New England Patriots

I'm assuming they'll play the Colts and Steelers. I'll save the effort of comparing their chances against the Jet or Chargers until and if those matchups happen. First overall thoughts, then matchup thoughts:

Pro: Brady comes up big in big games.
Pro: Branch and Dillon are having great seasons
Con: Dillon's had some bad fumbles
Pro: The bye week should help some injured players recover
Con: If Law and Seymour can't perform at their usual level, Pats are in trouble
Pro: Viniateri
Con: Special teams coverage has been suspect
Con: Injuries to Faulk and Graham will hurt their offense, especially if they're in a shootout with the Colts.
Pro: They're the Pats. Players like Troy Brown, Tom Brady, Tedy Brushci, Mike Vrabel, and Willie McGinest always play well in big games.
Pro: They won't be outcoached
Con: The writing on the walls of Kris's cell says they're done

If they play the Colts...
Con: Manning could torture an inexperienced secondary
Pro: Belichick has two weeks to game plan against Manning
Pro: Bad weather will slow down the Colts
Con: Pats couldn't stop the running game the first time
Con: Manning and his receivers will get some cheap flags; they've been getting them all season.
Con: The Colts have to beat the Pats some day, don't they?
Pro: Colts wil have only one week to prepare for Pats

If they play the Steelers...
Con: Steelers smoked Pats earlier in season.
Pro: Pats played without Law, Dillon, Branch, etc. the first time. Also the Steelers were coming off a bye week.
Con: Pats couldn't stop Roethlisberger and his weapons the first time.
Pro: Belichick has more film of Roethlisberger to study. Might be able to figure out how to stop them.
Con: Pats couldn't stop the running game
Con: Pats will be on the road
Pro: Pats play well on the road

Closing Thoughts:
This year's journey to the Super Bowl will be tougher than the Pats' previous trips. A combination of injuries and tough competition will make it a difficult path for the Pats. Then again, the Pats have the talent, toughness, and intelligence to overcome their obstacles.