NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Predicting Each Underdog's Chance at an Upset

The NFL Playoffs are one of the most unpredictable sporting events of the year. It's cliche, but anything can happen.

Just look at the Green Bay Packers last year. No one expects a wild-card team to go on a run like that, but it seemingly happens. No one thought the Seattle Seahawks, a team that came into the playoffs with a losing record, would knock off the defending champion New Orleans Saints.

Anything can happen.

So before you start assuming you know who will win this weekend simply based on who's favored, assume again.

Here's a look at every underdog's realistic shot at a win.

Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow and the Broncos got dominated by this New England Patriots team back in Week 15, and that was in Denver. This one is at Gillette.

With that being said, I do like how Denver has the ability to pound the ball on the ground and slow the game. As the Steelers showed earlier in the year, one of the best defenses against Tom Brady is keeping him out of the game.

The Broncos have a good method for doing that. Still though, there will be third downs and Tim Tebow will have to throw the ball successfully. He certainly looked improved last week, and New England's secondary is porous, but he's going to have to deal with wintery conditions. 

In the end, you just don't bet against Tom Brady in the playoffs.

Upset Chance: Low

Houston Texans

If this game wasn't at Baltimore, I would love the Texans as an upset pick.

No one seems to trust T.J Yates, but he has been terrific as a game-manager, and that's all the Texans need him to be. 

Houston has a terrific defense and great running game. They are essentially "Baltimore-lite."

Still though, the inconsistent Ravens have been just the opposite of that at home this year, where they are 8-0. There's a chance they slip up like they have so many times this year in winnable games, but not at home.

Upset Chance: Medium

New York Giants

This seems to be everyone's favorite upset pick, and I can see why.

The Giants have the type of offense that can keep up with Green Bay, and they have the type of pass rush that could eventually bother All-World quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

But can they go into Lambeau and do those things? 

Well the Giants gave Green Bay a run for its money earlier in the season, and they have actually been better on the road than at home this year, so yeah, I'd say they can do those things.

Upset Chance: Good

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers

The oddsmakers currently slightly favor New Orleans by about three or four points, but no matter who wins this game, it won't be an upset.

This is the most intriguing game of the weekend, but considering how even these teams are, I'll put the upset chance at a confident zero percent.