NFL Playoffs 2012: Superstars Who Will Flop on Wild Card Weekend

The start of the NFL postseason brings a lot of hope and optimism for the 12 teams left standing. This is the time where the stars are supposed to shine the brightest. But, as we know too well, not all stars are created equal. 

In fact, a lot of them pick the playoffs to have their worst game of the year. Anyone can tell you to watch out for Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers, but what we are interested in is breaking down the players who will flop. 

We are a cynical society, and we love picking on people when they are down, so that is what we will do for you right now. 

Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants

Manning has not been able to find that balance between good and bad this season. I can give you just as many reasons that he should be an MVP candidate as I can reasons that he is one of the most overrated players in the NFL. 

Playing in New York doesn't help him fly under the radar. But regardless of where you play, you still have to be consistent to be great.

The Atlanta Falcons will be licking their chops to get a hold of Manning. They know that he is going to make a few of those throws that make everyone scratch their heads.

When the game is over, Giants fans will be showering Manning with a chorus of boos. 

Tim Tebow, QB, Denver Broncos

First of all, Tebow is a superstar. He might not have the stats or track record to back it up, but he is a transcendent personality who draws in fans like no one else in the sport. 

Unfortunately for Tebow and the Broncos, they will be taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Round. As if his performance could get any worse, now he has to tangle with arguably the best defense in the NFL. 

He completed just 27 percent of his passes against the Kansas City Chiefs last weekend. Imagine what he is going to do when he sees Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor and the rest of the Steelers' secondary waiting for him. 

Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans

While it is somewhat unfair to call out Johnson—considering the Texans will be playing with their backup quarterback in the postseason—injuries have derailed him this year. 

Under normal circumstances, I would expect Johnson to shine brighter than any wide receiver. But these are far from normal circumstances. 

Johnson's first impression in the playoffs will be one that he wants to forget. The Cincinnati Bengals boast one of the best secondaries in the NFL. Led by Nate Clements and Taylor Mays, they will make life miserable for the Texans star receiver.

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