5 Questions About the NFL Playoffs
By Jerry DiPaola

1. Will there be a Manning vs. Manning matchup in Super Bowl XL?

Peyton of the Colts appears ready to represent the AFC and lead his team into Detroit, but what about younger brother Eli of the Giants? The guy that former Ole Miss teammate Keydrick Vincent likes to call "Easy E" has all the necessary physical tools, plus he has one of the NFL's best running backs in Tiki Barber, and a strong defense to support him in times of need. But Eli lets his arm loose too often and has a tendency to throw interceptions. Eventually, that may hurt the Giants, but name an NFC team that consistently overwhelms its opponents. OK, Seattle, but the Steelers proved that a good regular-season record means little in the playoffs. Bet on the Colts and Giants in Detroit for the NFL's ultimate game (but don't they always play another one the following year?). Just don't bet a lot of money.

2. Will the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots make an impact in this season's playoffs?

While you're betting good money-or not-think about this proposition: Very few things are certain in this life (with the exception of Steelers fans complaining about Bill Cowher after every loss), but this much we know: the Patriots will make a third consecutive appearance in the AFC Championship game. And this time, they won't have the Steelers to kick in the teeth. (Someone will take care of that prior to the conference title game.) The Patriots appear to have all the necessary ingredients to beat almost any opponent. Running back Corey Dillon is healthy again, giving Tom Brady an option when the passing lanes are clogged. Linebacker Tedy Bruschi is back, making big plays and providing the type of leadership that builds winners. And the defensive line of Richard Seymour, Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork-the heart of any good team-may be the best collection of beef at that position in the NFL. Now, if they can just find a way to hide Hank Poteat in the secondary, they should beat everyone until they meet the Colts. Oh, and did we fail to mention this? Bill Belichick is the best coach in the league.

3. Are the Bengals Super Bowl contenders, or just a team that found a winning formula in the regular season and isn't ready for the sudden pressure and intensity of the postseason?

The answer is: Don't plan on the Bengals making a long stay in the playoffs. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis knows what it takes to reach the Super Bowl, having done so with the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. But he's not playing the games, and he's never been the head coach of a playoff team. His supremely confident squad may get whacked in the head a few times before it wins its first game in the postseason. The Bengals' defense is good, but hardly great. Did you know that the Bengals had allowed more points through 14 games than any other team in the AFC North? The Bengals will be no easy mark: Carson Palmer, Rudi Johnson, Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh will see to that. But they are not to be feared, either.

4. Are the Carolina Panthers the team to beat in the NFC because coach John Fox and many of his players were in the Super Bowl two years ago?

There is a lot to be said for that kind of experience in big games. The Panthers will be well-served for their past victories. But there are tangible reasons for Carolina looking like one of the favorites to carry the NFC's colors into Ford Field. That defense-led by end Julius Peppers-is good. Very good. The Panthers were third in the NFL in total defense, second in yards allowed per play, fourth in rushing defense, third in passing and third in points allowed. That was through 14 games, which brings up another reason the Panthers will be difficult to eliminate in the postseason: Wide receiver Steve Smith racks up receiving yardage by the ton, scores touchdowns and catches everything thrown his way. Through most of the season, he scored a touchdown about every eighth time he caught the football.

5. Will the Colts' losses to San Diego and Seattle after a previously pristine season hurt or help in the postseason?

First of all, it's never good to lose. But every team does it-with the exception of the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who can crow all they want about their unbeaten season. (They earned that right, by the way.) The Colts lost to a good Chargers team that unleashed a vicious and varied pass rush on Peyton Manning. That might be the way to unravel the Colts, and teams will try to copy that strategy. But the Colts have too many good players and an outstanding master in Tony Dungy, who learned under four-time Super Bowl-winning coach Chuck Noll. The Colts have a passing game that just doesn't feature home-run hitters Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Tight end Dallas Clark also is part of the mix. That is a difficult blend to beat. Edgerrin James is one of the league's best backs, and the defense, with sack artists Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney, is no longer a weakness. Don't forget Erie's Bob Sanders, a hard-hitting and excellent cover safety, who was a stud in the state high school championship game in 1999. The Colts are the best team in the NFL. You'll see why over the course of the next several weeks.

Jerry DiPaola is an assistant editor at the Pittsburgh Tribune Review.