2014 NFL Playoffs: Ranking The Playoff Field

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Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) prepares to pass against the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos are once again one of the teams to beat in the AFC, and they are on tack to have another shootout with the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game.

Denver has had some up-and-downs throughout the course of their season, including losses to the St. Louis Rams and Cincinnati Bengals. C.J. Anderson has stepped up in a big way for the Broncos on the ground, and finished up the season with 849 yards and eight touchdowns. That type of production is exactly the type of support that Manning needs from the ground attack.

Defensively, the Broncos have taken major steps forward from last season. They have added pass rusher DeMarcus Ware, ball-hawk Aqib Talib, and hard-hitting safety T.J. Ward. They are currently ranked ninth against the pass and second against the run, and will be a force to be reckoned with for any team they play in the playoffs.

Expect to see the Broncos meet up once again with the New England Patriots with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.

Next: 2. New England Patriots

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