NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Broncos Loss Will Lead to Offseason of Uncertainty

It is almost impossible to fathom a scenario where Tim Tebow plays well and the Broncos lose to the Steelers on Sunday. It is almost equally unfathomable a scenario where Tebow plays well at all.

The Broncos look to be in trouble when the Steelers invade the Mile High city. John Fox seems to have anticipated some issues, as he has Brady Quinn taking reps with the first-team offense. This indicated he is entertaining thoughts of replacing Tebow if he remains as ineffective as he has been over the past three weeks.

If Tebow bombs this week, and he is replaced by Quinn, the Broncos still aren't likely to win this game. Where does that leave the Broncos from a QB standpoint?

Can they really be sold on investing in Tebow by building around him? Yes, he is like a rookie in regards to experience, and everyone knew he'd be a project, but do John Elway and John Fox want to wait?

It would be a gamble to hope he'll develop his mechanics as a passer, but as many have seen with Tebow, he is as hard a worker as you'll find. If Tebow is considered the starter going into next season, both Fox and Elway will be tying their futures in Denver to a QB they have never been completely sold on. As he goes, the story of their legacies as coach and GM will be told.

I predict a Denver loss that will see Brady Quinn take over for Tebow on Sunday. From there, expect Denver to draft a QB with their first or second pick in the June draft. 

We'll see another round of who's your QB in 2012 in Denver.

The Broncos battle the Steelers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, 4:30 ET on CBS. Here is the entire NFL Playoff Schedule this weekend:

Saturday, Jan 7

Cincinnati at Houston 4:30 ET on NBC

Detroit at New Orleans 8:00 ET on NBC

Sunday, Jan 8

Atlanta at NY Giants 1:00 ET on FOX