NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Ranking Each Game on Must-See Status

If your favorite team is still active, that is absolutely the game you'll be watching this divisional playoff weekend. Sans that game, if you are so fortunate, what other games rank high on the must-see meter?

Here is a countdown of each playoff game, ranked by must-see status:

4. Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens: Sunday, Jan. 15, 1:00 PM ET (CBS)

Two stingy defenses, two underwhelming QBs and teams that depend heavily on the run for success. That is a formula for a 17-10, ho-hum game, by NFL playoff standards. Plus, there is no real emotion or powerful storyline driving this game. Don't get me wrong, it's still playoff football, but if you were trying to sell the appeal of the NFL game to a person who wasn't a fan, this wouldn't be the matchup you'd want to present to them. 

Not to mention, the Ravens are a superior team, as long as Joe Flacco limits mistakes.

Must-See Status: 6.5 out of 10

3. New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers: Saturday, Jan. 14, 4:30 ET (FOX)

This is where it gets really good. Jim Harbaugh's edginess makes him near must-see TV every time out. What other head coach has you watching for the postgame handshake? During the game, it is a battle of two different styles—the run-first, defensive-minded Niners against the high-powered Saints offense. The fact that the Saints will be outside of the friendly confines of the Superdome adds to the intrigue.

Mix in the confusion about an ignored "gentleman's agreement" from the team's preseason matchup, and you have a nice piece of playoff football. 

Must-See Status: 8 out of 10

2. New York Giants at Green Bay Packers: Sunday, Jan. 15, 4:30 ET (FOX)

Why is this one so high on my list? Since when is the fall of a 15-1 top seed not must-see TV. That's right, I'm with Jason Pierre-Paul on this one. I have long predicted the Packers would fall in the postseason. I also predicted they would lose to the Chiefs.

The Packers narrowly defeated the Giants in Week 13, by the score of 38-35. That game marked a bit of a resurgence for the Giants and their performance last week against the Atlanta Falcons showed they are clicking on all cylinders.

As long as they can run the ball close to the way they did against the Falcons, their defensive line will do the rest. Eli Manning is almost always big in big games; this will be no different.

Must-See Status: 9.5 out of 10

1. Denver Broncos at New England Patriots: Saturday, Jan. 14, 8:00 ET (CBS)

Only Tim Tebow in the playoffs could trump the upset of the Packers. Love him, hate him or intrigued by the story, millions will be watching. The Broncos' Wild Card Weekend matchup broke viewer records.

Throw in a guy named Tom Brady and one of the most successful franchises in the last 10 years, and you have the game that cannot be missed this weekend.

I caution you: This could easily turn into the game you turn off at halftime. If the Broncos have not made the proper adjustments, they will be blown away, the same way they were in Week 15, when the Pats stopped Tebow Time 41-23.

All that makes sense says New England wins easily, but similar logic said that the Broncos would also lose last week. That is precisely why you must watch.

Must-See Status: 10 out of 10