NFL Playoff Predictions: Denver Broncos and Division Leaders Who Will Exit Early

As the end of the 2011 NFL regular season draws near, it's clear as to which teams will excel in postseason play and which ones will falter. 

It happens every year; a team is superb through 16 games, but things drastically change when the playoffs roll around. 

Whether they're outmatched or they just play awful, these teams are soon headed for a disaster that will disappoint their fans. 

With that said, here are three current division leaders who will exit the playoffs early. 

Denver Broncos 

We finally saw what the Broncos could do against a talented team, and it wasn't pretty. Denver had some good moments, but in the end, they never really stood a chance against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. 

During Tim Tebow's run of success, it was great that he was pulling off such amazing comebacks. But, when you look at the teams he was beating, it doesn't help the Broncos' case for being a good team. 

The Broncos are going to win their division because they close out with the easier schedule. However, once the playoffs begin, the Broncos will be forced to battle a much better team, and they'll crumble. 

Denver is on the right track, but the Broncos don't have what it takes to make a playoff run. 

San Francisco 49ers 

Nobody would have predicted the 49ers would be this good in their first season under Jim Harbaugh, especially because the lockout ruined his chances of getting to work with his team for an extended period of time. 

The defense has been their strong suit all season, and the offense has been able to do enough to get by with a victory, but that won't happen in the postseason. 

While the 49ers have had a great year, the weak conference play, combined with inexperience, will result in an early loss in the playoffs. 

Houston Texans 

Houston made the most of having no Peyton Manning in the AFC South this year by finally winning the division. 

Unfortunately, the Texans' lack of playoff experience will be their downfall—not to mention a rookie quarterback who will be called upon to do more than manage the game. 

T.J. Yates started better than most expected, but his recent troubles are proof that he'll crack under the pressure on the big stage. 

The Texans will have to rely on their defense and Arian Foster to come through, but it won't be enough against stronger teams.