NFL Playoff Picture: Ranking the Top 5 QBs in the Playoff Race

Just to make a few things clear: this list is for those teams in the race. In other words, this does not include teams like the Packers, Saints, Patriots, 49ers and other teams that are virtually guaranteed a spot. 

For this list, I am looking at teams like the Jets, Giants, Cowboys, Broncos, etc, solely based on quarterback play alone. If a team has anything worse than a .500 record, I did not include them in the race. 

Without further adieu, here are the Top Five quarterbacks in the 2011 playoff race.

Matthew Stafford

Stafford's game is really turning around since the Lions signed Kevin Smith and found a running game. If he can play like did at the start of the season (and get off to better starts), the Lions are going to be a tough out if they can find a way into the tournament. 

Next to Stafford's elevated play, the best thing the Lions have going for them is the injury to Jay Cutler. 

Matt Ryan

Ryan has been pretty underwhelming this season, but he is still better than most quarterbacks in the league. He plays his best when the Falcons are running the ball well. However, when the formula breaks down, Ryan starts pressing and turning the ball over.

If the Falcons want to make a run this year, they are going to have to keep Ryan playing to his strengths and keep him in manageable situations. 

Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton may be a rookie, but the "Red Rocket" looks like a season veteran. For a rookie, he's very aggressive with the football, but still manages to limit his turnovers. He shows a lot more arm strength than anyone thought he had coming out of TCU. 

His play is one of the main reasons the Bengals are in the playoff race, which is why I have him ranked so high. 

Tony Romo

His epic collapses at the end of games have been well-documented, but Romo has made a lot of of clutch plays as well. He's like Brett Favre in that way: live by the gunslinger die by the gunslinger. 

Most importantly, Romo looks like he is finally healthy, and the production of the Cowboys' offense over the past month has reflected that. 

Eli Manning

Eli is playing the best football of his career right now. He is hiding a lot of holes in the Giants' offense and is the biggest reason why the Giants are in the thick of things, despite their injuries. 

Eli knew he was going to have to take his game to another level this year, and he has, especially when it comes to limiting turnovers. This is why I have him ranked as the best quarterback in the playoff race.