NFL Playoff Predictions: Predicting Top Air, Ground Performances This Weekend

Some exciting matchups are pitted in the NFL Divisional round such as Tim Tebow vs. Tom Brady, Drew Brees vs. the 49ers defense and Aaron Rodgers vs. Eli Manning.

Additionally, we have two great defenses in Houston and Baltimore clashing. With that said, it's going to be a close race between which players perform the best.

Nonetheless, someone will still earn the accolade. Here are predictions for the best passing, rushing and receiving performances this upcoming weekend.

Passing: Tom Brady, Patriots (vs. Broncos)

The biggest concern for the Denver Broncos this week is not whether they will continue to score effectively, but rather how to slow down Tom Brady.

Obviously, the Broncos will need to blitz from all angles and mix coverages. However, they don't have an answer to isolate Rob Gronkowski or Wes Welker in man-to-man. Expect either to be double-teamed on every play and both on multiple occasions.

Unfortunately, that creates another set of problems, as that leaves Deion Branch and Aaron Hernandez singled up. Both are quite capable of defeating man coverage more often than not.

Finally, it will all allow for Brady to setup the screen pass, hit the check down and/or scramble.

Although Brady isn't your typical scrambling quarterback, he knows when to take off and isn't afraid to fight for the extra yards.

To that end, if Denver does blitz it likely leaves man coverage across the board or zone. In turn, Brady will pick them a part with or without time as his array of targets cannot all be stopped.

And as evidence by the first meeting, when Brady went 23-of-34 for 320 yards and three total TDs (one rush), don't expect anything but dominance from the future Hall of Famer.

27-of-40, 340 yards, three TDs, no picks

Rushing: Frank Gore, 49ers (vs. Saints)

Playing in the only divisional game that's not a 2011 regular season rematch, the key to this game for San Francisco is running back Frank Gore.

The Saints ranks No. 30 against the pass, which bodes well for Alex Smith and the passing game. But the 49ers have relied on Gore all season long and there's no reason why that should change.

Its a deceiving stat that New Orleans is ranked No. 12 against the run, allowing just 108.6 rush yards per game. The more pertinent stat for San Francisco is that Saints defense allowed an average of five yards per carry this season, ranking them No. 30 in the league.

This comes as no surprise since the Saints are arguably weaker at defending the pass and, in order to keep pace with the explosive New Orleans offense, you must throw the rock. That being said, the Saints finished ranked No. 32 in rushes attempted against them (351), so Gore must be fed early and often.

In order to control the game tempo and limit Drew Brees' possessions, Gore's production will be vital. Whether it's between the tackles, cut-backs, quick tosses or even a draw, utilizing his legs all over the field to eventually setup the pass is imperative.

Don't be surprised when the Saints stack the box like Pittsburgh did Denver, but then get burnt on play-action.

24 carries, 135 yards, two TDs

Receiving: Victor Cruz, Giants (at Packers)

In the Giants-Packers NFC Divisional game, we have two of the league's best passing offenses against two of the league's worst pass defenses.

What separates them is while Green Bay has mastered the art of forcing turnovers, the Giants have a menacing pass rush. New York finished the season with 48 sacks to Green Bay's 33, but the Packers have a plus-24 turnover differential to the Giants' plus-seven.

It's a give-and-take kind of game but the best receiver will be New York's Victor Cruz. Much like Plaxico Burress dominating the cheese at Lambeau in the 2007 NFC title game, Cruz's production will need to be eerily similar.

During their regular season game, Cruz led all targets catching seven passes for 119 yards. He didn't score but in being a guy who gets great yards after the catch, averaging 17 per reception, is ridiculous.

As for this week, the Giants will have success throwing the ball because they're simply too good at it. Cruz will need to start fast and finish strong. A big reason why the Giants began the wild card game slow was Cruz getting isolated by the Falcons.

Against Green Bay, expect Victor across the middle to get away from single coverage as well as finding the soft spot in the zone. While yards after the catch may decrease this game, he'll have an insanely good average.

Eight receptions, 150 yards, one TD

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