NFL Playoff Predictions: Tim Tebow and 3 Stars Who Will Fail

The early playoff exits are either something to build on or reason for major concern.

If it's a young team, making their first postseason appearance of the current regime, then it's something to build on. If it's a team that had higher expectations, it's time for QB's and coaches to be questioned.

Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos are in the first group. The Broncos will return to the postseason this year with a win or a Oakland Raiders loss. I believe it'll be the latter, as the Chargers will do a rival a favor by eliminating Oakland

The Broncos have a bright future if they commit to Tebow and build around him. The Broncos can win with Tebow, as he develops as a passer and uses his unique talents, the Broncos can win. They would be wise to put QB's that are similar to Tebow, physically, on the roster. It will make them better suited to endure an injury to their polarizing QB.

In the playoffs, the Broncos will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in my scenario. That will lead to a first-round exit. The Steelers defense and vertical passing game is too much for Denver. Can you imagine what a conversation between James Harrison and Tim Tebow will be like?

Here are two other stars that will fail in the playoffs:

Calvin Johnson

Megatron is perhaps the best player in the NFL, but the Lions will be no match for the Saints—my projected first-round opponent for them.

The Saints are on a roll that figures to be eight in a row after they defeat the Panthers in Week 17. Megatron and the Lions will have to wait until next year when they can add experience and discipline into their mix of talent.

Eli Manning

Though Eli will defeat Tony Romo and the Cowboys to win the division and make it into the playoffs, they will fall to the Atlanta Falcons—my projected playoff opponent for them.

The Falcons will have to travel to New York, but the Falcons are one of the more balanced teams in the NFL. In the event of bad weather, the Falcons are better equipped to deal with any scenario.

The issues the Giants have had running the ball will rear its head again. The Falcons will defeat the Giants.