It’s now a 12-team tournament. No sense in ranking all the 10-6 (Eagles) and 9-7 (Chiefs, Chargers, Texans, Bills) also-rans. In ranking the top 12, I have the Seahawks as far and away the team to beat, and I rank the others according to how they match up against the Seahawks. Which is why I have the Broncos ranked No. 4 and not higher. The top 12:
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1. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
The Seahawks finished No. 1 in total defense and scoring defense for the second straight year. It worked for them last year. Former Colorado star Paul Richardson is Russell Wilson’s new weapon.
2. New England Patriots (12-4)
With the No. 1 AFC seed clinched, they held out Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and two starting blockers while losing in the final game of Kyle Orton’s career.
3. Dallas Cowboys (12-4)
Dallas has easily the most well-rounded offense, as receiver Dez Bryant and running back DeMarco Murray are the best catcher-runner tandem in the league. The Cowboys’ offensive line can protect Tony Romo, but does the former “America’s Team” have the maturity to handle success?
4. Denver Broncos (12-4)
They should be able to handle the Steelers, Colts or Bengals at home in the second round. The question is whether their offensive line can hold up at New England in the AFC championship, and against Seahawks in the Super Bowl.
5. Green Bay Packers (12-4)
Aaron Rodgers can beat anyone when he gets hot, even the Seahawks in Seattle. But he’s gimpy and the Pack’s defense doesn’t appear to be Super Bowl-caliber.
6. Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
They played poorly down the stretch, particularly on Gary Kubiak’s side of the ball. But they’re in, and this is one team that knows how to play tournament football.
7. Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
Andrew Luck may be the best QB in the AFC. But his defense allowed 51 points to the Steelers, 42 to the Pats, 42 to the Cowboys, 31 to the Broncos — and zero to the Bengals, their first-round opponent.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
Big Ben and Antonio Brown had terrific years, but I don’t like their chances against the Ravens without Le’Veon Bell.
9. Detroit Lions (11-5)
Too many priors cost Ndamukong Suh in a stomping of Aaron Rodgers. It will be tough to stop the Cowboys without him. Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are capable of giving Dallas a scare.
Update: and will play against the Cowboys. It’s a major victory for the Lions, who would have little chance without him.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
Andy Dalton in three playoff games: 0-3 with one touchdown and six interceptions. He’ll get chance No. 4 at Indy.
11. Carolina Panthers (7-8-1)
Carolina finished with four straight wins, including 41-10 and 34-3 road drubbings of New Orleans and Atlanta. Cam Newton was only 10-of-16 for 114 yards in a clincher at Atlanta, and it was more than enough.
12. Arizona Cardinals (11-5)
The Cardinals ranked 24th in total defense (the lowest among playoff teams) but fifth in points allowed (third-best among playoff teams). Still, Arizona is the only playoff team that will start a backup quarterback.
