NFL Playoffs 2012: One Way for Every Playoff Team to Reach the Super Bowl

Sometimes it only takes one thing for a team to win in the NFL playoffs.

A tremendous game from a wide receiver, a blitz barrage from a pass-rusher or the creation of a turnover in crunch time. 

This is what needs to happen for each team to reach the Super Bowl. 

New England Patriots: Creation of Turnovers 

Only the Packers allowed more yardage than the Patriots in 2011, but New England intercepted 23 passes and recovered 11 fumbles this season. 

They'll need two masterful performances from Tom Brady to get to the big game in Indianapolis, but more importantly, in order to curtail their offensive attack of their opponents, they must force turnovers. 

It's that simple. 

Denver Broncos: Throwing on First Down 

A lot more will have to go into a Broncos magical trip to the Super Bowl, but they can start by throwing the football on first down. 

Tim Tebow's overtime touchdown that sealed the victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers came on a play-action passing attempt on first down.  

If the Broncos want to prominently feature the running game, that's fine, but Tebow cannot be placed in 3rd-and-longs when his opponents know he's throwing. 

Denver's defense isn't nearly as stout without safety Brian Dawkins, but their pass rush is a great equalizer. 

Houston Texans: Continual Production from Arian Foster 

The game plan set forth by the Houston Texans coaching staff against the Cincinnati Bengals was perfect—feature Foster and Ben Tate while keeping T.J. Yates out of precarious situations. 

Yates is solely a game manager at this point in his career.

If their offensive line can continue to pave massive running lanes and Foster continues to run as hard as he did in the opening round, the Texans could advance to the Super Bowl. 

They have a legitimate, intimidating defense. 

Baltimore Ravens: Continual Touches for Ray Rice

In the Ravens' four losses this season, Rice had a total of 36 carries. Nothing against Joe Flacco, but Rice is the team's biggest offensive threat and he needs to carry the ball more than nine times a game. 

When he gets 25 or more touches, Baltimore is extremely difficult to beat. He's better than you'd expect between the tackles and he's a terror in the screen and check-down game because of his shiftiness in the open field.

A matchup with the Texans won't be easy, but Rice will be the determining factor.

New Orleans Saints: Similar Success Outside

The Saints have been otherworldly inside the Superdome this season. They haven't lost in New Orleans and Drew Brees tossed 32 touchdowns to only six picks on his home turf.

Two of their three losses came in outdoor games and they won't have the opportunity to play indoors until they reach Indianapolis. 

It won't be extremely frigid in San Francisco, but the wind will play a major role this weekend. 

As crazy as this sounds, relying more on their potent running game would be in their best interest. 

Green Bay Packers: Creation of Turnovers 

I expect the Packers offense to pick up where it left off in the regular season, so putting up 30 points will be no hassle. 

However, much like the Patriots, their defense is suspect and they need turnovers to negate all the yardage they allow. 

As we saw in their regular-season matchup, the Giants offense can stay with Green Bay's and we know what the Saints can do. 

If they force those game-altering turnovers, they will have a great chance to reach a second straight Super Bowl. 

New York Giants: Continued Success of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs 

While we're enamored with the emergence of Victor Cruz and the steady play of Eli Manning, New York's running game will decide their playoff fate. 

Their running back duo ran for 155 yards against the Falcons, a team that came into the game with the sixth-best run defense. 

With the big play in the passing game always looming, the Giants can really hurt a defense if Bradshaw and Jacobs continue to run the way they did against Atlanta. 

San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith Continues Steady Play from Regular Season

Although he's among a group of elite gunslingers in the NFC playoffs, Alex Smith needs to simply play his game for his team to be successful.

Forcing balls into tight coverage and taking unnecessary risks won't be beneficial for a team that won all season with an incredibly stifling defense and a power running game.

If he manages each situation with poise and comfort and lives to play another down when protection collapses by not throwing interceptions, I like the 49ers' chances to reach Indy. 

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