NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: What to Watch for in Sunday's Wild-Card Showdowns

It's day two of the NFL's Wild Card weekend. Let's not waste any time, here's what you need to be watching for today.

Will Brady Quinn Play?

Yes, I just cited my own tweet, mostly because I didn't feel like typing the above again but I wanted to include the joke.

I'm only capable of a few jokes per day, after all.

Rumors have circulated that Quinn has been getting more reps in practice this week and the Broncos will turn to him in certain packages for second-and-long or third-and-long situations.

If that's the case, the Broncos are dead men walking. Rotating quarterbacks in the midst of a game generally is ineffective, and when that quarterback is Brady Quinn—let alone a rusty Brady Quinn—you're really in trouble.

Chances are John Fox and John Elway haven't completely forsaken Tim Tebow just yet. But if struggles and Quinn makes an appearance, things will get very interesting in Denver this offseason.

How will Ben Roethlisberger hold up on his sprained left ankle?

In my opinion, the only chance the Broncos have of beating the Steelers is attacking a hobbled Roethlisberger with limited mobility and pressuring him into multiple turnovers today.

And without injured center Maurkice Pouncey and a less effective running game minus Rashard Mendenhall, it's a plan of attack that could realistically work for the Broncos.

Will Matt Ryan lead the Falcons to victory and finally win a playoff game?

I say yes, though much of Ryan's effectiveness will probably be a byproduct of whether the Falcons can run the ball and establish balance on offense.

If the Falcons aren't balanced, the Giants will rev up their pass rush and Ryan might spend the majority of the afternoon on his back. If that's the case, it's time for Matty Ice to prove his worth as a franchise quarterback and lead the team past the Giants.

Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants

Date and time: Sunday, Jan. 8 (1 p.m. EST on FOX)

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos

Date and time: Sunday, Jan. 8 (4:30 p.m. EST on CBS)

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