There's a stat that always gets dusted off before the start of every NFL season. It's one that causes even the most seasoned NFL experts stop and pause.
Since 2000, an average of five new teams make the postseason. In 2012, six new teams made the cut. So that means from last year's crop of teams, five or perhaps more squads will be heading home early.
It sounds crazy, but remember the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Diego Chargers were both watching the playoffs from home last year.
2012 Playoff Teams
AFC: New England Patriots (East winner); Baltimore Ravens (North winner); Houston Texans (South winner); Denver Broncos (West winner); Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals
NFC: Green Bay Packers (North winner); San Francisco 49ers (West winner); New Orleans Saints (South winner); New York Giants (East winner); Atlanta Falcons; Detroit Lions.
Alicia
Who's out:
Denver Broncos: Don't trust Peyton Manning or that neck just yet.
New Orleans Saints: Too much off-the-field drama. Plus EVERYONE thinks they're going to win.
Cincinnati Bengals: Benefited from a few teams underachieving last year.
Houston Texans: Don't think they can handle the increased expectations.
Detroit Lions: The lack of discipline means Roger Goddell is looking for a reason to crack down.
Frankie
Who's Out:
Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals were good last season, but the AFC got tougher, team might not be able to compete.
Denver Broncos: Peyton Manning is still unproven as a quarterback post-surgery. The AFC West is up for grabs as the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas Chiefs look to toughen up the race.
New York Giants: If the Philadelphia Eagles are really going to change things around this season, then the Giants might find themselves out of the playoff picture if they do not perform in 2012-2013.
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons have had two tough postseason appearances back-to-back. They are great during the regular season, but it will be a test for the team to recover from another postseason failure.
New Orleans Saints: Though they still have Drew Brees, the Saints might get out-coached in some games. Ultimately leaving them out of contention. Can Cam Newton's carry the Carolina Panthers into the playoffs?
Raymond
Who's Out:
Cincinnati Bengals: Every year a team seems to have a Cinderella Story and I believe the clock has struck 12 o'clock for the Bengals. Their defense has improved but I just feel they don't have enough weapons on the offensive side.
Denver Broncos: I don't fully trust the older Manning coming off of a neck injury. One good shot can have him sidelined once again and the Broncos don't have the divine powers of Tebow to save them in late game situations this time around.
Atlanta Flacons: They went from being one of the top teams in the NFL the previous year to falling to the wildcard slot last season. "Matty Ice" has been pretty cold in late game situations and I just feel he's and the team are having identity issues.
New York Giants: Last time the Giants won the Super Bowl, they failed the following season. I see history repeating itself once again.
San Francisco 49ers: This was tough for me because I really believe in Jim Harbaugh's coaching style but I still don't fully trust Alex Smith just yet. Hopefully they can prove me wrong.
