When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, production is combined with potential to determine a team's true strength compared to the rest of the league. Winning isn't the only factor, but it is one of the most important components of the rating. I don't believe teams can be powerful if they consistently lose, even to other great teams.
Only the best teams still playing will continue to be ranked as we countdown to Super Bowl XLIX! Say so long to The Forked Few, The Creatively Challenged and The Remarkably Average. They know what they've done.
The Fortunate Three ~
The best of those not yet elite
# 8 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 12)
The Panthers defense set a playoff record against Arizona by limiting the Cardinals to just 78 yards of total offense. They will have to play even better if they hope to go into Seattle and upset the defending champions.
# 7 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 11)
This could be Baltimore's dream scenario - defeating the Steelers, Patriots, and the Broncos or Colts on their way to another Super Bowl appearance. The Ravens have had both playoff and regular season success against the remaining AFC playoff teams. If they can keep the game close with New England, they will have more than a decent shot of pulling off the upset this weekend.
# 6 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 6)
Indianapolis looked good in their victory over Cincinnati, but not great. They will have to play much better if they hope to upset the Broncos in Denver.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Denver Broncos (previous: 5)
Which Broncos team will appear on Sunday? The Manning-led passing attack or the Anderson-led rushing attack? I'm not sure the Colts can handle either one.
# 4 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 4)
The Packers are the only NFC team that finished the regular season undefeated at home. The Cowboys are the only NFL team that finished the regular season undefeated on the road. Something has to give on Sunday when these two teams collide at Lambeau.
# 3 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 3)
The Cowboys have two things going for them this weekend- a perfect 8-0 record on the road and the confidence to believe they can win even if they fall behind early.
# 2 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 2)
The defending champions have home-field advantage and a team with a losing record coming to town for a playoff game.
# 1 - New England Patriots (previous: 1)
The Patriots would have rather faced the Colts than the Ravens, but now that Baltimore is coming back to town, Brady will have to show the league why he is still an elite, Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
Wild Card Round Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Arizona Cardinals (-5), Pittsburgh Steelers (-2), Cincinnati Bengals (-1)
The Biggest Movers - Baltimore Ravens (+4), Carolina Panthers (+4)
Maintaining The Status Quo - New England Patriots (1), Seattle Seahawks (2), Dallas Cowboys (3), Green Bay Packers (4), Denver Broncos (5), Indianapolis Colts (6)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLIX Favorites ~ After the Wild Card round
AFC Favorite:
NFC Favorite:
Check back tomorrow for Divisional playoff game predictions.
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