NFL Playoff Picks: 4 Trends You Should Know Before Picking Each Game

Like most sports, football is a game of momentum, increasing the role recent trends play on the outcome of each game. For instance, the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl run had a lot to do with the way they finished the regular season. Hot streaks are just one of the things that can impact a team's Super Bowl chances.

There are also negative trends that find a way to continue into the playoffs. A quarterback who finishes the season struggling often times enters the playoffs with a lack of confidence. Nobody wants to enter the playoffs with a quarterback who is questioning his abilities.

Tim Tebow's Declining Play

Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos are entering the playoffs struggling to move the football. In the last game of the season, the Kansas City Chiefs held the Broncos passing game to only 60 yards. It is a very difficult task to win in the NFL when you can't eclipse 100 yards passing.

This has been a trend for at least the last three games of the season, which have all resulted in a loss. Tebow has not only had poor passing yard totals, but also has struggled with turnovers. He has a total of four interceptions in the past two games.

The Denver Broncos need to be concerned about Tebow's confidence heading into his first playoff appearance.

Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Issues

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the playoffs with major injury issues. Ben Roethlisberger, Maurkice Pouncey and Rashard Mendenhall all may miss significant time during the postseason. Mendenhall has already been ruled out due to an ACL tear.

Everybody expects Ben Roethlisberger to play through his ankle injury, but there are a lot of questions about his effectiveness. The Steelers offense depends on his mobility to extend plays and make big strikes. His ankle injury will have a major impact on his ability to evade the rush.

Maurkice Pouncey has already been ruled out for the opening game against the Denver Broncos. Having to replace your starting center is never a good way to begin a playoff run. Pouncey is the leader on the offensive line and responsible for making all the calls and adjustments.

The New York Giants Improved Rushing Attack

In the past two games, the New York Giants have seen an improvement in their NFL-worst rushing attack. Ahmad Bradshaw and company have surpassed the 100-yard mark in each of the past two games. Those performances came against the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys, both of whom do a decent job stopping the run.

New York's ability to run the football is the key to their success. In this offense, everything goes through the running game, especially the passing attack. The Giants and Eli Manning love to use play action to get the defense out of position. This game plan is only effective with a strong running game.

The Giants rushing attack needs to be at the top of their game in order to gain yardage against the Atlanta Falcons. This Falcons defense is only allowing 97 rushing yards per game.

Julio Jones' Return to the Lineup

Julio Jones had a tremendous rookie season but he dealt with nagging injuries. His return to the lineup in the last game of the season is a good sign for the Atlanta Falcons. In that game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jones scored two touchdowns and averaged nearly 20 yards per catch.

The Atlanta Falcons need Jones to be a major difference maker in order for them to have a long playoff run. They rely on Jones to provide a deep threat and also draw coverage away from Roddy White. He doesn't only impact the passing game, as his ability to stretch the field opens things for the running game.

A healthy Julio Jones can be the catalyst for Atlanta's Super Bowl chances.