NFL Playoff Scenarios: 3 Teams Most Likely to Lose First Game

The NFL's playoff picture is almost set, and there are several surprise teams who appear all but set to reach the postseason.

While making the playoffs is certainly an accomplishment, it means little if you can't advance beyond the first round.

Here is a look at three teams who appear set to advance to the postseason but who are likely to fall in the first round.

Denver Broncos (8-7)

While Tim Tebow had his team rolling off six straight wins a few weeks ago, there were still those who questioned whether or not he could lead them to wins against better competition.

Well, in back-to-back weeks the Denver Broncos have been blown out by AFC East opponents.

First, the New England Patriots smoked the Broncos 41-23 in Week 15, then on Sunday the 6-9 Buffalo Bills drilled Denver 40-14.

Tebow threw four interceptions against the Bills, and two of those were returned for touchdowns. He has been shaky of late, to say the least.

The Broncos are still in the driver's seat in the AFC West and appear ready to reach the postseason. Even so, they haven't inspired any confidence that they can take themselves deep into the playoffs.

In all likelihood, the Broncos will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round and will be left there as the Steelers move on.

Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)

Rookie quarterback Andy Dalton has improbably led the Cincinnati Bengals to a 9-6 record and has them in place to reach the playoffs.

With a win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, the Bengals will make the postseason.

If Cincinnati does manage to sneak by the Ravens, they will travel to Houston to face the 10-5 Texans, who have the AFC South sewn up. 

The Bengals have dropped four of their last seven games, and though they have won two straight, they have faced the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals in those games. 

While I'd love to jump on the Bengals bandwagon and support Dalton and his impressive young team, I just don't think they have what it takes to win a playoff game yet.

Cincinnati may be a year away from advancing deeper into the postseason.

New York Giants (8-7)

Despite a ridiculous up-and-down season, the 8-7 New York Giants have a chance to reach the postseason with a win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

If the Giants do make the playoffs, I really don't have confidence that Eli Manning and company can take things to the next level.

The Giants have lost five of their last seven games but really surprised many with their fantastic 29-14 win over the New York Jets this week. 

Still, if they do reach the playoffs, the Giants will make it as the NFC East champs and will likely host the Detroit Lions in the opening round. That will be an extremely difficult matchup because of New York's depleted secondary.

Covering Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson and Brandon Pettigrew will be a serious challenge for the Giants. 

I just don't see Manning and company being able to put things together and make a run.