2012 NFL Divisional Round Predictions: Tim Tebow's Broncos Will Keep It Close

The divisional round of the NFL playoffs is set to kick off on Saturday, just days after Tim Tebow led the Denver Broncos in an upset over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady enjoyed first-round byes, while Tebow and Drew Brees hit the road to continue their quest at a Super Bowl run.

Last week, I went 4-0 in predictions after becoming one of the few men who gave the Broncos a chance.

Will the upsets continue? If last year repeats itself, we should not be sold short on another exciting weekend of football.

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New Orleans Saints @ San Francisco 49ers

On Saturday, the axiom "defense wins championships" will be put to a test in the new era of football.

Can the San Francisco 49ers defense contain the strong New Orleans Saints offense in San Francisco? Can the Saints take their offensive power outside of the Superdome?

Why the Saints Can Win

There is no choice but to start with the obvious. Drew Brees is leading an offensive unit that cannot be stopped. They will be put to the test as they try to find the same success on the road. However, I don't see it as a factor when it comes to the Saints' offensive plans.

They are playing in a warm weather city, which can only help an offense work quickly. Led by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, the Saints defense will challenge the young offensive line of the 49ers and put pressure on Alex Smith throughout the game.

Why the 49ers Can Win

The 49ers find themselves using a formula that has dominated the NFL for decades. Frank Gore will certainly carry the offense, as the 49ers can keep Drew Brees off the field.

It helps that the 49ers have a defense that is tough to handle at home. The Saints will be facing their toughest opponent on the defensive side, as each unit has its own set of playmakers.

Prediction

I picked the Saints to represent the NFC back in the preseason, and my opinion has not changed. Despite the consensus, the 49ers won't hold the Saints under 20 points.

Ultimately, experience will be the deciding factor in this game. The Saints certainly remember their embarrassing playoff road loss last season against an NFC West foe.

The 49ers have zero playoff experience, which could lead to a meltdown early on. Finally, a road team gets a win in this year's playoffs.

Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots

Tim Tebow led the Denver Broncos to an upset over the defending AFC champions. Can the Broncos get the last laugh against the New England Patriots?

Why the Broncos Can Win

If John Fox can improve on the game plan the team used against the Steelers, this will be a close game. Tim Tebow must take advantage of the porous Patriots secondary as he did against the Steelers defense.

This will open up opportunities for Willis McGahee to have a big day and keep the game close.

The Broncos defense has no choice but to take advantage of a potential slow start by Tom Brady and force turnovers.

Why the Patriots Can Win

Led by Tom Brady, this team is looking to avoid another letdown performance that led to an elimination last year against the Jets.

Tom Brady is going to play the game he has always played. Eventually, he is going to wear down an aging secondary.

The Patriots can't count on their defense to contain Tebow, which will eventually lead to an explosion for the Patriots offense.

Prediction

The Patriots will win with ease.  Brady has been playing better in the second half, when it is typically Tebow's time to shine. 

The Patriots make it one step closer to Indianapolis.

Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens

There is another rematch in the making in the AFC, where the Houston Texans return to play the Baltimore Ravens.

Can T.J. Yates follow in the footsteps of his opponent and lead his team to the AFC Championship Game as a rookie? Will the Ravens take advantage of their first playoff home game since 2006?

Why the Texans Can Win

The Texans need to be optimistic after last week's convincing win over the Bengals. Arian Foster is playing like the best running back in football, while Andre Johnson has returned to his normal form. He didn't play in the last meeting between these two teams.

The defense under Wade Phillips has made a drastic turnaround this season and can keep them in the game against Baltimore.

Why the Ravens Can Win

First off, it's worth noting that the extra week of rest has benefited the Ravens. Ray Lewis is among the defensive players healing from injuries and looking to take advantage of a rookie quarterback.

Ray Rice has hit his late-season stride, and the return of Anquan Boldin should help Joe Flacco in front of the home crowd.

Prediction

The Ravens will win convincingly. The odds of the Houston Texans pulling off the upset is not likely. They must go on the road in the winter against a team that may be the best team on its home turf.

With the elimination of the Steelers, the Ravens must take advantage of a unique opportunity. They have officially booked a trip to New England for the AFC title game. 

New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers

The Giants and Packers meet in an epic rematch that is difficult to predict. Both teams finished on a high note to end the season.

While the Packers began resting players, the Giants finally hit their stride.

Why the Giants Can Win

The Giants have the best opportunity of any NFC team to defeat the Packers in Green Bay.

New York's running game, statistically the worst in football, has created balance for the one of the league's better offenses.

Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks provide difficult matchups for the weak Packers secondary.

More importantly, Eli Manning has won here before. He knows how to finish the job.

Let's not forget about a defense that can pressure any quarterback, which has helped its struggling secondary.

Why the Packers Can Win

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense has played their best football at home. The return of Greg Jennings is a huge boost for an offense that has plenty of weapons on the outside.

The first-round bye was beneficial for the Packers, who return veteran left tackle Chad Clifton.

Prediction:

The Packers will win in a shootout. This game will be the most exciting of the weekend, with both offenses putting plenty of points on the scoreboard. While Aaron Rodgers enjoyed a nice week off, he also returns multiple offensive players.

This will be the downfall of the Giants, who will come up short in what is expected to be another classic at Lambeau Field.