NFL Playoff Predictions: 5 Players Whose Inexperience Will Doom Teams

The playoffs are more like "Crunch Time." Win and you move on, lose and your team is done for the season.

While there will be 12 teams fighting for the right to claim the Lombardi Trophy, players need to step up, remain solid and prove they belong on the big stage.

The worst thing that can happen is an inexperienced player having an adverse affect on his team, causing issues that could mean the end of the season on a sour note.

These players need to prove their youthfulness will not spell disaster for their teams.

Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions

He is arguably the best defensive tackle in the NFL. But his temper on the field is a concern.

With him in the lineup, the Lions defense is better. Without him, they are average.

Would Suh's temper get the best of him in crunch time?

The Lions hope not. Without him in the middle of their defense, this team will go nowhere.

Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

He has playoff experience with this team. But while Matt Ryan seems to have taken the next step and seems poised to join the elite passers in the league, Flacco hasn't taken that step yet.

Baltimore has relied on its defense and running game this year, and while Flacco beat the Steelers in the closing minutes of the game earlier this year, relying on him to win games for this team may not be a positive experience.

Flacco needs to prove he can be consistent and lead this team to the Super Bowl.

Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

He can thank Jim Harbaugh for helping to resurrect his career.

The former top draft choice out of California has been a major reason the 49ers have been so good this season.

The playoffs would be a new experience for him, and how would Smith handle the postseason?

While the running game and the defense have been solid this year, a slip by Smith would be hazardous to the health of this team.

T J Yates, Houston Texans

After replacing Matt Leinart, who replaced Matt Schaub at quarterback, Yates looked solid if not spectacular.

Houston made the playoffs for the first time in the franchise's history. But, Yates is a rookie and the Texans have never been in a pressure situation like this.

The Texans have never tasted success like this and Yates, a fifth-round pick from North Carolina, needs to show poise under pressure against the NFL's elite.

If he stumbles, the Texans are in trouble.

Andy Dalton/AJ Green, Cincinnati Bengals

This pass/catch combination could be the best in the NFL for the next decade.

Dalton has proven to be a solid starter this year, leading Cincinnati to a 8-6 record so far this season and on the brink of the playoffs.

But again, this is a case of a new situation for the quarterback, and the Bengals have not won against the likes of the Steelers or the Ravens.

Can Dalton remain cool in the postseason, and can Green continue to look like a star in the making?