There is really no arguing.
The best offenses in the league reside in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Foxboro, Massachusetts and New Orleans, Louisiana.
But let's take a look at how these teams operate and how they'll fare in this year's postseason.
The quarterbacks are—not surprisingly—the basis of it all.
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers, the eventual league MVP, has taken the spread offense to new heights in 2011.
He can pick your defense apart and meticulously move his team down the field with underneath throws. Then Mike McCarthy calls a play with exotic route combinations that springs Jordy Nelson or Greg Jennings open down the middle.
I'd hate to play safety against this offense.
Their running game isn't statistically tremendous, largely due to the limited carries, but as we saw against the Raiders when Ryan Grant, John Kuhn and Brandon Saine ran for a 136 yards at a 5.7 yards-per-carry clip, it can provide a spark as well.
If Jennings is out long-term, it certainly won't help Green Bay's offensive attack, but because Rodgers distributes the ball so well, it won't be a major hindrance.
In the playoffs, I have some worry about this pass-heavy unit playing in a blizzard, although I have a hard time doubting Aaron Rodgers.
It'll take an epic winter storm to slow down this highlight factory.
New England Patriots
The Patriots offense has held the team together this season with the defense having one of the worst seasons it has ever had under Bill Belichick. Tom Brady has once again molded his game to the talent around him.
Essentially, New England utilizes Wes Welker to pick up chunks of yardage on first and second down, occasionally working him down the seam when they feel like taking a shot, and Brady finds Rob Gronkowski on third downs and in the red zone.
Tight end Aaron Hernandez is featured on a variety of screen plays because he's elusive and a big body to bring down.
Does any team work the middle of the field better than Tom Brady and the Patriots?
I don't think so.
There's not a true vertical threat on the team, but Gronkowski's presence between the hash marks and Welker's complex and precise route-running makes them nearly indefensible.
In the postseason, I'd like to see them run the football more with Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
Brady's been outstanding in the winter months throughout his career, but their defense hasn't shown many signs of improvement and they won't be able to sling it all over the field on a 15-degree day with snow.
That's nitpicking, though.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints offense is the most similar to the Packers. Drew Brees is a master at finding all of his pass-catching options, and he finds them on short, intermediate and deep routes.
There's no telling where he might go.
Jimmy Graham, like Rob Gronkowski, is the X-factor.
He's a matchup nightmare, and no cornerback or linebacker can cover him.
No one.
With the speed on the outside, Graham terrorizes the middle of the field.
This may come as a surprise, but I like the Saints in a cold-weather game more than the Patriots or Packers.
They have a viable running back committee with Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles. Even if they can't get going in a frigid afternoon, they all are well-established screen guys, and Sean Payton has a multitude of screens to throw his opponent's way.
NFL Power Rankings, Week 15
1. Green Bay Packers
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. Houston Texans
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. San Francisco 49ers
7. New England Patriots
8. Atlanta Falcons
9. Denver Broncos
10. New York Jets
11. Detroit Lions
12. New York Giants
13. Cincinnati Bengals
14. Tennessee Titans
15. Seattle Seahawks
16. Dallas Cowboys
17. Arizona Cardinals
18. San Diego Chargers
19. Miami Dolphins
20. Oakland Raiders
21. Chicago Bears
22. Buffalo Bills
23. Minnesota Vikings
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
25. Carolina Panthers
26. Kansas City Chiefs
27. Philadelphia Eagles
28. Washington Redskins
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30. Cleveland Browns
31. St. Louis Rams
32. Indianapolis Colts
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