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2012 AFC Wild Card, Steelers Vs. Broncos: Denver Ranks Last In SI's NFL Playoffs Power Rankings

By most measures, the Denver Broncos were lucky to make it into the playoffs. They lost the last three games of the season and had to pick up many of their wins with late fourth quarter comebacks and overtime field goals. Add to that, the Broncos backed into a playoff spot because they lost on the final weekend of the season and needed the Oakland Raiders to lose to provide the AFC West title to them. It was hardly the way the team wanted to enter the playoffs.

More: Broncos vs. Steelers 2012 | NFL Playoff Rankings

Therefore, it is easily understandable to figure out why SI's Don Banks ranked the Broncos last in his NFL Playoff Power Rankings. Banks sees this game turning sour quickly if Tim Teboe doesn't improve over his performances from the last two weeks:

[...] but Denver quarterback Tim Tebow has to produce some points in the passing game early or this one could get very, very ugly. And I mean John Elway might not even be able to watch from his club suite.

If that does happen, there might be some serious thought about having a real challenge at starting quarterback for Tebow in August training camp.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage of this matchup, head to Broncos blog Mile High Report and Steelers blog Behind the Steel Curtain. For more news and notes from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.