NFL Playoff Predictions: QBs Who Will Struggle on Bigger Stage

The playoffs bring a whole new intensity to the NFL, where players lay their bodies on the line for the sake of their teams.

The postseason has a way of separating the contenders from the pretenders, while exposing players who still need some work.

Three young quarterbacks in particular will have trouble in the Wild Card Round (Tim Tebow fans, avert your eyes).

Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

Don't get me wrong: I love how Andy Dalton has progressed in his rookie season.

But the reality is he's still developing, and he's entering the playoffs for the first time.

He's also facing the Houston Texans, who have an emerging young defense that should make life hard on him. In Week 14, the Texans limited the Bengals to 19 points and still came away with the victory despite committing four turnovers.

T.J. Yates, Houston Texans

T.J. Yates was drafted in the fifth round of the NFL draft and he's playing at about that level right now.

The Texans are keeping him on a short leash, with three touchdowns and three interceptions in five games as a starter, and he's already lost three fumbles.

Against the Bengals, who have had a better defense this season, I expect him to struggle, even at home.

Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow is still an inaccurate quarterback. He's gotten by with his leadership and running ability.

But leadership and running ability can only get you so far. The Broncos have lost their last three games, including a 7-3 embarrassment to the Kansas City Chiefs to end the regular season.

In that game, Tebow went 6-of-22 for 60 yards and an interception. He also lost a fumble.

Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, things could get ugly quick. Tebow needs to improve fast or he's toast.