In a weekly feature during the NFL playoffs, we'll break down the chances of each team winning the Super Bowl in New York/New Jersey.
1. San Francisco 49ers — 40 percent. The 49ers were far and away the most impressive team last week. They rolled the Carolina Panthers on the road, in an early game going from the West Coast to the East Coast. That's hard to do, I don't care who you are. The 49ers defense is always phenomenal, and their offense had a lot more success than it did against the Panthers in their 10-9 loss to Carolina during the regular season. True, they have to go to Seattle for the NFC Championship, which is a daunting task. But...
2. Seattle Seahawks — 30 percent. The Seahawks looked good against the Saints, better than the final score showed. But the Seahawks' offense has been in a funk for a while now, although they showed a good sign on Saturday by feeding Marshawn Lynch the ball. Whoever wins the NFC Championship Game should be the favorite to win the Super Bowl.
3. Denver Broncos — 17 percent. Peyton Manning and the Broncos messed around on Sunday and nearly found themselves upset by a red-hot San Diego Chargers team that needed miracle after miracle to even find themselves in the postseason. The offense is phenomenal, but against the 49ers or Seahawks, you have to wonder what kind of success it would have. The defense has shown flashes, as well, but they're about to run into a dominant rushing offense...
4. New England Patriots — 13 percent. Tom Brady didn't have a big game statistically, but Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount sure did, scoring four touchdowns and closing in on 200 rushing yards. It's hard to envision the Patriots' secondary containing Manning & Co., but it'll be interesting to see what the weather does in Denver because if it's nasty that probably favors Brady over Manning. Just enjoy, because this could be the final installment of Brady vs. Manning in the postseason.
Eliminated: Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers.
