2012 NFL Playoffs: Ranking the Championship Weekend Quarterbacks

The championship round of the NFL playoffs is finally upon us. Some familiar faces are returning yet again, and some new faces are making their debuts on the biggest stage in football. Quarterback remains the most important position, and the quarterbacks are placed under an even bigger microscope in the postseason.

How the quarterbacks performed in the regular season doesn't matter now. How the players perform in the playoffs under the pressure of expectations is how they are judged.

Four quarterbacks remain, and their play will be the largest deciding factor in whether their teams will advance to, and possibly win, the Super Bowl. The remaining four have all shined in the postseason thus far, but an encore performance is required if they are to advance.

Here's a ranking of the remaining quarterbacks in the championship round of the NFL playoffs:

Follow @Chris_Roling

4. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

Joe Flacco was efficient while leading the Ravens to a victory in the divisional round over the Houston Texans. Flacco threw for 176 yards and and two touchdowns in a 20-13 victory.

Flacco has been consistent all season and has great weapons surrounding him. Running back Ray Rice is the best dual-threat player at his position, and Flacco once again has an elite defense backing him up.

Flacco must face Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship. Flacco must have a huge day in his duel with Brady, or the Ravens will lose. New England has a horrible defense that Flacco needs to take advantage of.

3. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

Alex Smith finally had a breakout season this year and played worthy of the No. 1 overall selection. Smith has continued his impressive play into the postseason and has the 49ers on the fast track to a Super Bowl.

In the divisional round, Smith encountered the New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees and threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns. Smith proved to the league on the biggest stage that he belongs and is here to stay.

Smith now must face Eli Manning and the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game. Smith must continue to play efficiently and lead his offense. If Smith drops off in his quality of play, the 49ers defense may not be able to win the game on its own.

2. Eli Manning, New York Giants

Eli Manning did the unthinkable and outperformed MVP favorite Aaron Rodgers in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. Manning has always been vastly underrated, even after winning a Super Bowl.

Against the Packers, Manning threw for 330 yards and three touchdowns. Going into the game, many thought Manning and the offense wouldn't have the firepower to compete with the Green Bay Packers. Manning and his favorite target, Hakeem Nicks, had something to say about that.

Manning now leads the Giants into San Francisco to take on the 49ers for a trip to the Super Bowl. Manning has been down this road before, and it shouldn't surprise anyone if he makes a return appearance to the Super Bowl this postseason.

1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

There isn't much left to say about Tom Brady. While ending Tebowmania in the divisional round, Brady threw for 363 yards and six touchdowns with an incredible 137.6 rating.

All season, Brady has had to make up for one of the worst defenses in the league, and that continues into the postseason. Brady now has to face off against Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship.

Brady faces off against an elite Ravens defense and will have to put up a large amount of points because his defense won't be able to stop the Ravens offense.

It's also important to mention that Brady is the best punter at the quarterback position remaining in the playoffs. He booted a 48-yard punt that was downed at the 10-yard line against the Broncos.

Brady is arguably still the best quarterback in the league and has a chance to add a fourth championship ring to his collection this postseason.