It's time to cull the herd in the 2012 NFL Playoffs on Saturday and Sunday, but which of those teams will advance to the divisional round of the postseason? We have the first-time participant Houston Texans, the long-suffering Detroit Lions making the playoffs for the first time in over a decade and, of course, Tim Tebow.
More: Broncos vs. Steelers 2012 | NFL Playoff Rankings
Saturday
Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) vs. Houston Texans (10-6), 2:30 p.m. MT, NBC: Can rookie T.J. Yates keep the Texans' dream of a deep playoff run in its first appearance. The Bengals also have rookie quarterback Andy Dalton leading the way into the playoffs. Which rookie blinks first? PICK: BENGALS
Detroit Lions (10-6) vs. New Orleans Saints (13-3), 6:00 p.m. MT, NBC: The Lions are road underdogs by at least 10 points on a couple of lines. However, this game could easily turn into a shootout between quarterbacks Drew Brees and Matthew Stafford. PICK: SAINTS
Sunday
Atlanta Falcons (10-6) vs. New York Giants (9-7), 11:00 a.m. MT, Fox: The Giants have won the last three regular season games over the Atlanta Falcons, which means Eli Manning knows how to play against the Falcons. But two of those victories came in 2006 and 2007 -- an eternity ago in football times. The Giants were lucky to get in. Matt Ryan and company are looking to make up for last year's early exit. PICK: FALCONS
Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) vs Denver Broncos (8-8), 2:30 p.m. MT, CBS: If Ben Roethlisberger's ankle becomes a major concern during this game, the Broncos should have a chance in this game. The Broncos defense is strong, but the Steelers' own can be just as dominant and provide Tim Tebow with a long struggle. PICK: STEELERS
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.