the NFC could REALLY see the packers, saints, 49ers and giants come out on top, i agree with you. but imo, it depends on which teams they have to play at first and where.
for example, the giants should want to play a packers/saints type of team and they will play the packers if the saints and the giants win the first game.
the 49ers on the other hand would be a solid choice to beat GB in lambeau because of the good old recipe of running the ball and stopping the run in the cold. but they have to beat the saints in all likelihood at first at home in a pass-friendly environment.
tough to figure out. a lot of mini-matchups could decide all those games and lead to an upset.
the AFC is, to me, pretty clear. as i see the steelers and texans winning the first round, i expect that the pats/steelers showdown in the divisional round is what its all about. the winner here will win the AFC. the ravens are good and everything, but they are just not a dominating defense anymore (far from bad though) and their offense will not keep up once something turns for the worse (ST score, 1-2 quick strikes by the opponents, defensive score by the opponent, ...) and they have to hand flacco the keys. it might work for one game, but i just dont see it.
i am not a steelers fan, but they find ways in the playoffs as a team to win it. all players play the best in the playoffs, and thats a scary thought. they will roll past denver even with hines ward at QB, believe me that.