What We Learned About the Future of Every NFL Wild Card Weekend Team

There were some easy picks (New Orleans over Detroit) and some surprises (Denver over Pittsburgh). But whatever we saw on the screen in the four wild-card games this past weekend, one thing is for sure: the future may be pretty good in terms of upstarts.

On the opposite end of that spectrum, the future may be of concern for some aging squads that may have given us their best and can only hope injuries heal, and they will be in the thick of it next season.

If the first weekend of the 2011 NFL playoffs was any indication, then there's plenty of excitement still left and thrills still to be sought as the road to the Super Bowl gets closer.

Here's a look at what we learned about each playoff team in terms of their future in the NFL.

The Falcons Have a Full Offseason to Second Guess the Coaching Staff

The two calls on fourth down did not make the "difference" in the 24-2 outcome of the game between the New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons, but there will be enough time to play the "what if" card.

Falcons head coach Mike Smith has always been a gambler and proved that in the regular season. Going for it on fourth down once would have been expected. But the Giants stooped the Atlanta momentum, turning the ball over.

The second chance to convert on fourth down was just a poor decision.

Again, it would not have made a huge difference in the outcome—the Giants defense was up to the task all game.

I just wonder what would happen if Smith did not try to show his cards so early?

Is Matthew Stafford an Elite Quarterback?

The Lions and the NFL thinks so.

How can you throw for 900 yards in the last two games and improve your game over the last month of the season, and now, be among the best passers in the NFL?

Stafford has an all-world receiver in Calvin Johnson and an improving offensive line and defense. They're still a year or two away, but Stafford is now in the upper echelon of quarterbacks in the NFL.

He proved against the Packers and Saints that even in a loss, he can keep his team in the game, much like Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers.

The New York Giants Running Game Is Pretty Good

While Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs did not set the running game on fire, they did show they are a deadly combination.

Both runners combined for 155 yards on 28 carries and bullied the Falcons defense as the game wore on.

With the Green Bay Packers at the bottom of the NFL in total defense, it will interesting to see how the two running backs will be used in the game.

The Texans Need to Re-Sign Arian Foster

Houston is a team regardless of how they finish this season, that can be the jewel of the AFC provided they keep their core in tact.

That means signing Arian Foster to a long-term deal.

Foster is a free agent at the end of this year, and he has proven, with Ben Tate to the best running back tandem in the NFL.

With Foster leading the way, Tate subbing for him and the Texans defense continuing to dominate, it should a good time for Gary Kubiak and Wade Phillips in the future.

Tim Tebow Became the Unquestioned Starter in Denver

Forget the "3:16" references, because Tebow was a quarterback on a mission.

The Broncos offense clicked, and Tebow delivered for the fans, John Fox, his teammates, John Elway and most importantly, himself.

The 29-23 win in overtime also showcased the talents of Demaryius Thomas, who looks like a beast on the outside in the Broncos passing attack.

Now comes the hard part of going to New England and proving they can beat a Patriots team that has a great offense and a suspect defense.

Even with the Loss, the Future Is Bring in Cincinnati

Sometimes, a rookie just has a bad game.

Throwing for 257 yards is not too shabby for Andy Dalton. Throwing the three interceptions, of which one was taken in for a touchdown is pretty gruesome.

But there's still reason to celebrate in Cincinnati. Dalton was the starter from day one and proved to be a good quarterback, who with tuning and development, will be an elite passer at some point.

The drafting of AJ Green made things a lot easier for the Bengals this season, and with another year of play under their belts, there's a chance this team, with the emergence of the defense under Mike Zimmer, will challenge Pittsburgh and Baltimore for the AFC North division.

The Steelers Need to Hope They Are Not Besieged by Injuries Like This Again

What would a healthy Steelers team have done against the Broncos?

That may be the most pressing question in the offseason.

Ben Roethlisberger, Ryan Clark, Maurkice Pouncey and Rashard Mendenhall all had injuries, and only Big Ben played among them.

Did these injuries contribute to the loss against Denver?

While you do not want to rain on Tim Tebow's victory and the Broncos' success against the Steelers, you can't help to ask how these players would have played and how much of an impact would they have had if they were all healthy.

As Long as Drew Brees Goes, so Goes the Saints

Brees continues to defy logic.

The man with the gold arm continues to impress everyone and show how easy it is to rack up 300-yard passing games.

With the receivers that Brees has to choose from and the solid offensive line, Brees can pick and choose his targets.

It will be interesting to see how San Francisco game plans for Brees.

The 49ers defense has been great all season, but is more of a run-stopping defense than a pass prevention one.