NFL Playoff Predictions: Tom Brady and Stars Ready to Dominate Divisional Round

The stars of the NFL get paid the mega-millions to shine bright in the postseason, and we'll certainly see some of them earn their paycheck during the divisional round of the playoffs this weekend. 

There's always a few players that flop, but others will step up when it matters most and get the job done.

These teams are very close to a Super Bowl berth, and the best players on the team know they have to be on the top of their game to give their team the best chance at winning.

With that said, here are three stars ready to dominate the AFC and NFC divisional round matchups. 

Tom Brady, QB 

The New England Patriots will host the Denver Broncos this weekend in a star-studded showdown, and Brady will rise to the occasion and stand out the most. 

Having already thrashed the Broncos 41-23 earlier this year, the Patriots know they shouldn't have much trouble winning on Saturday night. 

However, this doesn't mean they aren't overlooking Denver. Tim Tebow has shown he can bring the magic, and since New England hasn't won a playoff in years, expect the Patriots to take this game very seriously. 

Ensuring that New England finally gets back to having postseason success is exactly why Brady will perform at his best. 

Brady threw for 320 yards and two touchdowns in their first meeting, and he's going to be even better this time around. 

Aaron Rodgers, QB 

The Green Bay Packers will host the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon, and it's going to be another shootout that comes down to the wire. 

That means that the best player on the field will have to be on his A-game, which isn't too difficult for Rodgers. He's been playing that way all season long. 

The reigning Super Bowl MVP knows his defense is subpar at best, meaning he has to put up a lot of points. He threw for 369 yards and four touchdown passes in their first meeting, and since this is a playoff matchup, expect Rodgers to play just as big if not bigger. 

Rodgers won't stray from what he's been doing week in and week out, and he'll be fresh and ready to go after some much-needed rest during the first-round bye. 

Ray Rice, RB 

The Baltimore Ravens host the Houston Texans this Sunday in another great rematch. Rice carried the ball 23 times for 101 yards and had five receptions for 60 yards. 

While the Texans stingy defense held him out of the end zone, Rice will make sure he puts at least six points on the board this time around.

The Ravens finally have the luxury of resting during the Wild Card Round and then hosting a playoff game. In recent years, the Ravens were always fighting on the road, but getting the chance to play at home will serve them well. 

Rice has rushed for 100 yards six times this season, and he'll do it again this weekend, carrying the Ravens to the AFC Championship game.