient waiting, the NFL playoffs arrive each January.

For some, just being in the tournament alone is good enough.

That was the New Orleans Saints n until last year.

For others, finishing in second place just makes you the first place loser.

That would be the New England Patriots who have walked out of the playoffs with the big trophy in their hands more often than not in the past decade.

Like every other season, this year’s playoff crop runs 12-deep and history shows us that anyone … ANYONE out of the dozen teams can make a Super Bowl run n no matter how probable or improbable it may be.

Don’t believe me?

Since 2000, a playoff team without a first round bye has advanced to the Super Bowl six times.

Of those, four eventually won the Super Bowl.

The old adage that anyone who makes it to prom truly can become prom queen is true in the playoffs.

Let’s rank the contenders this year n this Class of 2010-11 and handicap each team’s odds in the current playoff chase.

The miracle-chasers:

Seattle Seahawks n The Seahawks were blown out by the 49ers, Falcons and Buccaneers n just in December alone. Don’t let these guys’ win against the Rams to close the season fool you. Barring a Buster Douglas vs. Mike Tyson-style upset, these guys will be one and done.

The Underdogs:

Kansas City Chiefs n The Chiefs have taken the entire globe by shock this year, prying the AFC West away from the hands of the San Diego Chargers. But they are one of those teams who will be happy to just be in the playoffs. This year’s not their year n although the next few years just might be.

Indianapolis Colts n The Colts can never be counted out until the final whistle. But they just have too many guys injured. Bob Sanders, Austin Collie, Anthony Gonzales, Dallas Clark, Melvin Bullitt and Tom Santi are all on injured reserve. It’s just hard to overcome that much attrition.

Chicago Bears n The Bears don’t often win as much as the team around them loses. When teams tighten up this month, the Bears won’t be able to rely on other’s misery to win games. Jay Cutler will be … Jay Cutler and will cost the Bears their chance at greatness.

New York Giants n The Giants just turn the football over entirely too much. Eli Manning leads the world in interceptions and that’s usually not a good recipe for playoff success. The Giants have the talent and heck, they’ve done it before. But not with the brand of football they are playing now.

The Middle of the Pack:

Pittsburgh Steelers n The Steelers just plod along and do their thing year after year. If they get hot, who’s to say they can’t make a run at a seventh Super Bowl?

Atlanta Falcons n So I’ll put the Falcons here and I’ll surely get the ire of many football fans, who think Atlanta is destined for the Lombardi Trophy. But their secondary is whack and they really don’t have a whole lot of skill position players who can make plays. I haven’t been a believer all season and I’m really not much of one now after watching them limp to just 14 points against the Saints.

Philadelphia Eagles n The Eagles are the most explosive team in the entire NFL on offense. But defense wins championships and they’ve allowed 27 or more points seven times this season. It’s just hard to put stock in a team who might be finished if they have to punt once in a game.

The Contenders:

Baltimore Ravens n The Ravens’ experienced defense alone makes a run in the postseason each year. That defense combined with an offense that has a few weapons now? These guys are the biggest threat to the Patriots in the AFC.

Green Bay Packers n The Packers fought, scratched and clawed just to make the playoffs at all. But don’t let that fool you. When they are on their game, there is no one more balanced and no one with more talent. These guys could very easily make a run and string together some road wins n it’s not like their style of play is suited for cold weather anyway.

New Orleans Saints n They struggle at times, can’t stop the run at times and always have problems running the ball on their own. But these guys have the heart of a champion and if the outcome is in doubt in the final minutes, they more often than not find a way to steal a win. That intangible can’t be measured in a single elimination tournament.

The Eventual Champion:

New England Patriots n To prevent these guys from going to the Super Bowl, someone will have to beat them in Foxboro, which has become the modern day version of Lambeau Field. To prevent these guys from going to the Super Bowl, someone will have to go through Tom Brady, who is as motivated as ever and hasn’t thrown an interception in two months. The Patriots are back and are ready to assume their position at the top. They are unquestioned the team to beat.