NFL Wild Card Predictions 2012: Guaranteed Winners Seen from a Mile Away

The Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals stand no chance in the 2012 NFL playoffs.

The Broncos backed into an AFC West title despite the fact that they lost their last three games, they feature a quarterback who struggles to throw the ball, and they are going up against the defending AFC champion and perennial playoff power Pittsburgh Steelers.

While most logical-thinking football fans agree that the Broncos are at a disadvantage in this game, the fact remains that because they won their division, they are the higher seed and have home-field advantage.

Apparently nobody told the people making the betting lines though, because according to bovada.com, the Broncos are nine-point underdogs. 

Nonetheless, Broncos fans have hope, and credit to them for keeping that hope. 

They do have the best rushing attack in the NFL, averaging 164.5 yards per game on the ground, and they do have a very aggressive defense.

For all of his faults as a quarterback, Tim Tebow did help lead this team into the playoffs.

That has to mean something right? 

Unfortunately Broncos fans, I don't see a win in your future. 

Guarantee

The Steelers are going to shut down Denver's rushing attack.

They have the league's best defense against the pass, only giving up 171.9 yards per game through the air. Considering the Broncos only pass for 152.1 yards per game, their passing game will essentially be nullified.

With the threat of the pass minimal, the Steelers will be able to focus heavily on stopping Denver's running game.

The Steelers are banged up, especially on offense, but expect Ben Roethlisberger to play—and play well. 

The Broncos struggled this season against high-quality quarterbacks (Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Tom Brady), giving up a total of 995 yards, nine touchdowns and were outscored 135 to 56.

An injured Roethlisberger should still be considered a great quarterback, and the Steelers should have no problem putting up numbers.

With Tebow at quarterback, the Broncos won't be able to keep up.

What about the Bengals?

Congratulations to the Texans for making the playoffs for the first time ever in franchise history. They took advantage of Peyton Manning being out for the Colts and won the AFC South.

Like the Broncos though, this team backed into the playoffs, losing their last three. The difference is that in the Texans' case, they actually are limping into the playoffs.

The Texans lost starting quarterback Matt Schaub, backup quarterback Matt Leinart and sack master Mario Williams, and even rookie quarterback and current starter T.J. Yates is coming to this game banged up.

Dominant wideout Andre Johnson only played in seven games this season while suffering with hamstring injuries, but he'll be out there and ready to go.

If healthy, this Texans team will be great, because right now they are still good.

Guarantee

With two rookie quarterbacks at the helm, this game is going to come down to two things: running game and defense.

The Texans, led by running back Arian Foster, boast the second-best running game in the league, averaging 153 yards per game, and rank third in opponent passing yards and fourth in opponent rushing yards.

They may be banged up, but they can run the ball and they can play defense.

Also factor in the Texans' home-field advantage and a geared-up and a ready-to-go Johnson at wideout, and the table looks to be set for a Texans' win.

Dalton and the Bengals are shaping up to be a good young team, but the Texans have more going for them in this matchup.