NFL Playoff Picks: Joe Flacco, 6 Players, Teams to Avoid on Divisional Weekend

We're just two days away from another round of the 2012 NFL Playoffs, meaning there will be some great performances by teams and players and not so great by others.

For as many celebrated players there were last weekend, there were just as many who no-showed. For as many Arian Foster's and Tim Tebow's there were just as many Jerome Simpson's and Matt Ryans.

Here are the top six players and teams to avoid this playoff weekend.

Green Bay Packers Running Backs

The tandem of Ryan Grant and James Starks have proven to be ineffective all season, don't expect them to catch fire now against a game New York Giants defense.

Whether it's been Felix Jones or Michael Turner, the G-Men have been stopping all comers at the running back position. Neither Grant nor Starks have achieved a 100-yard game this season, and don't expect that trend to change this weekend.

The only hope for the Green Bay Packers on the ground is if John Kuhn does one of his signature dives into the end zone.

Robert Meachem

As fantasy football managers will tell you, there's no bigger guessing game then trying to figure out when Robert Meachem will be a factor in the New Orleans Saints passing attack.

Never has someone put together a more frustrating 620-yard, six touchdown regular season. Sometimes Meachem goes off for 100-plus yards receiving and a few touchdown scores, other times he's lucky if Drew Brees even targets him.

As talented as this receiver is, the fact that Meachem went off last game against he Detroit Lions means he's due for a no-show against the 49ers in San Francisco.

Houston Texans

Just as a fan of the NFL, it was great to see the Houston Texans win their first playoff game appearance, but I can't see them having a repeat performance this time around.

While he has played well, quarterback T.J. Yates will have to face the most complex and intimidating defense of his career when he battles Terrell Suggs and the Ravens defense.

The Texans have one of the best running games in the league behind Arian Foster and Ben Tate, but if those two are unable to get it going early and often, Houston fans can't feel too confident if their playoff hopes rely solely on Yates.

Defense is where the Texans need to shine the most, however, because if they allow Joe Flacco and company to get going, then that will lead to even more pressure being put on their rookie quarterback to make plays.

Joe Flacco

Speaking of the Houston Texans stout defense, I actually do think they'll give Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Joe Flacco fits.

The Texans posted the second best defense in the regular season, and despite Flacco throwing for 305 yards against Houston last time these two played, he was unable to record a touchdown.

True, the Ravens won that contest, but it wasn't due to Flacco's contributions, as he put together just a 60 percent completion rate along with his zero touchdown performance.

Don't expect that stat to change this weekend either Baltimore fans, as the Delaware product has recorded a completion percentage greater than 60 percent just once in his seven playoff appearances.

Flacco has only thrown over 200 yards once in his playoff career as well, with seven interceptions compared to just four touchdowns thrown in the postseason.

The Ravens have a good chance of defeating the Texans thanks to their defensive unit and having Ray Rice in the backfield, not because their quarterback is a prime playoff performer.

New England Patriots Running Backs

While 11 touchdowns by a lead running back is nice, 667 yards over a 16-game season is simply disappointing. That's the 2011 regular season that New England Patriots lead running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis put together.

Last year's breakout star Danny Woodhead was almost non-existent for the Patroits and the Steven Ridley fad was shorter lived than Crocs being in style.

The Patriots are the No. 1 seed in the AFC for a number of reasons, none of which being their running game. Just like every other game this season for New England, if they're going to win it will be on the arm of Tom Brady and the hands of his receivers. The defense and running backs just need to suit up so that there are enough players on the field.

Greg Jennings

Greg Jennings is the No. 1 receiver on one of the best passing attacks in the NFL, but don't expect big numbers from him this weekend.

Jennings has been injured since early December and will be playing in his first game in over a month time and with other receivers like Jordy Nelson proving to be just as effective as No. 85, quarterback Aaron Rodgers may look to other options.

Packers wide receiver coach Edgar Bennett told the Green Bay Press-Gazette that "[Jennings] has shown everything to prove he's ready to roll."

While that confidence from the player's position coach is nice to hear if you're a Packers fan, go ask Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans fans how well their star receivers played after coming back from injury earlier this season.

Jennings will certainly be involved in the Packers passing game, but it won't be a statistically wowing performance.