Every year, analysts take their shots at picking Super Bowl teams and winners, and every year, there’s one or two teams picked that don’t make much sense. That’s not the case here. There are certain teams around the league that are in the tournament every single year (at least seemingly), and there are teams that are never there. With sites to bet on the NFL online at nearly every turn, it’s important to know where the safe picks are and where the crazy picks are. Here’s the short list of the teams you should be counting on to make deep playoff runs at the end of the 2013 season.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are likely the most complete roster in football, and with Peyton Manning now comfortable in Denver, there seems to be nothing in the way of the Broncos cruising to a top seed a first round bye in the playoffs. Manning has a solid group of receivers, a decent option in the running game and a defense that could almost win games by itself. The Broncos are the safest of picks, so long as their quarterback stays healthy that is.
Atlanta Falcons
As with all the teams on this list, the Falcons are a solid team clear through the roster. While the Falcons haven’t’ broken through in the playoffs, they’re certainly due for a signature win in the tournament. The Falcons still have a very explosive offense and a defense that plays very fast. The Falcons will likely be able to put together a record good enough for a first round bye, giving them the short route to the Super Bowl.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are the most unique team on this short list. Colin Kaepernick will need to continue to use his legs to open up the passing game as well as a more traditional running game, but once that happens, this team will almost drive itself. Of the teams listed here, the 49ers have the best defense, giving the a slight leg up in a low scoring game.
Houston Texans
The Texans are the AFC version of the Falcons. Great regular season team, but they’re not able to win the big games. Like the Falcons, their offense drives the team, but they’ve got a swarming defense that can wreak havoc on opposing offenses as well. Don’t count the Texans out as a team that will push deep into the playoffs, especially as other competitors like the Ravens and Patriots continue to lose ground on the best clubs in the league.
