10 Drinking Games to Prepare for the 2012 NFL Playoffs

The 2012 NFL playoffs kickoff on Jan. 7 with the Cincinnati Bengals taking the road to face the Houston Texans at 4:30 ET.

While fans of the 12 teams in the playoffs are sure to be occupied this weekend, neutral observers will be looking for something to celebrate.

How about a drinking game?

This game is nothing sophisticated and certainly requires no table with Solo cups like beer pong.

It is quite simple. As one of the following 10 things occurs, you drink. Alcohol. Lots of it.

Intrigued? Let's see what you and your friends will be toasting in the 2012 edition of the NFL playoffs. 

Drink Every Time "Tebow Time" Is Mentioned by Announcers

Inevitably, as the clock signifies the start of the fourth quarter and beyond, the broadcasters will begin to discuss talks of "Tebow Time."

This is, of course, in reference to his propensity to lead the Denver Broncos on breathtaking comebacks.

If and when this happens, take a drink. If Tebow builds momentum in the final frame vs. the Steelers, your Sunday afternoon could be off to a buzzing start. 

Every Time the Read Option Is Dissected Via Replay, Drink

At this point, 99 percent of NFL fans are well aware of how to run the option play. We do not need analysts to diagnose the intricacies of the option game.

Yet, we will get it to be sure during the Broncos vs. Steelers game on Sunday.

Rather than suffer through it for the 50th time, have a drink to commemorate your expertise on one of the oldest plays in football. 

Take a Shot Every Time Andrew Luck to the Colts Is Brought Up During Game

Yes, some shot preparation will be in order for some events that could happen more sparingly during the playoffs.

The first of these scenarios involves a player and team that are not involved in NFL's postseason at all in 2012.

As a result, we should not hear a word about them, right?  

One Shot for Every Bibi Jones Mention

This mention is quite likely to occur so be ready to throw one back during the second round of the playoffs when the New England Patriots take the field.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski is Tom Brady's favorite target, particularly in the red zone. With 17 touchdowns, expect Gronkowski's name to be called early and often.

And maybe porn star Bibi Jones to boot. 

Chug Entire Drink for Every Touchdown in Steelers vs. Broncos Game

The Wild-Card game in Denver featuring the Broncos and Steelers highlights two struggling offenses ranked outside the Top 20 in points per game.

When healthy, that is.

The Steelers have a banged-up Ben Roethlisberger and no Rashard Mendenhall.

The Broncos are just terrible on offense to begin with.

As a result, touchdowns will be few and far between. Should one occur, let's make them count, shall we? 

For Every Time Matt Flynn Is Lauded as NFL Starter Material, Drink

After Matt Flynn's 480-yard passing performance in Week 17, the former LSU quarterback's stock has never been higher.

As an upcoming free agent, talk is heating up about Flynn as a possible starter in the National Football League.

Chill. It was one game.

Let's see if the bye week and the play of Aaron Rodgers can put this talk on the back burner.  

Ndamukong Suh Commits Personal Foul? Shot

Emotions will be riding high for Detroit Lions defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh in his inaugural playoff appearance. 

As we know, that commonly results in personal fouls for the stingy lineman.

How many can the Lions defense withstand against a superior Saints offense?

More importantly, how many can YOU withstand? 

Drink for Every Time Ben Roethlisberger Is Called Toughest Player in NFL

We get it. Honestly, we do.

NFL fans are all well aware of Ben Roethlisberger's ability to play through pain and lead his Steelers to key wins.

Do we need to be reminded over and over again of his toughness by analysts? No.

Will we? Quite surely. 

Shot for Every Ryan Brother Mention

Since both Rex Ryan's Jets and Rob Ryan's Cowboys both missed the playoffs, we should hear no talk of them until the offseason, right?

One would think not. However, knowing these two coaches, one may just say something during the week that warrants discussion during the playoff games.

Should that be the case, prepare another round. 

Drink for Every Punt in Lions vs. Saints Game

With two of the four most potent offenses squaring off in the wild card round of the playoffs, expect punts to be few and far between.

When the punt team does come out, however, be ready for a drink. Maybe you will get lucky and we will have a defensive struggle on our hands.

Don't count on it, though.