Ranking the NFL's Divisional Quarterbacks

The NFL Playoffs kicked off with authority after Tim Tebow and his Broncos were able to upset the old and slow Pittsburgh Steelers (according to Warren Sapp) defense. Looked like Sapp was right even though Pittsburgh played without three of their defensive stars.

Still, that performance was special by Tebow, but where does it rank him on the list for the current quarterbacks remaining in the playoffs?

Some are debating on whether or not Tebow can ever become an elite signal caller whereas some just point to the scoreboard.

Also, we probably know who the three best quarterbacks are in the NFL, but how would you rank them? With eight teams left in the postseason, I rank them from worst to first on who I want on my team for this weekend’s games (history has little weighing; this is about the present).

T.J. Yates, Houston Texans (Age: 24)

Season Stats: 6 starts, 61.2 percent completion, 80.7 passer rating, 949 yards, 3 TD and 3 INT

The rookie from North Carolina has not been asked to do much, but how about having Arian Foster in your backfield?

Arguably the best running back in the NFL for the past two seasons, Foster and a top-five offensive line has allowed Yates to be an improved precision passer and game-manager.

However, his accuracy will be tested against a Ravens defense that will come after and harass you. Hopefully Yates will be ready to make plays on the move or else his season will be over.

Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens (Age: 26)

Season Stats: 16 starts, 57.6 percent completion, 80.9 passer rating, 3,610 yards, 20 TD and 12 INT

Which Joe Flacco will we get in the NFL playoffs?

Most argue that Flacco needs to play the best ball of his career even with the Ravens scary defense.

However, the inconsistency is annoying Baltimore fans and they hope he can finally put it all together. If so, then the Ravens have as good of a shot to win the Super Bowl as any team in the NFL.

Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos (Age: 24)

Season Stats: 12 starts, 46.5 percent completion, 72.9 passer rating, 1,729 yards, 18 total TD and 6 INT

Tebow mania has either excited or annoyed you more than the amount of late hits on defenseless players.

The southpaw clearly has the intangibles that many quarterbacks never have because he continues to come up with answers for his critics.

Maybe Joe Flacco is a better pure passer, but Tebow caused headaches for the Terrible Towel nation and he could do the same to a Patriots defense that has allowed more yards than any team in the NFL not named Green Bay.

However, Tebow could really lay a beat down if he miraculously keeps up with the rapid pace (and points) that Brady and the boys will likely put on Denver's defense. Can Timmy do it again or will the chapter close on the 2011-2012 season?

Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers (Age: 27)

Season Stats: 16 starts, 58 percent completion, 90.7 passer rating, 3,144 yards, 17 TD and 5 INT

Alex Smith has avoided turning the ball over as he has the least amount of interceptions among any quarterback in the entire NFL (minimum 12 starts). He will need to play lights out against the Saints, but he has proven that he can do just that in a ball control type of offense.

Eli Manning, New York Giants (Age: 31)

Season Stats: 16 starts, 61 percent completion, 92.9 passer rating, 4,933 yards, 29 TD and 16 INT

This Manning has put together the best season of his career and some are believing they can knock off the Green Bay Packers this weekend.

The Giants were dead last in terms of rushing yards per game during the regular season, which has only put more of the onus on Eli.

His salsa dancing star in Victor Cruz has had a banner season for the G-Men thanks to Manning, but Hakeem Nicks has made a boatload of plays in the passing game as well.

Tom Brady, New England Patriots (Age: 34)

Season Stats: 16 starts, 65.6 percent completion, 105.6 passer rating, 5,235 yards, 39 TD and 12 INT

Tom Brady has been there and done that in the playoffs, but he is far from being done. Plus, if I could choose just one guy in the playoffs based on reputation and history, Brady is the easy choice.

This Patriots offense has been the NFC’s version of the New Orleans Saints, which has given the AFC a ton of problems. It is because of Brady, though that has once again given New England hopes of raising the Lombardi Trophy for the fourth time since 2002!

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (Age: 33)

Season Stats: 16 starts, 71.2 percent completion, 110.6 passer rating, 5,476 yards, 46 TD and 14 INT

Drew Brees is looking for an early birthday present on Saturday (b-day is Sunday) against a Niners defense that is arguably the best in the entire NFL.

They are loaded with premier players (Justin Smith, Patrick Willis, Navarro Bowman, Carlos Rogers) that should give Brees all that he can handle, but this NFL record-setter has really seen it all.

He is arguably the most accurate thrower in the league. Plus, he has turned tight end Jimmy Graham into a budding superstar and has made Darren Sproles arguably the most productive backup running back in NFL history.

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers (Age: 28)

Season Stats: 15 starts, 68.3 percent completion, 122.5 passer rating, 4,643 yards, 45 TD and 6 INT

The 2011 NFL MVP has put up ridiculous numbers similar to Drew Brees, but the “Champ” is looking for consecutive title belts.

If Green Bay is going to even get back to Super Bowl Sunday, Rodgers will need to once again thread the needle like a true MVP.

Getting Greg Jennings back will help, but Jordy Nelson (15 TD, second in NFL) has had a remarkable season and there is no doubt Rodgers has had a lot to do with it.