NFL Playoff Scenarios: Denver Broncos and Teams That Will Lose at Home

I predict the Broncos will make the playoffs, even after losing to Kansas City, as I have the Chargers defeating the Raiders.

As great a story as Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos have been, it will end quickly in the playoffs. I have them hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round, and the Steelers defense is too strong for the Broncos' limited attack.

If the Steelers rest Roethlisberger, as they should, he should be in the best shape he's been in for weeks. The Steelers' vertical threats will score too many points for the Broncos who have a major concern with the Brian Dawkins injury.

There are two more teams that will lose home playoff games, they are:

New York Giants

After winning an emotional matchup with the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17, the Giants will likely be hosting the Atlanta Falcons. Though I believe they will conjure up a run game to defeat Dallas, they won't find the same success against the Falcons.

The Falcons defense has improved steadily this season, and they are at their best when they can find a balance between run and pass. They will hand the Giants an early exit in the playoffs.

Houston Texans

With a Week 17 loss, the Texans will allow the Tennessee Titans into the playoffs with help from other teams. They will likely regret that, as they will then draw them in the first round of the playoffs for a rematch.

It will be the third matchup this season, but the Texans offense is struggling mightily right now. Injuries have decimated the team on that side of the ball.

The Titans strength is the running game, and their defense has been consistent most of the year. The Titans will take the season series with a win in Houston to end a disappointing season for the Texans.