The Hottest and Coldest Teams Entering the Playoffs

So who would've guessed three weeks ago that the seemingly Super Bowl bound Colts and Saints would end so poorly? Both of these teams were juggernauts heading into week 15. Now they are like tame pussycats. As good as they are, my confidence is now shaken that they can reach the Promised Land this year.

Let's start with the Saints. I was impressed at how many close games and come from behind victories they had throughout the season. I really thought they had a chance of finishing the season 16-0 and go to the big game. But the Cowboys really exposed them. Then they lose to the lowly Bucs. Then they rest their starters and lose to the Panthers. The Saints are good, but the Playoffs are about momentum and theirs is frankly going in the wrong direction. I can't see this team making it to the Super Bowl when the NFC is so wide open now. The Saints are definitely mortal.

On to the Colts. Again, another team that could've and should've gone undefeated and maybe even shut the Dolphins and Mercury Morris up for good. I understand why the coach opted to take Manning out, but I can't agree with it and now we see the results. They've now given rest to their starters for 2 straight weeks, suffered 2 straight losses and have a bye to begin the playoffs. There is no momentum with this team. Will they even remember how to win? There's too many good teams in the AFC to have such a lackidaisical attitude headed into the Playoffs.

So who's hot? In the NFC, there's none hotter than the oft cold in December Dallas Cowboys. They were the first to beat the Saints, then they soundly beat two division rivals to close the season. Their defense looks solid on the line and in the secondary. Their offense seems to finally be clicking on all cylinders. They have the kind of momentum that could be scary if they don't get in their own way.

In the AFC, and perhaps the entire NFL, there is no team with more momentum than the Chargers. They always turn it on in December, but they've actually won their last 11 games. Phillip Rivers is playing some of his best ball right now. San Diego could be a very difficult team to beat.

To recap, the hottest, sexiest teams in the NFL are no longer hot, sexy or even favored in my opinion. Meanwhile, the two teams who typically have playoff misfortune appear to be hot, sexy and primed for action. Of course, these are the playoffs so anything can happen. I'll be watching.