NFL Playoffs Picks: Last-Minute Advice for Picking Every Game

One of the biggest factors in earning a playoff victory is heading into the game on a hot streak. Last season, the Green Bay Packers ended on a strong note and that propelled them all the way to a championship.

The Denver Broncos entered today's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on a three-game losing streak. Denver lost the games to New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills by a combined score of 81- 37. This team is averaging less than 13 points per game in its last three contests.

Denver is entering the playoffs in one of the most negative ways possible.

Despite the injury to Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the playoffs winning six of their last seven games. This football team has a lot of playoff experience and knows how to win games. They have no problem going on the road and facing a tough environment.

Both the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants are entering their playoff matchup winning four out of their last five games. However, the Giants are on more of a hot streak thanks to two victories against the rival Dallas Cowboys.

Home-field advantage is another key to the outcome of a playoff game. A loud crowd could impact the traveling team's offense and defensive line. The crowd noise impacts the road team's ability to get off the line of scrimmage, and football is a game of seconds and inches.

Mile High Stadium is one of the loudest environments in the NFL. The Broncos fans will be out in full force today to support their team. This stadium also features an extra hurdle thanks to the altitude of the location. There is less oxygen at Mile High Stadium, which impacts the road team's ability to get oxygen.

However, home-field advantage can only do so much. The team still needs to go out and outperform its opponent.

The New York Giants will also benefit from home-field advantage. So much of their success depends on the play of their defensive line, which knows how to use the crowd noise to get an extra jump off the ball. The Atlanta Falcons have to be concerned about the snap count and crowd noise.

Based on the above factors, the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers will earn big victories today.