10 Best Players Left in NFL Playoffs

Each of the final four teams left in the NFL playoffs has a great chance at making the Super Bowl. 

Some may argue whether or not the key to winning is defense (San Francisco) or offense (New England).  One thing is certain, no Super Bowl has been won without big time players showing up in the fourth quarter. 

Over the years, fans have seen dazzling running backs, savvy quarterbacks and stifling defenses.  In almost all those games, an individual has risen up to distinguish himself over the others on the field.

An individual does not win a Super Bowl, nor is a win guaranteed with a Pro Bowl caliber player.  However, those superb individuals generate the momentum for each team. 

Here is a list of the 10 best players still left in the playoff field.  

No. 10: Dashon Goldson

Dashon Goldson played huge for the San Francisco 49ers.  He gathered six interceptions during the regular season and had one forced fumble. 

He was one of the biggest components of that secondary for the 49ers.  The linebackers were stacked with Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman.  Goldson was able to help them out by providing excellent tackling and reading the quarterbacks.

Unlike the Packers, whose defense gave up plenty of yards but also created turnovers, the 49ers were able to keep yards low along with high turnover ratios. 

Goldson is a huge factor why the 49ers are in the NFC championship game.  

No. 9: Vernon Davis

Arguably the best tight end in the game, Vernon Davis proved why he should be in talks for that award year in and year out. 

It looked like for the first time in a while, Davis and quarterback Alex Smith were perfectly in sync with each other.  Ever since Davis was put on the 49ers roster, fans and coaches alike expected greatness.

Vernon had the physical gifts that people are only born with in their genes.  His skills were there and all he needed was the right person to throw the ball to him. 

When he and Smith were on time and in sync with each other, the outcome was a beautiful touchdown throw right down the middle of the field. 

Davis has the ability to be a game changer as long as he is willing to put in the work with Alex Smith to find that interconnectedness.  

No. 8: Patrick Willis

It is tough to say that Patrick Willis is playing great football, considering he was out for a couple games before the playoffs.  He is still getting back into game shape and does not look like he is playing at 100 percent.

But because the 49ers beat the favored New Orleans Saints, he deserves some credit in that victory.  Obviously, no game is won by only one player.  The entire defense did its job while the offense made spectacular plays during the last five minutes of the game. 

Willis will always be an elite player for an elite defense.  The numbers will always be there for a player of his caliber. 

However, what this team needs more than numbers is leadership.  The talent is all there for this 49ers defense.  The secondary is tougher with Carlos Rogers and the linebackers are the best in the league. 

Patrick Willis is the most talented linebacker left in the playoffs.  

No. 7: Ray Rice

Ray Rice is arguably the best running back still left in the playoffs alongside 49ers rusher Frank Gore. 

The only difference is that Rice is burdened with a heavier workload on the offensive end of the ball. 

They both play for teams whose identity is defense and special teams.  However, Alex Smith and the San Francisco receivers have shown to be more effective than their Baltimore counterparts.

Rice is the biggest threat on that Baltimore offense. Teams are ready for him and he is going to have to step up if the Ravens want to advance to the Super Bowl.  

No. 6: Rob Gronkowski

“The Gronk” is only in his second year and is showing the world what kind of talent he possesses.  He set the NFL tight end touchdown record with 17 this past season and also gained 1,327 yards receiving—also an NFL single season tight end record.

It helps that he plays with arguably the best quarterback in the league.  However, that is obviously not the only reason he has put up such gaudy stats. 

He is physically gifted at 6’6” 265 lbs.  Gronkowski has giant hands which help secure the ball on the fly.  His body control and speed is also greatly undermined by opponents. 

He is big like a tight end, but what makes him so good is that he catches and runs like a wide receiver. 

Hopefully he can maintain this level of play throughout the postseason and the rest of his career.  Gronkowski is going to be one to follow throughout his career.  

No. 5: Ray Lewis

No matter how old this guy gets, he always seems to find a way to win and help the team in the process.  Ray Lewis has always been a great player and leader for this Ravens defense. 

He has the highlights, skills and awards that prove he is one of the best to ever play his position. 

Lewis may not be as fast as he once was, but he still has the athleticism to blitz a quarterback and drop back into coverage.  His hits are still hard and his IQ for the game is unparalleled. 

Paired up with safety Ed Reed, this team will constantly be in the top ranks for defense.  

No. 4: Wes Welker

Wes Welker is a wide receiver for the New England Patriots.  He was basically Tom Brady’s only receiver aside from Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. 

Welker gathered  a persona best, 1,569 total yards along with nine touchdowns.  Out of the five seasons he has played with the Patriots, he has caught over 1,000 yards receiving four times.

He has done spectacular things for this club and Tom Brady's stats.  When healthy, Welker solidified the receiver slot and gave the offense a chance to score.  Now with the addition of Gronkowski and Hernandez, the field should open up much more for all players on offense. 

If Welker can continue his crisp route running and continuity with quarterback Tom Brady, that offense is going to be tough to stop with the effectiveness of their tight ends.

No. 3: Terrell Suggs

The Baltimore Ravens have a reputation of being one of the toughest defenses in the league.  For over a decade, HOF players such as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed have bolstered this defense. 

In recent years, Suggs has managed to make his way into the household name category. Most fans that generally follow football will know that Suggs is a stud. 

Suggs is arguably the best defensive player in the AFC, if not the entire league.  

No. 2: Eli Manning

If there were ever discussions on Eli Manning’s legitimacy, they should end after this season.  This guy is playing out of his mind, especially in the playoffs. 

This season he had one of the best fourth quarter QBR in the league.  He is currently leading his team to the NFC Championship game and hopefully the Super Bowl.

It was difficult to buy into what Eli Manning had to offer.  In the past and he would constantly be compared to what Philip Rivers did due to the draft day situations their rookie years.  Manning would also likely always be in the shadow of older brother Peyton.

The question of who is more valuable is another topic with endless answers.  One thing is true, Eli Manning has played well enough and consistently enough throughout his career to be brought up in talks of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

No. 1: Tom Brady

Tom Brady is easily the best player still left in the playoffs.  If his decorated resume did not already give him enough credit, just look at his play against the Denver Broncos. 

Brady completed 26-of-34, totaling 363 yards in the air.  He also tacked on a modest six touchdowns and only one interception.  During a season where three quarterbacks amassed over 5,000 yards, it is incredible to still see Brady in talks for MVP. 

It seems that whenever Brady is healthy he puts up elite numbers and is in constant Super Bowl contention.  Even if you hate the guy it is tough to argue that he is not a future Hall Of Famer.