NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Ranking Divisional Games By Likelihood of Upsets

With this weekend's 2012 NFL divisional round getting closer and closer, let's rank the four games by the likelihood of the seeing an upset.

1. San Francisco 49ers over New Orleans Saints (-3.5)

You think the 49ers don't know that they are the only home underdog this weekend, despite winning 13 games and the NFC's No. 2 seed? Jim Harbaugh will beat that to a pulp this week getting his team ready.

And don't forget, the Saints have never won a road playoff game. While they are almost impossible to beat inside their Superdome, the Saints have vulnerabilities away from New Orleans. 

2. New York Giants over Green Bay Packers (-8)

Momentum is a hard thing to quantify, especially from week to week. But if there is such a thing, the Giants have it right now. They've won three straight elimination games, including two in the regular season, to earn themselves a trip to Lambeau Field. These Giants will be plenty confident, and maybe that's what gets New York over the hump against the 15-1 Packers. I wouldn't be surprised if more than a few analysts pick the Giants. 

3. Houston Texans over Baltimore Ravens (-7.5)

If the Texans still had Matt Schaub under center, this game would be much higher up on the list. But as it stands, the Texans have a tough task ahead of them with rookie T.J. Yates set to start his first road game.

Houston likely won't ask much of him early, but eventually he will need to make a few plays against a veteran defense that's had two weeks to get a gauge on him. That's a lot to ask of a fifth-round rookie who hasn't even played 10 NFL games yet. 

4. Denver Broncos over New England Patriots (-13.5)

Despite what Tim Tebow and the Broncos pulled off last week, there will be nothing easy about going into New England and beating Tom Brady and the Patriots. Denver couldn't do it at home a month ago.

The possibility is certainly still existent, especially if Tebow can continue his rhythm throwing the football. Still, there's a reason the Broncos are almost two-touchdown underdogs. A win in New England would be another huge upset.