NFL Playoff Schedule: Teams Destined for Early Playoff Exit

While some teams are surging into the playoffs, others are limping in vulnerable and bloodied. 

The NFL regular season is a rigorous journey, and these teams should be proud that they found their way to the postseason. Unfortunately, they won't be advancing any further.

Don't expect these three teams to move past the first round.

Houston Texans

The Texans have an elite defense and running game, but injuries at quarterback have completely screwed them over. 

After losing Matt Schaub in November, Houston's season was effectively over. They were forced to start Matt Leinart, then T.J. Yates, then Jake "Apparently, I'm still in the NFL" Delhomme. 

With Delhomme under center, the Texans lost, 23-22, to Tennessee, dropping them to 10-6. They've lost three straight games heading into the playoffs.

If they weren't ravaged by injuries, the Texans would be Super Bowl contenders. But without Schaub, they will be treated to an early vacation. 

Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta's 9-6 record looks impressive, but they've only beat one team with a winning record, and that came in October.

Since then, they've been padding their record by beating awful teams like Carolina (twice), Jacksonville, Minnesota and Indianapolis.

In Week 16, the Falcons had a chance to prove they were for real when they took on the New Orleans Saints. They lost by 29 points.

Atlanta has some talent on their roster, but they aren't good enough to hang with the big boys this season.

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas can clinch their division and advance to the playoffs by beating the Giants on Sunday night. But even if they do get into the playoffs, they won't be going far.

Like the Falcons, the Cowboys have been beating up on terrible teams. They've only faced five teams with top-notch quarterbacks (Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, Eli Manning and Mike Vick twice). They are 0-5 in those games.

Dallas is a disappointment year in and year out. 2012 will be no different.