NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Can Tim Tebow, Broncos Upset the Patriots?

After figuring out a way to slip by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Wild Card Round on Sunday, Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos now must turn their attention to defeating the AFC's top team, the New England Patriots. 

The question posed in the headline is whether or not Tebow and the Broncos "can" upset the Patriots.

The answer is, sure they can. Anything can happen in the NFL, especially when Denver's quarterback is involved.

On the other hand, how likely is a Broncos victory? It's not very likely.

The 13-3 Patriots will be playing at home and are currently on an eight-game winning streak. Quarterback Tom Brady is playing as well as he ever has, and his weapons on offense are locked in and playing superbly.

Second-year tight end Rob Gronkowski has emerged to set records this season, while Wes Welker became just the second receiver in NFL history to have two seasons with 120 or more receptions. 

The key to this game for the Broncos will not be Tebow and the offense—it will be the defense.

Brady and company finished the regular season with the NFL's second-best offense, and while Von Miller and Denver's defense showed flashes, the unit has been wildly inconsistent.

The Broncos finished the season ranked 20th in total defense, allowing 357.8 yards per game. When the two teams clashed in Week 15, Denver surrendered 451 yards in a 41-23 loss.

To stop New England's offense, Miller and company need to be at their best for the entire 60 minutes of the game. If they let up, the Patriots will make them pay. 

I know one thing for sure—the Broncos cannot win if this turns into a shootout.

Denver cannot go score-for-score with Brady and his offense. That means their defense must step up and stop New England. 

If the Broncos can keep the game close and keep the score low, then maybe Tebow will have a chance to pull off some magic. If not, the Patriots will cruise on to the AFC title game.