Broncos vs. Patriots: 5 Bold Predictions for Tim Tebow's Performance

A conversation with a gentleman in Brunswick, Georgia last night put everything about Tim Tebow into perspective.

He was a middle-aged man from Canada who said he had never watched the NFL until this year because of Tim Tebow. Hockey was his sport of choice (I knew I liked him from the beginning). But he said in watching Tebow play football, he never knew what kind of play would happen next or if he could pull out the impossible.

And that about summed it up.

Whether we like him, dislike him or loathe the "Tebowing" and all the drama associated with the "Rock God," we cannot help but watch in amazement, maybe likening it to a car crash waiting to happen and your anticipation is always kept on edge.

Last week, however, Tebow played like an NFL quarterback and did what playoff quarterbacks are supposed to do: lead their team to victory.

And with another week in the playoffs, Tebow will be asked to do the same thing that seven other capable passers will be called upon to do. It does not matter what the name on the back of his jersey says. What matters is that he is being paid to win.

How he performs this week is anyone's guess. But here are some predictions as to what might happen against the New England Patriots.

5. He Outplays Tom Brady in a Close Win

This may happen, in my opinion.

Once you get the taste of the playoffs, you want more. It is addictive.

Brady always looks good in the playoffs, but his Patriots haven't won a postseason game since 2007.

Blame it on an undefeated regular season in 2007 or the fact he has a hot wife and cannot concentrate (that is a joke!).

Whatever the reason, Tebow may look Brady-esque tonight.

4. He Will Score Three Rushing Touchdowns

If he cannot get the ball to his receivers, look for him to do what he does best: run the football.

When he is running, he is Larry Csonka-like, running through lines and over linebackers.

He is every bit 240 pounds, and for a quarterback to love to hit someone, you have to like that in a player.

3. He Will Have John Elway Smiling Again

The first impression I got when I saw John Elway on the sidelines last was that the president of the Broncos would have to recant his statement about Tebow being with the team for the long haul.

Tebow made arguably the best passer in NFL history smile like a Cheshire Cat.

If Tebow controls the game like last week and takes his time to find receivers and run when needed, not when he wants to, the this team has a great chance of winning in New England, which is never an easy task at any point in the season.

2. He Will Come Unglued Again Against the Patriots

Could New England have Tebow's number?

Remember, this is Bill Belichick coaching on the home sideline and he knows a thing or two about the playoffs.

And with Josh McDaniel on the sideline with him, does that give "Coach Hoodie" a little bit of comfort that could go a long way to gaining a victory.

Solid teams know how to get in the minds of opposing superstars. This could be the case.

1. Realistically, Tebow and the Broncos End Their Season Tonight

It's a great story.

David vs. Goliath. The Little Engine That Could.

But New England''s offense will score early and often. Tebow will have to play from behind. The Broncos defense will prove to be too young and overaggressive.

Beating Pittsburgh last week proved they belonged in the dance. Beating the Steelers and then the Patriots in consecutive weeks will be too much to ask. Right now, the Broncos have nothing to lose and are playing with house money.

It will be close and Tebow will play better this week than in the regular season, but ultimately, the Patriots will prevail.