2012 NFL Playoff Picks: Playoff Predictions for Today's Games

Can Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos upend the heavily favored Pittsburgh Steelers? How will the Atlanta Falcons fare in blustery MetLife stadium?

Will Victor Cruz get the opportunity to do his salsa dance in the end zone?

This is how today's game's will shake out. 

No. 5 Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 4 Denver Broncos 

Although Tebow facing the Steelers defense is the major storyline in this one, I'm more interested in all the injuries. 

Ben Roethslisberger suffered a setback in practice this week. If he can't improvise on those critical third downs, the Steelers offense is certainly not as threatening.

Pittsburgh will be without safety and defensive play-caller, Ryan Clark who won't play due to a blood disorder that combined with the higher altitude in Denver, can be dangerous.  

The Broncos offense still will have their struggles moving the football, especially through the air. I expect John Fox to continually pound the football with Willis McGahee and Tebow, himself. 

This will keep Denver in the game.

Guard Chris Kuper broke his leg in the season finale against the Chiefs and will be replaced by either Russ Hochstein or Chris Clarke. Will they be as effective running the ball? 

Brian Dawkins won't be available for the Broncos, a major blow to their defense. 

All it will take is one deep bomb to Mike Wallace or Antonio Brown and the Broncos will be fall behind against the league's best defense.

Tebow won't have a stellar game, but he'll rebound and make it close.

However, the superior Steelers win out, with an ugly 17-9 win.

No 5. Atlanta Falcons at No. 4 New York Giants 

Much like the New Orleans Saints vs. Detroit Lions matchup, these clubs have similar makeups. Both enter the season with momentum, rode stellar play from their quarterbacks this season and boasts dynamic receiving corps. 

Because Matt Ryan has a variety of pass-catching options, and can always fall back on Michael Turner, he'll get his club out to an early lead. 

I expect the Giants defensive line to come out flying, and Mike Smith to call a variety of screens and draw plays to counter. 

In the second half, New York will connect on a few long passes down the field to Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, and Jason Pierre-Paul will get to Ryan, forcing hurried decisions.

Don't underestimate the importance of Ahmad Bradshaw, either.

He'll play a vital role.  

Eli Manning leads the Giants to another comeback victory, but it'll be a tight one, 31-28.