The 2015 NFL playoffs are upon us. Beginning this weekend, the top teams in the NFC and AFC will fight for the right to meet in 50. Before the action kicks off with , I thought I'd examine the strengths and weakne ses of all 12 playoff teams, in an effort to paint a more complete picture of the combatants about to square off for football's ultimate prize. Below, you'll find the strengths and weakne ses of each squad in the AFC field, listed according to playoff seeding.1) Denver Broncos*Next matchup: vs. //, Sunday, Jan. 17, 4:40 p.m. ET, CBS *Biggest strengths: The are one of the few teams in the NFL with a stable of premier pa s rushers and cover corners. As a result, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips' troops not only lead the NFL (52), but they've also surrendered (199.6 per game) in the league. With and wreaking havoc off the edges and , Jr. and suffocating opponents down the field, opposing quarterbacks will face long odds moving the ball through the air.Biggest weakne ses: Denver's offensive-line play has been spotty all season, due to constant reshuffling and inexperience up front. The offensive tackles, in particular, have struggled to keep pa s rushers off the quarterback (see: in and 's three-sack effort ). Especially if the relatively immobile is the starter, the line's inability to protect the pa ser could ground the aerial attack.2) New England PatriotsNext matchup: vs. //, Saturday, Jan. 16, 4:35 p.m. ET, CBSBiggest strengths: As long as the have in https://www.shopbullsedge.com/chicago-bu…ersey place, they have a chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. The three-time MVP not only has a knack for elevating the play of an unheralded receiving corps, but he is a clutch performer adept at winning big games, and he has a penchant for making key plays in critical moments. Considering Brady's unstoppable connection with and (who could return to the field for the first time since ), the ' pa sing game could spark another deep postseason run. Of course, much depends on Brady being able to shake off suffered in the regular-season finale.Biggest weakne ses: Brady took a pounding against the -- remember, that ankle sprain came on -- and there is no question the ' offensive line is the team's biggest question mark heading into the tournament. Although Brady's ultra-quick release masks the leaky pa s protection, the constant hara sment could keep him from thriving in the pocket.3) Cincinnati BengalsBiggest strengths: The ' diverse offense been a thorn in the side of defensive coordinators around the NFL. Hue Jackson's creativity has meshed with one of the most talented lineups in football to produce an electric unit that (26.2 points per game) behind one of the most efficient pa sing offenses in football (their pa ser rating of 104.1 , behind only the ' 109.8). Yes, backup has been thrust into a pivotal role by , but the presence of , , and on the perimeter will allow the ' offense to roll, even with a relatively inexperienced triggerman at the helm.Biggest weakne ses: The lack a glaring weakne s from a personnel standpoint, but their emotional control and discipline could prevent them from moving on in the tournament. The defense, in particular, is loaded with temperamental playmakers (like and ) with high-revving emotions. While the unit plays on a string on each level, the occasional lack of discipline and emotional control has resulted in Cincinnati ranking near the top of the NFL in penalties. Given the significant impact of penalties, particularly personal fouls, the must keep their cool or run the risk of short-circuiting their playoff run via a lack of composure.4) Houston TexansBiggest strengths: The have surged into the postseason on the strength of a championship-caliber defense loaded with eight former first-rounders. Although commands most of the attention with his spectacular dominance along the front, it has been the solid contributions of an air-tight secondary that could test the mettle of quarterbacks throughout the playoffs. If cornerbacks , and continue to prevent deep balls from flying over their heads, it is going to be hard to knock Houston off.Biggest weakne ses: Credit coach Bill O'Brien for guiding the to the AFC South title with one of the shakiest quarterback situations in the NFL. is a decent game manager, but questions persist as to whether he has the goods to make the plays that count in the postseason. With defensive coordinators intent on taking away the easy throws in the playoffs, we will soon see if Hoyer can handle the pre sure of acting as the primary playmaker.5) Kansas City ChiefsBiggest strengths: The are streaking into the playoffs behind a defense led by a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate (cornerback ) on the verge of becoming a premier playmaker on the island. The rookie notched eight interceptions and 26 pa ses defensed as the NFL's most targeted defender. Most importantly, he teamed with to suffocate receivers with an ultra-aggre sive style. Considering , who has been out with , fellow disruptive edge rusher in the lineup Saturday, Kansas City should be able to provide the kind of frenetic pre sure that could force a few wayward pa ses in the rookie's direction.Biggest weakne ses: Though the boast in the NFL, their offensive line is a major concern heading into the tournament. Andy Reid's front line surrendered 46 sacks (tied for ) during the regular season and struggled mightily against ferocious pa s rushers off the edges. Given those woes, the spotlight is squarely on offensive tackles and to hold their own in one-on-one matchups. How well they fare could impact whether quarterback has a chance to make plays from the pocket.6) Pittsburgh SteelersBiggest strengths: The ' explosive WR corps would pose a huge challenge for every defense in the tournament. , and are not only polished route runners with explosive stop-start quickne s, but they are legitimate vertical threats capable of taking the top off the defense from the slot or flanks in spread formations. The potential absence of veteran running back -- who in -- could prompt the to take a one-dimensional offensive approach, meaning the trio could routinely post "triple-triples" (each receiver surpa ses the 100-yard mark in a game) in the postseason.Biggest weakne ses: Mike Tomlin's decision to shift to a zone-heavy defense has helped the generate more takeaways, but the transition to a "see ball, get ball" set of coverages hasn't prevented quarterbacks from racking up big totals through the air. Although the have come up with key plays at critical moments, their inability to slow down prolific aerial attacks could prevent their otherwise scary team from advancing. With the onus falling on the shoulders of the back seven to shut down the pa sing lanes, Pittsburgh's playoff fate could hinge on Tomlin's ability to get his secondary to maintain discipline down the field.Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter . https://www.shopbullsedge.com/chicago-bu…ersey