Each week, national NFL writer Mark Maske of The Washington Post ranks the league's 32 teams but with the regular season now finished, the focus shifts to playoff participants. Here's where he has all 12 teams ranked heading into this week's wild-card round.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3) | AFC No. 2 seed
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3) | AFC No. 2 seed
The Steelers took the risk of resting QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Le'Veon Bell and other key starters Sunday, and still beat the winless Browns. That will wind up a relatively long time off before they must flip the switch back on for an AFC semifinal. The ability of WR Antonio Brown to come back from his calf injury and play at his usual level presents a major postseason key.
About the photo: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) celebrates with JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 25, 2017, in Houston.
Michael Wyke
2. Minnesota Vikings (13-3) | NFC No. 2 seed
2. Minnesota Vikings (13-3) | NFC No. 2 seed
The Vikings are the NFC's second seed but given the vulnerability of the Carson Wentz-less Eagles, they enter the postseason as the conference's likely Super Bowl favorite. They were 7-1 at U.S. Bank Stadium during the regular season and they will attempt to become the first team to play a Super Bowl at home. The defense is very good and QB Case Keenum amazed all season.
About the photo: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Case Keenum throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Minneapolis.
