Led by Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos Can Defeat Pittsburgh Steelers

As the 2012 playoffs begin on Saturday, the Denver Broncos are once again playing as an underdog against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

And rightfully so. After all, the Broncos have lost three straight games and entered the playoffs due to a loss to the Oakland Raiders.

Tim Tebow's magic has run out since defenses have been able to limit his play-making ability in the running game. He completed six passes in last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, which led to plenty of criticism of his play.

In fact, there is a possibility Tebow could be pulled during the game in favor of Brady Quinn. We may sense the end of "Tebowmania 2011," believing Tebow ran out of luck a few weeks ago.

However, it amazes me that no team is giving the Broncos a chance in this game. Every year, there is always a major upset this year in the playoffs. The New Orleans Saints knew what it felt like to lose in the first round last year to an inferior opponent.

The Broncos play the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that blew its a chance of a bye by being shut down by the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not fully recover from his ankle injury until the offseason. His injury prevents from being the quarterback that avoids tackles and turns simple play calls into big-yardage gains.

Rashard Mendenhall tore his ACL last week and will miss the rest of the playoffs. Due to the high altitude in Denver, starting safety Ryan Clark won't be playing this week as well.

Is anyone willing to consider that the Steelers only scored 13 points in a win over the Cleveland Browns? There is no question the defense is playing its part, but the offense for the Steelers can't say the same thing.

The Steelers offense is a limited group right now, which is what the Broncos want. The Broncos want the game to be low scoring, with the game eventually decided in the fourth quarter.

If Tebow avoids the turnovers like he did early in the season, this game will be far closer than you think. If that doesn't happen, Quinn will be given the game-manager responsibilities the rest of the way.

In the end, don't be surprised if the magic of the Broncos lasts one more week, with the Steelers heading home in the process.

Matt Miselis is a football columnist whose work has appeared on ESPN, CBS Sports and the Houston Chronicle. He has returned to Bleacher Report after a nine-month hiatus. Follow him on Twitter.