NFL Playoff Predictions: Quarterbacks Who Will Dominate Divisional Round

The NFL has transformed into a pass-happy league over the last handful of years, which makes having an elite quarterback virtually essential to winning the Lombardi Trophy. There is no shortage of big names in the divisional round looking to lead their teams closer to that ultimate prize.

Here are three QBs that will have monster games en route to victory this weekend.

Aaron Rodgers

It's difficult to comprehend just how dominant Rodgers was this season. Whether you look at the plus-42 touchdown-to-interception difference, 122.5 quarterback rating or simply his team's 15-1 record, the Green Bay Packers quarterback had an all-time great year.

He's developed into an elite signal-caller since emerging from Brett Favre's shadow and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Usually even the top-notch QBs have a couple flaws, but they are becoming much more hard to find with Rodgers.

He tore apart the New York Giants defense once already this season to the tune of 369 yards and four TDs. It's hard to imagine the Giants scheming up a way to slow him down this time around, so expect another awe-inspiring outing from him this week.

Tom Brady

Ho-hum—it was just another 39-touchdown season for Brady. He once again carried the New England Patriots on his shoulders while watching his defense get torched on a weekly basis. He'll be hoping to get a little more support for the playoff run.

What makes the Brady-led offense so efficient is how everybody, other than Chad Ochocinco, always seems to be on the same page. Add in a nearly unstoppable weapon like Rob Gronkowski and you have the recipe for a terrific unit.

The Denver Broncos were able to overcome the Pittsburgh Steelers due to Pittsburgh's large list on injuries on offense. The Patriots don't have any of those concerns, which means Brady will dominate as usual leading to the end of Tebowmania.

Joe Flacco

I bet you were expecting to see Drew Brees, but with the New Orleans Saints facing a difficult road test against a stout San Francisco 49ers defense it probably won't be Brees' best day at the office. That's why Flacco assumes the third spot on the list.

It's time for him to step up and prove he can lead the Baltimore Ravens deep into the playoffs. He took a step back during the regular season with his lowest quarterback rating since his rookie campaign, but those worries can all go away with a win over the Houston Texans.

Flacco threw for 300 yards when the teams met earlier in the season, but didn't throw any touchdowns and was picked off once. He's going to need a more complete performance on Sunday to push the Ravens to the next round, and look for him to deliver in a big way.