NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Predicting the Best Games of Wild-Card Weekend

The NFL postseason kicks off with four Wild Card Games this weekend, and although they aren't featuring the game's elite, there is plenty to get excited about. 

Let's look at the best three games we'll watch to start the playoffs.

1. Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants 

This game should have just about everything: offensive fireworks, the occasional big running play and terrorizing pass-rushing specialists on display.

That's what I want in a NFL playoff game.

Although the Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints battle will almost assuredly feature more passing yardage, the amount of receiving talent inside MetLife Stadium will be scary.

Roddy White, Hakeem Nicks, Julio Jones, Victor Cruz and Tony Gonzalez are among those stars. 

These teams are evenly matched across the board, and don't be surprised if this one comes down to the running of Michael Turner, Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. 

One can't forget about John Abraham, Ray Edwards, Osi Umenyiora or Jason Pierre-Paul. 

Expect a game that nears the "shootout" distinction that ends on a last-second field goal. 

2. Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints 

The Saints beat the Lions, 31-17, earlier this season, but the Lions were without Ndamukong Suh, who was serving a suspension at the time. 

Throw away that game, Detroit enters this game nearly as hot as New Orleans and we'll be treated to two 5,000-yard passers. 

How awesome is that? 

The Saints haven't lost in the Superdome this season, and I've never seen a team as charged up to play at home as this crew. 

If it's not here already, this game will officially usher in the new era of up-tempo, pass-happy, dynamic NFL football. 

3. Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos 

This will be the opposite of the Saints-Lions matchup—a defensive-minded, throwback game without much explosive offense. While the Steelers can certainly get the ball down the field with burners Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown, the Broncos don't have much potency in their passing attack. 

Tim Tebow has been downright awful over the last two weeks and faces one of the best defenses in football.

The Steelers aren't exactly the team you'd like to attempt to bounce back against. 

However, Denver's defense is solid and, as usual, should keep their team in the game—giving Denver fans a reason to believe Tebow can pull off another miracle.