NFL Playoff Predictions: 4 Dome Teams That Could Struggle in the Cold

When playing in a dome all season long, it can certainly be difficult to transition to playing road games in bad weather during the postseason.

Not to say that dome teams can't win in cold weather on the road, but the odds do increase against them and they are at a disadvantage.

That said, here are four dome teams who will struggle in the postseason if they have to travel into a cold-weather city.

Detroit Lions

The Lions are on the cusp of the playoffs right now, however, if Detroit manages to slide in as the No. 6 seed, the furthest they'll make it is the divisional round.

For one, Detroit has been struggling recently anyway, regardless of where the game is played. After starting 5-0 the Lions have gone just 2-4 and were dominated 37-13 in Chicago (that is the only cold-weather-esque game this season).

And when you're a team who struggles to run the ball effectively as well as stop the run, the cold weather can become a big second opponent. Detroit likes to air the rock out which is all fine and dandy, but that's not going to hold up in places like Green Bay, Chicago or even Dallas where it gets cold in January.

This being said, we'll know exactly how well the cold-weather games affect Detroit when they travel to Green Bay in Week 17.

Atlanta Falcons

This season the Falcons began having trouble winning on the road, but were able to improve toward the middle of the season.

My only concern, though, is that they are just 1-2 in non-dome road games but have won inside on the road twice (Detroit, Indy). Both losses came on the road to Chicago and Tampa Bay early in the year as well as their win over the Seahawks in Seattle.

With three road games remaining (Houston, Carolina, New Orleans), we'll know a little bit as to how the weather affects them as Carolina won't be so sunshiny and bright in December.

And being that the Falcons already lost to Green Bay at home, can we expect them to defeat the Packers at Lambeau in January? It's highly unlikely, however with a balanced offense, Atlanta does have better odds than most.

Houston Texans

The Texans get a double-whammy because not only will they struggle on the road in cold-weather playoff games, but they have zero playoff experience.

Add in their injuries and that double shot becomes a triple-whammy for thrice the damage. Sure they can run the ball and play good defense, but so do Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

Additionally, despite being a pass-oriented offense, the Patriots can throw the ball rather effectively in bad weather as they play in New England. Make no mistake about it, the Texans will get a home playoff game but if they have to play in Baltimore or New England they will fall.

Two of their three losses have come on the road, one being in Baltimore, and their only other road game that gets somewhat cold in the winter was Tennessee, but that was a week after the Ravens.

So, not only are the Texans dealing with injuries and no experience, but they don't have any experience against cold-weather teams on the road when it's actually cold.

New Orleans Saints

All three of the Saints' losses have come on the road (Green Bay, Tampa Bay, St. Louis), so it's safe to say that whoever New Orleans plays on the road in the postseason, the odds are greatly against them.

Take the 2010 postseason for example. New Orleans went into Seattle to play a 7-9 Seahawks team but was beat in the Wild Card Round ending their chance at a repeat.

Also, take their 2006 season into account. The Saints were the NFC's No. 2 seed but had to play at Chicago in the NFC title game. Needless to say, New Orleans fell and missed another shot at the Super Bowl.

Now, if the road to the Super Bowl runs through The Big Easy much like 2009, well, then no one else has a shot because they just don't lose at home. But if you can get the Saints on the road in the playoffs, and even in a cold-weather city that plays outside, their chances become quite slim.

Yes, they have the ability to run the ball rather well. However, it's not threatening enough to totally plan for when the defense will be prepared to shut down their passing game and the weather is helping. Much like we saw in 2006 and 2010, get the Saints on the road in the playoffs and they will fall, especially against an outdoor, cold-weather team.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.