NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Taking a Look at Wild Card Weekend's Matchups

Well, here we are, folks: it's time for the NFL playoffs.

We've seen several interesting stories unfold throughout the course of the season, from Tim Tebow's Denver Broncos to Matthew Stafford's Detroit Lions.

Four teams have earned a wild card berth this season after abysmal records in 2010.

Here's a look at each wild card matchup beginning on Saturday, Jan. 7.

Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans: Saturday, Jan. 7, 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC

The Houston Texans had six wins last season, still searching for their first AFC South title.

The Cincinnati Bengals had four wins, a picture of discontent and disorder.

What a difference a year makes.

The Texans entered Wild Card Weekend with a 10-6 record, using a revitalized defense to turn the NFL on its head. It's hard to imagine they've beaten the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons after last season. They owe lots of credit to offseason acquisitions Jonathan Joseph and Danieal Manning, as well as rookies J.J. Watt and Brooks Reed.

The Bengals, on the other hand, were supposed to be this season's worst team. Instead, two rookies—quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A.J. Green—have put this team on their shoulders.

The defense has also been much improved and a lot of credit should go to head coach Marvin Lewis.

However, I don't see the Bengals scoring enough against this Texans defense to come out on top.

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints: Saturday, Jan. 7, 8:00 p.m. ET, NBC

The Detroit Lions have risen this season after winning their last four games last season.

Led by quarterback Matthew Stafford and an improved defense, the Lions have shown great strides from their 6-10 mark in 2010 and have the makings of a team that could be playoff-bound for years to come.

As for the New Orleans Saints, they boast elite quarterback Drew Brees and a rushing attack that has been better after the acquisition of Darren Sproles and drafting of rookie Mark Ingram (Ingram was just placed on injured reserve, however).

Expect this to be a high-scoring affair. The Lions scored 41 points last week. The Saints scored 45 points.

In the end, the Saints' experience will be the difference.

Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants: Sunday, Jan. 8, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

If you asked me in Week 15 who would win this game it would have been a resounding, "ATLANTA FALCONS."

But things have changed since. The Falcons got blown out against the Saints in Week 16 and the Giants have won their last two games, including against the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys.

We all know what Giants quarterback Eli Manning is capable of, and the Falcons aren't an elite defense. The Giants are surging at just the right time and it should be a great test for Matt Ryan and Co.

I expect the Giants to win in New York.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos: Sunday, Jan. 8. 4:30 p.m. ET, CBS

The Denver Broncos have been on of this season's most captivating stories, if only for the debates that have raged on concerning quarterback Tim Tebow.

Tebow proved critics wrong when leading the Broncos to six straight victories, then proved them right after three straight losses to end the regular season.

This team relies on its running game, which includes Tebow, and a young talented defense.

As for the Pittsburgh Steelers, they still have quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and a stingy defense, but the loss of running back Rashard Mendenhall with a torn ACL could prove to be troublesome.

Nonetheless, Tebow is in for rude awakening against the Steelers, who won't make him feel at home.