NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Aaron Rodgers and QBs Who Will Rule Divisional Round

With the importance that is now placed on passing in the NFL, it's no surprise that quarterbacks get more credit and blame than any other position. While it can be a bit unfair at times, much of it is warranted. There is a reason why many of the teams remaining in the postseason have elite quarterbacks, and that is because of their extreme importance.

Although even the best quarterback is going to struggle without a suitable supporting cast, a top-notch signal-caller is the best possible building block in the NFL. Here are three dominant quarterbacks who will rule the Divisional Round by leading their respective teams to victory.

Tom Brady (NE)

No quarterback remaining in the playoffs has a better track record of postseason success than New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. While Brady and the Pats have struggled come playoff time in recent years, they are favored heavily at home against the Denver Broncos this weekend. Brady had one of his best regular seasons ever with 5,235 passing yards and 39 touchdowns, so I expect that production to carry over.

The Broncos' defense was perhaps the biggest reason for their turnaround this season, but they only ranked in the middle of the pack against the pass. While Denver was successful in upsetting the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger—who played quite well—had a bad wheel. Brady, on the other hand, seems to be in good health. I think he will pick apart the Broncos secondary.

Drew Brees (NO)

After putting on perhaps the greatest performance by a quarterback in a regular season this year, New Orleans Saints signal-caller Drew Brees takes his show on the road. Brees and the Saints are red hot, having won nine consecutive games. Brees also set a single-season record for passing yardage with 5,476 to his name, while he threw for 46 scores. He continued to dominate in last week's postseason game against the Detroit Lions as he exploded for 466 yards and three touchdowns.

Brees will have to contend with one of the league's best defenses this weekend in the San Francisco 49ers, but I don't anticipate Brees having much trouble. The Niners are much more adept at stopping the run, and there were teams that passed on them during the regular season. Brees orchestrated the greatest passing offense in NFL history during the regular season and he should do more of the same on Saturday.

Aaron Rodgers (GB)

After a Super Bowl championship last season and a 15-1 regular season this year, it's no surprise that the Green Bay Packers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers are favored to win it all once again. Rodgers proved that the Packers weren't simply a flash in the pan in 2010 as he passed for 4,643 yards and 45 touchdowns during the regular season. He seemed capable of scoring a touchdown seemingly any time he wanted to throughout the year.

Rodgers will face a tough New York Giants pass rush on Sunday, but the G-Men ranked just 29th in the league this season against the pass. Rodgers surgically picked them apart a few weeks ago. Regardless of who Rodgers and the Packers face, it's pretty much a given that they are going to rack up yardage and score points. There is little question in my mind that Rodgers will turn in yet another virtuoso performance this weekend.