NFL Power Rankings: Ranking Playoff Teams Heading into Divisional Round

Who said NFL power rankings had to stop at the end of the regular season? 

Let's rank the eight remaining teams as we head into the intriguing divisional round.

It's not easy, because all teams are clearly solid, but here is my take on the remaining clubs. 

1. Green Bay Packers 

A 15-1 team that's getting their most dynamic receiver back from injury gets the No. 1 ranking. 

Their absence from the spotlight along with Drew Brees mastery, Tim Tebow's improbable heroics and the New York Giants' resurgence has seemingly made the best regular season team somewhat of an afterthought. 

Aaron Rodgers did throw 45 touchdowns to a mere six interceptions this season and his team failed to lose at home.

2. New Orleans Saints 

The Saints accounted for 626 total yards against the Detroit Lions in their Wild Card win on Saturday. A crazy 466 of those yards came through the air from Drew Brees' arm. Insanity. 

All of his pass-catchers are problematic to opposing secondaries because of their unique size or skill set. Everyone from Jimmy Graham to Marques Colston to Darren Sproles. 

Lost in Brees' epic aerial assault is the Saints' terrorizing running game. 

They ran for 167 yards with three touchdowns in the opening round.

3. New York Giants 

Getting hot at the right time is typically more important than anything else.

The Giants are on fire.

Eli Manning has six touchdown passes with no interceptions in his last two games, and their receiving corps displayed its depth last weekend when Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham accounted for three touchdown catches. 

Watch out for the best pass rush left in the playoffs, led by Jason Pierre-Paul. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs have revitalized the running game. A scary, streaking club.

4. San Francisco 49ers 

Amid all this offensive potency, the defensive-minded, run-first 49ers find themselves hosting a second-round playoff game. 

They have the best defense left in the playoffs.

San Francisco completely washes away your running game and has a talented, turnover-happy secondary.

Alex Smith knows his role as a game-managing quarterback and the duo of Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter were dynamic all season.

A classic matchup this weekend with the high-scoring Saints. The 49ers allowed a 14.3 points per game this year.

5. New England Patriots

As we saw for the majority of the 2011-2012 season, Tom Brady and his efficient offense can carry the Patriots to victory. 

However, their defense is suspect both against the run and the pass. 

At first glance, one would think they should blowout the Broncos, but Denver's edge rushers and formidable running game could keep them in the game. 

6. Baltimore Ravens 

It's hard listing the No. 2 seed in the AFC this low, very hard. However, I don't have a ton of faith in Joe Flacco in critical playoff situations. 

Ray Rice is the X-factor and team MVP. 

If he gets 25 touches or more, the Ravens have a great chance to make the Super Bowl.

They certainly have the defense to get there.  

However, if they fall behind will they remain dedicated to their fantastic back?

7. Houston Texans

The Texans are to be taken seriously because of their stingy defense and electric but punishing runner, Arian Foster.

From now on, teams will load the box and force T.J. Yates to beat them through the air for the game's entirety. Is he up for the challenge?

I'm not so sure. 

8. Denver Broncos 

Nothing against Tim Tebow, he was tremendous against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but if he can't hit the big play, he hasn't shown us that he can continually sustain drives. 

The defense is good, mainly because of the pass-rushing ability of Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil, but without safety Brian Dawkins teams will be able to throw the ball on them. 

However, with a Tebow-led club, you just never know. 

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