NFL Playoffs 2012: 4 Defenses Good Enough to Win the Super Bowl

A common phrase is "offense wins games, defense wins championships."

Being able to stop the opposing offense is key to picking up playoff victories, but the NFL has become such an offensively-driven league that defense often gets overlooked.

However, teams that lack good defensive play will struggle in the postseason.

Playoff games bring pressure, but there's added pressure when you need to score 50 points.

Due to these high-octane offenses, defenses now need to find a way to create turnovers on top of limiting points.

No. 4 Houston Texans

The offseason addition of Wade Phillips helped the Houston Texans earn their first playoff appearance. He brought an aggressive-style attack and confidence to a unit that struggled last season and has helped get the franchise over the top.

Houston also did a good job of bringing in some key players like JJ Watt, Brooks Reed, Johnathan Joseph and Danieal Manning.

This defense is more than capable of leading a team to a Super Bowl title, and without Matt Schaub, the defense will need to be tremendous.

Opposing teams should expect to see an aggressive game plan from this hungry unit.

No. 3 Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers don't only get strong play from their defense, they also have a unit that has great playoff experience.

Not enough can be said about the importance of experience in pressure situations.

Opposing offenses can expect a ton of exotic blitzes and tough play against the run.

James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley are two of the games top edge rushers. They play with a ton of tenacity, which allows them to pursue the football.

You can't mention the Steelers defense without talking about Troy Polamalu. His ability to come up with interceptions in key situations has won more than one playoff game for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

No. 2 Baltimore Ravens

There isn't a defense in these playoffs that features the type of talent as the Baltimore Ravens.

Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Haloti Ngata and Terrell Suggs are all among the leagues best at their positions and the unit as a whole excels at creating pressure and stuffing the run.

With Reed lurking in the middle, this defense is always a threat to create turnovers.

Being able to host a home playoff game only increases the impact of the defense because the opposing team will have to come into a tough environment and deal with an attacking defense.

There is no doubt that Terrell Suggs will get more than a few defensive MVP votes and his play will be key to the Ravens' Super Bowl chances.

No. 1 San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers defense is responsible for this team's success. The unit's ability to stuff the run, generate pressure on the quarterback and create turnovers puts the team in a great position to win.

There isn't a better linebacker duo in the entire NFL than Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman. These two players make plays all over the field.

However, this defense would not be as effective if not for the emergence of rookie Aldon Smith. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback lifted the play of this defense.

One of the most amazing stats in the NFL this year is the fact that the 49ers only allowed one rushing touchdown. Opposing offenses are averaging only 77 yards rushing a game.