NFL Playoffs 2012: Teams Whose Hot Start Won't Last in Playoffs

Hot starts are a blessing and a curse in the NFL. They indicate the talent for success is available, but they also give teams an opportunity to watch you closely. You've heard the phrase before—"the NFL is a copycat league"—and it's true. Teams will mimic another team's success.

When discussing NFL teams with fast starts, the team that immediately comes to mind is the Green Bay Packers. After all, what is a faster start than beginning the season with 13 consecutive wins?

The Packers' passing game is deadly. Aaron Rodgers is arguably the best QB in the game. What's more, when Rodgers was rested in the season finale, Matt Flynn came in and threw for 480 yards and six TDs. Granted, it was against the Detroit Lions' poor pass defense, but those are still startling numbers from a backup QB.

It says a lot about the system and the receivers.

Even so, the Chiefs created the basis for the blueprint to beat Green Bay. When they got pressure on Rodgers, played physical with the receivers and—most importantly—committed to the running game, they handed the Packers their only defeat.

The plan has been created. The Packers' poor defense will be exploited, especially their run defense. Of the remaining three teams the Packers could face before reaching the Super Bowl, all three have the ability to control a game on the ground.

The New York Giants, whom they play this weekend, were terrible all year. However, the history of success exists with this group, and it showed last week. The Giants ran for 172 yards against Atlanta on Wild Card Weekend and they outrushed the Packers 100 to 82 in their regular season meeting.

The Giants possess the pass rush, running game and clutch QB in Eli Manning to cool the Packers permanently. The Packers' playoff run will end this weekend. 

Houston Texans

The Texans started the season on fire. Their defense is stellar, as was their offense. However, Rick Dennison's unit has taken two steps back with all of their injuries, most notably to QB Matt Schaub.

T.J. Yates has filled in admirably, but the team is too dependent on its quality running game without their starting QB.

The rushing attack has been consistent throughout. They are averaging over 150 yards per game on the ground, but they are facing the Baltimore Ravens this week.

Banking on the run to the extent that the Texans will need to is a fruitless scenario against the Ravens.

Before Schaub's injury, I would have picked the Texans to go to the Super Bowl. They were the most balanced team in the AFC and perhaps the NFL, but not now.

The Ravens will end the Texans' inaugural playoff experience this weekend.

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