NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Key Injuries Will Doom Broncos Against Patriots

Injuries to key Denver Broncos players will doom them on Saturday against a rested and talented New England Patriots team that has a lot to prove this postseason.

Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow will be without Eric Decker this week, who is one of the team's best wide receivers. 

Decker is battling a knee injury, and his loss will certainly be felt not only because he's a reliable target for Tebow, he's also an exceptional blocker for the Broncos running backs.

Decker had 44 catches and eight touchdown receptions this season and was someone who could have performed well against the Patriots' worst-ranked passing defense. Without Decker, players such as Demaryius Thomas must step up and raise their game.

Another injury concern for the Broncos is the status of safety Brian Dawkins, who's doubtful for Saturday's game.

Dawkins is a leader on the defense and makes sure the team sets up their schemes and packages well so they're not out of position.

Against a veteran offense like the Patriots, Dawkins' playoff experience would be crucial to the Broncos' hopes of pulling off another thrilling upset over a superior opponent.

One more injury that could have an effect on the outcome of Saturday's game is the loss of Broncos long snapper Lonnie Paxton, who will not play versus New England.

Don't underestimate the importance of a long snapper. Making sure field goals and punts are executed smoothly is so important, and doing that happens starts with the play of the long snapper.

Paxton was the snapper for the Patriots on the final play of Super Bowl XXXVI when Adam Vinatieri kicked the championship winning field goal.

With so many of the Broncos' games this season coming down to field goals, losing players on special teams due to injury could be a problem for Denver.

These injuries will result in the Broncos losing to the Patriots, who are looking to end their three-game playoff losing streak.

Against the best quarterback in the NFL, you need all your important players healthy or the challenge of beating the Patriots becomes so much greater.

Division Round Schedule (all times ET)

Date	Matchup	Time	TV
Saturday, Jan. 14	New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers	4:30 p.m.	FOX
Saturday, Jan. 14	Denver Broncos at New England Patriots	8 p.m.	CBS
Sunday, Jan. 15	Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens	1 p.m.	CBS
Sunday, Jan. 15	New York Giants at Green Bay Packers	4:30 p.m.	FOX

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