NFL Playoff Predictions: 4 Injuries That Could Most Doom Teams in Postseason

Other than poor production, injuries are really the only thing that can doom a team unto itself. Now, the Green Bay Packers of 2010 were quite the exception and we'll certainly see some teams get challenged near that level this postseason.

Could teams overcome them? Sure. However, the odds significantly increase against them when a top player goes down. So, here are some injuries that could cost a team in January.

Andre Johnson: WR, Texans

According to the Houston Texans' official Twitter page, Andre Johnson is out in Week 16:

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"Kubiak: Andre (Johnson) will not play (at Indy). He's out."

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That being said, Johnson has missed a big chunk of 2011 and who knows when he'll return? Obviously for the Texans' sake, the playoffs.

The million-dollar question, however, is how will Johnson perform in January after having been out for much of the year? We can't expect him to be 100 percent and with rookie QB T.J. Yates under center, what will the production be like?

Now, Houston's No. 2 rushing attack will definitely help set up the pass and take pressure off Johnson whenever he does return, but will defenses even bother really scheming for him? Being that AJ is injury-prone, there's no reason to double-team him.

It would be a whole different story if Johnson was 100 percent all season long regardless of who's under center. Unfortunately that hasn't been nearly the case. The Texans may have already locked up the division, but don't be surprised when they go one-and-done because of Johnson having such trouble staying on the field.

Ben Roethlisberger: QB, Steelers

According to NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora, Ben Roethlisberger may not dress for Week 16:

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"Steelers officials would be shocked if Ben plays this week."

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For Pittsburgh that is the correct decision because they need him as close to 100 percent as possible for January. With a playoff spot already locked up and still a shot at the division, there's no reason to have Big Ben on the field.

In addition, the Steelers' final two games are against the Rams and Browns both of which combine for a record of 6-22. Pittsburgh can easily win both to say the least.

All that said, Roethlisberger's elusiveness and mobility have provided the Steelers offense with virtually an indefensible dimension. Include his accuracy when healthy and strong arm, and Pittsburgh's offense is difficult to stop.

As for the playoffs, however, if that mobility continues to be restricted, we will see another performance like Monday night in San Francisco. The yards were there, but only because the 49ers allowed them late in the game.

Picking off Big Ben three times was clutch and if San Fran can capitalize on his injury, then so can the top-notch AFC contenders.

Greg Jennings: WR, Packers

As if you didn't know already, Packers WR Greg Jennings is out until the postseason according to NFL.com Wire Reports.

That said, it was obvious that not having Jennings out wide hurt the Green Bay Packers against the Kansas City Chiefs. And although the playoffs are locked up along with a division title, the health of Jennings is big for the playoffs.

On the year Jennings has 101 total targets and the next two in line are TE Jermichael Finley with 79 and No. 2 WR Jordy Nelson with 74. That's 22 more targets Aaron Rodgers dials up for Jennings.

So, it's apparent that the dimension of Jennings is beyond important to the Packers efficiency. Let's put it this way: Kansas City slowed them down and they're without Eric Berry. Now, the Chiefs have clearly had more time in learning how to play without one of their best players but nonetheless, we are still talking about the defending Super Bowl champs, right?

This is a team that had an abundance of injuries last season. Well, all Green Bay can hope for is that there's no chemistry lost between Jennings and Rodgers before Greg returns.

Sure it won't be clicking 100 percent whenever Jennings does return, however, as we saw in 2010, there's little room for error in the playoffs. And to keep pace with teams like the Saints and move the ball against defenses like the 49ers, the Packers are in trouble if Greg Jennings isn't 100 percent.

Patrick Willis: LB, 49ers

In an article on the 49ers' blog by Taylor Price, LB Patrick Willis is being patiently cautious:

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“Honestly, these last couple of weeks, I’ve done everything the trainers have asked me to do. We’re just taking it one day at a time and being smart,” said the 49ers linebacker on Tuesday, a day after San Francisco improved to 11-3 on the year. “Each day my whole mindset is to get better, no setbacks. We’ve certainly done that and we’re just going to continue to work.”

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So, he's definitely approaching the injury correctly, however, much like everyone else on the list, what if he's not 100 percent for January?

The 49ers defense revolves around the stellar play and presence of Patrick Willis and although they aren't necessarily doomed without him, it certainly doesn't help. On Monday the 49ers beat a banged-up Steelers team. In turn, how will he play against a fully loaded New Orleans Saints team?

That's just one example but the fact is, Frisco needs Willis in the middle and 100 percent for any shot at a deep run. Otherwise, the 2011 season will end in a vehement disappointment for the Bay Area.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27