NFL Playoff Predictions: Atlanta Falcons and the Easiest First-Round Opponents

Twelve teams will reach the NFL postseason, but there's a big difference between making the playoffs and making an impact in the playoffs.

Despite solid regular seasons, these three teams will be easy outs in the first round.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons head into Week 17 with a respectable 9-6 record, but they only have one—yes, one—win over a team with a winning record.

They've padded their record by beating awful teams like Jacksonville (twice), Carolina (twice), Minnesota, Indianapolis and Tennessee. 

Atlanta had a chance to prove they were for real last Monday night when they took on New Orleans. They lost by 29 points.

I like Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and company, but they aren't good enough to hang with the big boys this season.

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas has to beat the Giants on Sunday to get into the playoffs. I doubt they will make it in, and even if they do, they aren't going far.

If the Cowboys sneak in, they will have to face the Detroit Lions and their potent offense. The Cowboys lost to Detroit 34-30 back in Week 4.

Dallas is 8-7, but like the Falcons, they've just been beating up on bad teams. If they make it into the postseason, I fully expect Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson to shred them.

Dallas has faced a top-notch quarterback in five games this season (Stafford, Tom Brady, Eli Manning and Mike Vick twice). They are 0-5 in those games.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos also need a win on Sunday to advance to the postseason.

If they make it in, they'll have the pleasure of getting spanked by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This whole Tim Tebow thing has been cute, but Denver doesn't have a chance against the AFC's elite. The Broncos have seven wins with Tebow at quarterback, but they came against soft defenses and terrible quarterbacks.

Ben Roethlisberger will destroy the Broncos if they meet in the first round.