3. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons needed to win a playoff game in order to validate head coach Mike Smith and quarterback Matt Ryan. After nearly losing to the Seahawks, the Falcons finally got off their skid by defeating Seattle 30-28 in the NFC Divisional Round. The Falcons also got off to a hot start in the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers, but blew a 24-14 lead and lost 28-24 in their own building. The fans were disappointed, but they stopped calling for the heads of Smith and Ryan, who were 0-3 up until the Seattle game in the postseason. The Falcons were able to convince Tony Gonzalez to put off retirement for another season by keeping him around for another season, plus they added workhorse running back Steven Jackson to take the place of Michael Turner, who was cut. Longtime Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora was also brought in and he's looking to win his third Super Bowl in his career, but first in a new city. He picked a good team to join if he's looking to win it.
Odds: 7-to-1