NFL Playoffs 2012: Cinderella Stories Will Not Last Long in Postseason

We've certainly seen our fair share of Wild Card teams, and Cinderella stories in recent NFL seasons. When the Saints and Colts met in Super Bowl XLIV, it was the first time that two No. 1 seeds met in the Super Bowl in 15 years. 

This year, we're not going to have any Cinderella stories. With the exception of the New Orleans Saints, no team playing in Wild Card Weekend has any chance of reaching Super Bowl XLVI. 

Two teams that are playing in Wild Card weekend would have had a chance, but their best talent will be sitting on the bench.

The Houston Texans have finally been caught by the injury bug. They have a lot of talent, but too much of that talent won't be on the field. The Texans will be too dependent on the defense, and that's not a good spot to be in when the playoffs roll around. A defense is great, but you will need to score points. 

The Steelers have a similar issue. They have a fantastic defense, but will lack the offensive punch needed to sustain a deep run. That's because Ben Roethlisberger is clearly playing hurt, and according to ESPN, Rashard Mendenhall has been placed on Injured Reserve. Pittsburgh shouldn't get beyond the first round. 

Still, they can get beyond the first round. That's because the Broncos have lost their magic. They are no longer the team that finds ways to wins. The Broncos are nothing more than an 8-8 team that backed into the playoffs. Maybe they will beat the Steelers, but if so, in the second round will suffer a convincing loss. 

That leaves the Cincinnati Bengals. They have a lot working for them but like the other AFC teams, don't have the offense to sustain a run. Andy Dalton is great, A.J. Green is dominant, but they don't have a complete passing game or a good enough running game. The AFC Championship game will feature the Ravens and Patriots. 

The Saints make the NFC picture slightly less predictable, but not much. They are going to handily defeat the Lions. 

Detroit simply doesn't run well enough. More importantly, they don't defend the run well enough. So, if their front four is getting to Drew Brees, they can simply switch to a running offense. That would keep the ball out of Matthew Stafford's hands. 

The Lions can score points, but they are going to allow too many.

The Giants are not consistent enough. They did well in an inconsistent NFC East, but were otherwise badly exposed against good teams. We can't forget that this team had a four-game losing streak, and was swept by the Redskins. 

And that takes us to the Falcons. They have a complete roster, but lack a few things. They don't have a dominant player that takes games over. It's also too easy to pass on them. That's going to get them in a lot of trouble against quarterbacks like Eli Manning, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. 

Super Bowl XLVI may not match up the No. 1 seeds (Packers and Patriots), but it's not going to feature any long shots. Those teams are going to make quick exits this year.

Follow @mdixon1985