NFL Playoff Picks 2012: QBs Who Will Rise to the Occasion in Divisional Round

With a round of playoff action in the books, we're starting to get down to the true contenders in the NFL.

History suggests that if you don't a have a big-time quarterback in the playoffs, you will generally fall at some point before the Super Bowl. Fortunately for a few teams in the divisional round, they don't have to worry about that problem.

Here are three quarterbacks who will rise to the occasion in the divisional round.

3. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

I only put Drew Brees at No. 3 here because he's facing the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round, who I consider the best defense in the league this season.

But the fact remains: Brees has led the Saints to four-straight games of 40 points or more and just rocked the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card Round, 45-28.

I think the 49ers will be Brees' toughest challenge all season, but, in the end, the record-holder for passing yards in a season will make a few huge throws to turn the tide.

2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Tom Brady has passed for 300-plus yards in each of his last four games, and he's tossed nine touchdowns to two interceptions in that span.

Yep, Brady is on his usual roll before the playoffs, and he faces a Denver Broncos defense in the divisional round that he blasted for 320 yards and two touchdowns in Week 15.

The difference is, this time the game is in Foxboro.

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers and Brees are arguably the top-two players contending for the MVP award this season.

Rodgers has passed for 4,600 yards and 45 touchdowns to just six interceptions. Before resting in Week 17, Rodgers rocked the Chicago Bears for 283 yards and five touchdowns.

He faces the New York Giants at home in the divisional round. Rodgers passed for 369 yards, four touchdowns and one interception against the Giants in Week 13.

The Giants may have held Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan to 199 yards passing in the Wild Card Round, but Rodgers is a different story.