The Road to Super Bowl XLIX

The 2014 NFL regular season has officially come to an end. For Clevelanders, nothing is new: a season that looked promising (at the draft or even after they reeled off three straight and were first in the division), yet ended in disappointment by missing out on the playoffs for a 12^th consecutive season. For my Dolphins, nothing is new: a season full of opportunity after opportunity after opportunity, only to be missed (lost in the final seconds to Detroit 20-16, Green Bay 27-24, and Denver 39-36, all after having the lead). So now, as fans of non-playoff teams, the unrelenting wait until the 2015 opener - 245 days - begins. In the meantime, we get quite a treat – the 2014 playoffs!

For NFL fans, the AFC playoff picture shaped up to be very similar to a year ago, with the exception of the Pittsburgh Steelers (instead of Kansas City), while the NFC brings three newcomers - Arizona, Dallas, and Detroit.

The road to Arizona begins Saturday night, as 12 teams will vie for the opportunity of a lifetime.

University of Phoenix Stadium awaits Super Bowl XLIX

Here are my predictions, including some bias as to what I would like to see happen. And I’ll make it very clear; there is not a team I dislike more than the New England Patriots. With that said, here you go:

NFL Wildcard weekend

NFC: Arizona at Carolina

In years past, we’ve found out that records mean absolutely nothing come playoff time. Many times, it’s the hottest team going in that makes a run. I know Carolina only had seven wins, but this is a team that is playing some good football as of late, winning four straight to end the season. On the other hand, Arizona has lost two straight, and has been plagued with a plethora of injuries.

Prediction: Carolina by 7

AFC: Baltimore at Pittsburgh

One of the best rivalries in the NFL. Now these teams meet with much more at stake. Just as Carolina reeled off four straight to end the year, the Pittsburghers did the same, including beating divisional foe Cincinnati twice. Ironically, the two teams split the season series, with each winning by 20 on their home turf.

January football, in Pittsburgh? I can’t go against the Steelers at home, terrible towels in hand, against a reeling secondary, and a team that doesn't look like the Ravens of old.

Prediction: Pittsburgh by 6

AFC: Cincinnati at Indianapolis

Back in Week 7, Cincinnati went into Indianapolis with a 3-1-1 record. They left, not only with a loss, but a big fat goose egg – zero points. At the same time, the Colts were playing some of their best football, winning their 5^th straight. Fast forward to week 17, and this feels like a toss-up game. The Colts don’t have a signature win on the season, but have one of the best QB’s in the league. On the other side, it’s still a mystery as to which Dalton or Bengals team is going to show up on a weekly basis. Without A.J. Green, it only seems likely that the bad Dalton will be on hand. Nonetheless, I'll be optimistic for this team from the Buckeye state to get their first playoff win since 1990. 

There is usually at least one road team that wins on wild card weekend. In a game that matches two relatively even teams, I’m going to go with the team from Ohio for the upset.

Prediction: Cincinnati by 3

NFC: Detroit at Dallas

I’m sure no one is giving Detroit a chance in this one, and I’m not either. Matthew Stafford has never won a road game against a team with a winning record in his career (0-16), and Dallas very well might be the hottest team in the league. I know Romo usually tends to struggle during this time of year, but he's due to play well here. I think Detroit’s defense keeps them in it, like usual, but the Boys o-line will ultimately take over in this one.

Prediction: Dallas by 10

NFL Divisional Playoffs

AFC: Cincinnati at New England

There’s really no need for an explanation here. As much as I hate the Pats, no way they lose this game, no matter who they play.

Prediction: New England by 14

NFC: Carolina at Seattle

As well as Carolina is playing, there is not a team in the league that is hotter than Seattle right now. The Hawks come into the playoffs winners of six straight, including nine of their last ten. Not to mention, they are at home, where they virtually dominated this year (7-1). As they always do, Seattle will wear down their opponent, on their way to the NFC Championship for the second straight year.

Prediction: Seattle by 13

NFC: Dallas at Green Bay

This is such an intriguing match-up. Dallas, unbeaten on the road. The Pack unbeaten at home. Has all the makings of a classic. I also think the weather factor could be huge in this one, especially for a team from Texas. Ultimately, I think both teams will put up a lot of points, but it will be the better QB getting the nod in this one.

Prediction: Green Bay by 3

AFC: Pittsburgh at Denver

We all remember the last time the Burgh traveled to Mile High in the Playoffs. They got a heavy dose of Tebow Time. Now, they get to face arguably the best quarterback to ever play the game, in Peyton Manning. I must say however, that Denver doesn't seem to be the same team as a year ago. They’ve taken a bit of the load off Manning by focusing more on the running game. The Steelers offense has the potential to play with anyone, but can their defense hold up?? If the offense can match the offense of the Broncos, it comes down to a turnover or a stop that could make the difference. I like upsets, so I’m going with Pittsburgh.

Prediction: Pittsburgh by 4

Championship Weekend

AFC: Pittsburgh at New England

Whether this is Denver or Pittsburgh, I’m hoping either will advance. The Pats play so well at home, as evidenced by their 7-1 record this year, and this is a team that just knows how to win. That’s exactly why I’m taking the Steelers to continue down the upset minded path. Although several New England starters didn't play in the seasonal finale, they were exposed by the Bills defense. I think the Steelers front has the potential to do the same. The only downside to a game like this is that the Patriots almost always get every call go their way (reason #100 why I hate this team). Anyway, Pitt continues to do the unthinkable.

Prediction: Pittsburgh by 1

NFC: Green Bay at Seattle

A rematch of the NFL opener. Green Bay was awful in that game and the Seahawks looked like they were ready to reign supreme again. There’s no doubt that it’s always tougher to beat a team a second time around, especially in the playoffs. Seattle has been susceptible at times this season but is still the best defensive unit in the league. Aside from a rough outing in Buffalo, Aaron Rodgers has been lights out. He always shines on the biggest stages, and I think he will do just enough to get the job done. Again, I love underdogs, and that’s where I’m going in this one.

Prediction: Green Bay by 5

Super Bowl XLIX

Green Bay vs. Pittsburgh

A rematch of Super Bowl XLV. If this were to happen, I’d go out on a limb and say this would be the highest scoring Super Bowl in its history. Two of the best offenses in the league, and two secondary’s that can struggle at times. Both quarterbacks are clutch and have been in past Super Bowls, leading comebacks in the final seconds. The difference, once again, would be a turnover or miscue, leading to the other team taking advantage. I see this one going either way, so I’ll leave this one for the media to decide (haha)!

I always love this time of year, because these games are so fun to watch. Everyone gives it maximum effort, all 60 minutes. All I’m hoping for on the AFC side is someone other than New England to make it to the Super Bowl (Please!). The NFC can bring anyone, although I wouldn't mind someone new.

The regular season may be in the books, but we still get a month of playoffs, culminating in the best event in all of sports – the Super Bowl! Get your popcorn ready!