NFL Playoff Predictions: 5 Players Who Will Struggle in Wild Card Games

The following players could really struggle during the Wild Card Round of the 2012 NFL playoffs this weekend:

Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos

The Broncos' gadget offense took defenses by surprise in the middle portion of the season, but there's enough film on it now that teams have figured it out. I wouldn't expect that to change against one of best defensive coordinators in NFL history.

Dick LeBeau's defense will be plenty fired up to end Tebow's season, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if there are major question marks about Tebow as the Broncos' long-term option at quarterback following this game. 

Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals

Benson rushed for 91 yards when the Bengals faced the Texans earlier this season, but I fully expect Wade Phillips to take him out of the game early this weekend.

Andy Dalton will be making his first postseason start on the road, and you don't want him to get comfortable with an effective running game. 

Cornerbacks in New Orleans

It's not going to be fun to be a cornerback at the Superdome on Saturday night. Drew Brees and Matthew Stafford have combined for over 10,000 yards passing and almost 90 touchdowns, and the two will be slinging it again in what most expect to be a shootout.

Vegas has an over/under total of 59 for Saints-Lions, which is the highest they've placed it for a playoff game. 

Brian Dawkins, Broncos

The Broncos have missed Dawkins since he went out with a neck injury, but I don't expect his return to the lineup to be a pretty one. The Steelers have deep threats that will really test his ability to keep the lid on the Broncos defense.

With the Steelers missing Rashard Mendenhall, most expect them to come out throwing. Dawkins will be tested early and often.  

Falcons' offensive tackles

The Giants want to get after the passer on defense, and that starts with their trio of defensive ends. Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora are hard enough to handle on their own, but Jason Pierre-Paul is the engine that makes this defense run. He can single-handedly take over a football game.

The Falcons' tackles will have their hands full trying to keep JPP off the back of Matt Ryan.