NFL Playoffs 2012: Which QB Is Most Desperate for a Win in Divisional Round?

Every quarterback taking the field this weekend needs a win. But there are some quarterbacks who are desperate to get whatever it is—the playoff monkey, bad stretch of games, last chance to win—off their back.

Quarterbacks like Alex Smith of the 49ers and T.J. Yates of the Texans aren't expected to win this week. The way they've played this season and as far as their respective teams have come is already a solid accomplishment given each organization's recent history (in the Texans' cases, entire history).

Other quarterbacks—Drew Brees, Eli Manning and Tim Tebow—have already done a number of wonderful things in each respect. 

A win will only further their stars while a loss won't legitimately hurt them at all.

Therefore the remaining three quarterbacks in play this weekend—Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco—are all desperate for a win.

Joe Flacco, Ravens

The Ravens have been to the postseason and won at least one playoff game in each of Flacco's three seasons.

This year's No. 2 seed is the highest they've been ranked with Flacco in under center.

The problem is they did this despite Flacco's up-and-down play in 2011. Only once this season did he string together back-to-back wins without an interception and only once did he post back-to-back quarterback ratings over 100.

In each of the Ravens' four losses—all on the road—he threw as many or more interceptions as touchdowns and only once completed more than 60-percent of his passes.

Questions continue to be raised about whether or not Flacco can win big games with this team. He won't get the opportunity to do that this year if he falters against the Texans at home this weekend.

Flacco stands to gain the least of the three desperate QBs, but he can be damaged the most by a loss.

Aaron Rodgers, Packers

The likely NFL MVP needs to pick up where he left off in Week 16. In order to do that he has to defend Lambeau Field against another quarterback that doesn't care where or when he plays.

Rodgers vs. Eli II is going to come down to which quarterback makes the bigger plays when presented with them.

The Packers gunslinger has been doing it all year, but he nearly fell to Eli once already at Snoopy Stadium and now the Giants defense is playing at an entirely different level.

A loss won't completely tarnish Rodgers' magical 2011—especially not with Eli on the other sideline—but it will be a huge disappointment for the defending champs and Rodgers alike.

Tom Brady, Patriots

This one speaks for itself. Brady hasn't won a playoff game since the 2007 AFC Championship and has been a one-and-done in each of the past two years at home.

To make matters worse, Tebowmania has swept the nation and is heading straight for Foxborough.

Brady's long-term legacy will forever be intact, but in the short term he needs to find a way to win a postseason game.

Tebowmania has respect for great winners like Brady. But when the game is on the line the only thing that Tebowmania respects is Tebow Time, and Tebow Time is all about winning.

Therefore, Tom Brady is, without a doubt, this week's most win-desperate quarterback.