NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Ranking 4 Quarterbacks Remaining in Postseason

As per usual, we've seen some good quarterback play this postseason, and we've seen some bad quarterback play this postseason.

It is not a coincidence that the teams that have gotten good quarterback play are still standing. Bad quarterback play has a way of dooming teams in the playoffs.

We only have three games left, but we're bound to see more good and bad QB play before this thing is all over. The only real question is which QBs can be counted on.

Since we're asking, here's how I would rank the four quarterbacks who are still standing.

4. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

Joe Flacco might just be the most frustrating quarterback in the NFL. He has skills, and he's done plenty of good things during his brief career, but he is stuck between really good and just good enough.

The only way Flacco is going to take the next step is by coming up clutch when it counts, which is something he has struggled with in the postseason to this point. Though his Ravens eventually won, Flacco even struggled in the clutch against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round.

He started strong, to be sure, throwing two touchdown passes in the first quarter to help give the Ravens a 17-3 lead. But in the final three quarters, Flacco spent the bulk of his time getting sacked and, well, not doing anything else at all, really.

A similar performance is not going to cut it against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Flacco is going to have to be at his very best, and probably better than that if he expects to lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl.

But given what we know about Flacco, you just can't count on him.

3. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

Had you asked me a couple days ago, Alex Smith would have been at the bottom of this list. You couldn't count on him either.

Right now, I'm thinking you can count on Alex Smith. After what he did against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday, you kinda have to.

If you missed what Smith did against the Saints, you missed one of the gutsiest performances by any quarterback in NFL history. The touchdown he scored on a design run with two minutes to go was a thing of beauty, and he made a couple spectacular throws to Vernon Davis on the 49ers' final drive to give them a 36-32 win.

I have to say, I didn't think Smith had it in him. He proved that he does, and that means he has what it takes to lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl.

Joe Montana. Steve Young. Alex Smith.

Good company.

2. Eli Manning, New York Giants

Eli Manning proved that he has "it" back when the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2008.

What Manning proved during the regular season and is continuing to prove in the playoffs is that he is also one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks. It seems like he can do no wrong, and you have to give him credit for leading an undermanned Giants team all the way to the NFC Championship Game.

The 49ers have a better team than the Giants, but the Giants must be considered a threat to pull off the upset because of what Manning can do. He's going to cause problems for San Francisco's defense, and it helps that he has two outstanding receivers at his disposal in Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks.

If the Giants lose, it will be because the 49ers got the better of Manning.

If the Giants win, it will be because Manning got the better of the 49ers. Don't doubt his ability to do that.

1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

I thought about ranking Manning over Tom Brady, but that would have been foolish. It's debatable whether Brady is the best quarterback in the NFL, but he is undoubtedly the best quarterback still standing.

Brady proved the point on Saturday night with his six-touchdown performance against the Denver Broncos. In fact, the point was proven by halftime, as Brady went into the break with five touchdown passes.

He also punted, just for kicks.

Brady is going to have his work cut out for him against a Ravens defense that is very good, but you have to give him the edge. He's at the top of his game right now, and there's only so much defenses can do to contain his collection of talented pass-catchers.

If Brady and the Patriots win, nobody will be surprised. 

AFC Championship Game

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots—Sunday, Jan. 22 at 3:00 p.m. ET on CBS

NFC Championship Game

New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers—Sunday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox

Super Bowl XLVI

Sunday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC