NFL Power Rankings: Top 3 Teams Heading into the 2012 NFL Playoffs

NFL fans, coaches and players are finally graced with the playoffs after one of the more memorable regular seasons in recent history.

Whether it was record-breaking numbers from players like New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees, or turn-around seasons from former bottom-of-the-league teams like the Detroit Lions, the NFL had a plethora of surprises.

The 2012 NFL playoffs are set to get underway soon enough. Eight teams will begin the playoff noise Saturday with the Wild Card Weekend.

Based on performances lately, as well as the star-studded talent on each team, these are the top three teams heading into the 2012 NFL playoffs.

No. 3: Baltimore Ravens (12-4)

Despite finishing one game behind the San Francisco 49ers record-wise, there is no question the Ravens are the third-best team in the postseason.

Head coach John Harbaugh lead his team to a win over his brother Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers in their meeting on Thanksgiving Day. In the head-to-head matchup, the Ravens proved to be the superior team.

What makes this Ravens team all the more feared in the postseason is the fact that, along with their stellar defense, comes an improving, rejuvenated offense.

This success has to be credited to top-notch play from RB Ray Rice, who put up a career-best 1,364 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

As Rice only continues to pick up his game and the defense gets going, this Ravens team will be one of the favorites to win a Super Bowl.

No. 2: New England Patriots (13-3)

Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and company will hope to ride their No. 2 passing offense to the Super Bowl.

The Patriots have dominated offensively this season. So much so, that the Pats have been able to compensate for an inability to stop teams defensively for four quarters.

The Patriots finished the season ranked No. 31 against the pass. They have ranked at the bottom of the league in this area for the majority of the season.

After losing two-straight games to the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers, the Patriots have won eight consecutive games to close out the season.

This is a team that is as hot as any in the NFL on the offensive end. They scored at least 31 points in seven of those eight games to close out the year.

If the Patriots continue to pour it on offensively, they will be tough to beat. That's particularly true Foxboro, where both games would be played on the AFC-side of the bracket.

No. 1: Green Bay Packers (15-1)

There's not much more anyone can say about last year's Super Bowl champions. They have failed to take a step back since winning the title.

Even without QB Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers continue to exert their dominance.

At 15-1, the Packers are easily the best team in football this season. The hope is that their regular season success will translate to the NFL playoffs.

Expect Rodgers to be a force throughout this postseason, as there is no question this is a team poised for greatness in 2012. Easily the best offense—in the league led by Rodgers, a likely MVP—the Packers should be all smiles headed into the postseason.