NFL Playoffs 2012: Ranking Best Matchups of AFC and NFC Divisional Round

Just like Wild-Card Weekend, some of the divisional-round matchups are better than the others. 

Since it's the playoffs, all of the games are intriguing, but a couple of them look more appealing. Given how crazy this NFL season has gone, though, anything can happen. 

Four teams had a bye last week, allowing them to get some much-needed rest. However, sometimes that backfires for a team, especially when a wild-card team is playing red hot. 

With that said, here's how I rank the AFC and NFC divisional-round matchups. 

No. 1 New York at Green Bay

The Packers and the Giants went toe-to-toe earlier in the year, which was one of the most exciting games of the regular season. New York's defense played much better than expected, and that has to make Green Bay worry. 

We'll soon see if the week off did more harm than good for the defending Super Bowl champs. The last few teams that beat Atlanta in the Falcons' first game of the playoffs went on to play in the Super Bowl, which is what also makes this matchup the best of the divisional round. 

Aaron Rodgers vs. Eli Manning will be another fantastic showdown, but the difference maker in this game will be the ground-and-pound. 

We know that both teams are going to pass the ball very well, but whoever can have more success on the ground has a better chance of winning the game. Chewing up the clock and keeping the opposing offense off the field is a must. 

In the end, fans should expect an outstanding close battle on the gridiron to see who plays in the NFC championship game. 

No. 2 New Orleans at San Francisco 

Yes, both NFC divisional-round games are the best of this weekend. The teams are better matched, and that's why they rank higher. 

The 49ers have been superb on defense all year long, playing at a much higher level than anyone predicted. 

Behind Drew Brees, the Saints' offense is extremely difficult to stop, which is what makes this game so highly anticipated. 

San Francisco hasn't been tested in a while, but the Saints have been proving all season long they can beat the quality teams. Brees and company are on a mission and should end the surprising run of the 49ers. 

No. 3 Houston at Baltimore 

The Ravens finally get to host a playoff game, and they should beat the Texans just as they did in Week 6. Oddly enough, Baltimore had a bye right before that game, and it had one again before this matchup. 

Houston's defense should keep them competitive in this game, but quarterback T.J. Yates won't have an easy time on the road. The Ravens defense is very good, especially when playing at home. 

The Texans did luck out some since they don't have to play at night, but it will still be a hostile environment. This is a game Baltimore should win with no problem, but it will depend on the play of Joe Flacco, who has struggled in big moments before. 

The defensive battle of the No. 2 and No. 3 defense in the league is what helps it come it at No. 3 as opposed to the worst divisional-round matchup. 

No. 4 Denver at New England 

Tim Tebow displayed his late-game heroics once again, but this weekend he's up against a much better offensive team, meaning he can't be sluggish early on. 

Since the Patriots thrashed the Broncos in 41-23 in Week 15, this matchup ranks at the bottom for these divisional-round matchups. 

New England hasn't won a playoff game in years, so expect the Patriots to come out firing, looking to gain an early lead. 

By scoring as quickly as possible, it puts more pressure on Tebow and the Broncos' offense. Granted, New England's defense is one of the worst in the NFL, so Denver still has a chance. 

However, the Patriots know they can easily take care of this team, and they'll do exactly that on Saturday night.