2012 NFL Playoffs: Power Ranking the Loudest Stadiums This Postseason

Home-field advantage is key in all sports, but in the NFL playoffs there is arguably no greater boost a team can receive than from its loud and chaotic home crowd.

So crank up the volume and shake those keys, because it's third and long and these teams are looking to get a stop:

5. Candlestick Park (San Francisco 49ers)

The rowdy home crowd is a large reason the Niners are in position to snag the NFC's No. 2 seed this season. San Francisco won seven of their eight home games this season, and their last six overall. 

Jim Harbaugh's team used a few power outages to blast the visiting Steelers there in Week 15, and although the outages were not caused by continuous screaming and shouting, the home-field advantage cannot be denied.

The 49ers are a different team at home this year, and that can be attributed to better play and an inspired cluster of fans filling the seats at Candlestick Park. 

4. Reliant Stadium (Houston Texans)

Although the Texans are just 5-2 inside Reliant Stadium this season, the volume in their home building is worthy of a shout out. No fans are hungrier than Houston fans for the postseason, as the franchise has never been until this year, and that is obvious when taking in a Texans game.

Fans watching on television will likely view a sea of red Andre Johnson jerseys constantly in motion while those closest to the field take out their frustration with some physical violence on the padded walls.

The Steelers and Falcons are two noteworthy teams that were overwhelmed by the sound inside Reliant Stadium this season.

3. Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers)

The Packers aren't known for their loud home-field advantage as much as they are known for bringing opponents to a bitterly cold part of the earth. But still, the history, excitement and shouting that fills the bleachers at Lambeau in the postseason is enough to intimidate anyone.

Green Bay is a flawless 7-0 at home this season, including an impressive opening night win over the Saints, who are seen by many as the No. 1 challenger to the Packers' NFC throne.

2. M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens)

I've been to this stadium and I've seen opposing offenses struggle consistently with the crowd noise. The SNF crew even pointed it out in a Week 5 matchup against the NY Jets. The sea of purple and black is relentless on the away team and electrifies the home squad.

Baltimore went 8-0 at home in 2011, playing dominant football on both sides and even making an incredible second half comeback over the Arizona Cardinals back in Week 8, a game in which the Ravens trailed 24-6 at halftime.

The Steelers, Jets, Texans and Bengals all fell at M&T Bank this season, and if Baltimore clinches the AFC North in Week 17, the playoffs will provide a chance to add to the list of victims.

1. Mercedes-Benz Superdome (New Orleans Saints)

There is no debating which venue is No. 1 when it comes to noise and pure human-generated electricity. The Superdome has been hell for opposing teams in recent years, especially back in 2009 when the Saints used the deafening dome to earn a berth in Super Bowl XLIV, ultimately winning it all that year.

New Orleans has blasted people at home this season on their way to a perfect 7-0 mark thus far. Drew Brees and company have not only topped playoff teams like the Texans, Giants, Lions and Falcons in the Superdome this season, but they embarrassed them. 

There will be no early playoff exit this January for the Saints now that they have guaranteed at least one home game Wild Card weekend.