I find that this edition of NFL power rankings is especially enjoyable to put together each postseason because the piece guides me in making my Super Bowl prediction. That theory didn’t do me much good last week, however, as I really did believe both home teams would hold serve in the conference championship games. Before making what is admittedly a very early Super Bowl prediction that will likely be changed several times before the big game begins, here’s a look back at the NFL’s version of the Final Four.
2013 NFL power rankings: Super Bowl
The eliminated
4. Atlanta Falcons: It turns out that the 2012-13 Falcons really were just a team that would fold under the pressure of being three quarters away from a Super Bowl. One could argue that no team in the league has more soul-searching to do this offseason than Atlanta following their most recent loss. I understand it’s easy and fashionable to criticize Matt Ryan, but I can’t help but look at Mike Smith. That the Falcons are routinely one of the best regular season teams yet they can’t get the job done in the postseason says quite a bit about their character, and there comes a time when those running a franchise have to determine if they’ve got the right man to lead the team to a title.
3. New England Patriots: Here’s an interesting tidbit to consider: Tom Brady has now been outplayed in New England’s last three championship games. With that said, those quick to celebrate what they believe to be the death of the Patriots era should probably hold off for just a little while. The Pats will likely be favorites to again win the division come this summer, and you have to believe that Brady and company have one more Super Bowl run in them.
The Super
2. San Francisco 49ers: Alex who? These playoffs have been a coming out party for Colin Kaepernick, and I’m sure there are many out there who would say that he’s the best QB that will be playing in the upcoming Super Bowl. My biggest concern about the Niners continues to be their bipolar defense that showed up 15 minutes later against the Falcons, one that was also lit up by Green Bay and the Giants (it’s worth noting that Alex Smith was absolutely dreadful in the New York game) earlier this season. San Fran definitely has the goods to win it all, but coming back from a double-digit deficit in a Super Bowl is no easy task.
1. Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens really have been playing like a team of destiny since the Ray Lewis announcement. Their defense has been a different unit in the postseason, and Joe Flacco is four quarters away from attaining that elite status that was such a hot topic last April. Baltimore was my preseason pick to win it all this past September. I’m sticking with them to the very end.
