NFL Playoff Schedule – Who’s Your Pick In The AFC?

With the NFL Playoff Schedule now out, now is the time to get into the action.

Today let’s look at the Futures Bets in the AFC, by breaking down the odds of every team to win the conference title.

New England Patriots (-120): Like the Patriots as your favorite in the AFC Playoffs? You’re not alone, as they come in as huge favorites to represent the division in this year’s Super Bowl.

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With the NFL Playoff Schedule set, New England will have a week off before taking on the winner of Kansas City and Baltimore. And whichever team they play will need some luck. The Patriots had the NFL’s top offense this season, averaging a staggering 32 points per game. More impressive was the way they played down the stretch, scoring at least 31 points in their last eight games.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+275): While New England got to the postseason behind the league’s best offense, it was Pittsburgh’s defense that set the tone all season. The Steelers finished as the top ranked squad in the NFL, allowing just 14.5 points per game, and were nearly impossible to run against, allowing a league low 62.8 yards per contest.

Pittsburgh has this week off, before hosting the winner of Colts-Jets.

Baltimore Ravens (+750): Staying in the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens enter these playoffs with the best record of any non-division winner, tying Pittsburgh atop the division standings with a 12-4 record.

The Ravens too had one of the best defenses in the league, allowing just 16.9 points per game, but unlike their divisional rivals, had better luck scoring points. Baltimore averaged 22 points per game.

They enter these playoffs having won six of seven.

Indianapolis Colts (+900): Another year, another AFC South title for the Indianapolis Colts. Ho hum, huh?

To Indianapolis’ credit, this was anything but a typical year. They were beset by injuries all season, including to receiver Austin Collie, tight end Dallas Clark and safety Bob Sanders. All three were keys to this team, and none will play this postseason.

Still, with Peyton Manning under center, anything is possible. The veteran was as good as any quarterback in the National Football League this year, throwing for 4,700 yards and 33 touchdowns, with just interceptions in his last four games.

New York Jets (+1200): After making a surprising run to last year’s AFC Championship Game a year ago, can Rex Ryan’s crew do the same? It won’t be easy, but if anyone can pull three straight upsets it’s these guys.

To their credit, the Jets still play solid defense, ranking in the Top 10 in all major categories. Their 291 yards per game allowed is third fewest in the league.

In the end though, it all likely comes down to quarterback Mark Sanchez. He’s had a bad shoulder for weeks now, and will he be able to overcome it in time for a playoff run?

Kansas City Chiefs (+2000): With the NFL Playoff Schedule now out, the longest of AFC long shots are the Kansas City Chiefs. The AFC West champs are solid but not spectacular, going just 2-2 in the last month of the season.

However, the Chiefs still have one advantage most other long shots don’t, home-field advantage. Kansas City went 7-1 at Arrowhead Stadium this season, a place where they’ll host Baltimore this Sunday.

With the NFL Playoff Schedule now out, why can’t the Chiefs make a run?