NFL Playoff Predictions: 4 Vets Sure to Get Things Done in the Postseason

As we draw closer and closer to the end of the season, it's time to take a look at what teams have a real shot to make some noise in the playoffs.

To have a shot at reaching the Super Bowl, teams always have to possess solid veterans they can count on in key situations. The following four players are all vets who will make a serious impact on the field during the playoffs and could be the reason their teams make deep runs.

Tom Brady

Was there really any question that Brady would be on this list? One of the most clutch players in NFL history, all the 34-year-old has done during his career is lead the New England Patriots to four Super Bowls, winning three of them. 

Brady is having another phenomenal regular season as entering Week 16 he had completed 351 of 530 passes (66.2 percent) for 4,593 yards, with 35 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His passer rating of 106.7 ranks third in the NFL.

While that's great, Brady almost always seems to take his game to another level in the postseason. With second-year tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez both now rounding into form, plus Wes Welker and Deion Branch being reliable as always, the Patriots may be the favorites in the AFC right now.

Aaron Rodgers

Despite last week's 19-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, I still think the 13-1 Green Bay Packers are the team to beat in the NFL right now. Part of that has to do with the man under center for the Packers, Aaron Rodgers. 

Rodgers may be in the middle of the greatest season for a quarterback in NFL history. Even after an off day against the Chiefs last weekend, his numbers are staggering this year. The 28-year-old has completed 322-of-473 passes (68.1 percent) for 4,360 yards, with an NFL-best 40 touchdown passes and just six interceptions. His passer rating of 120.1 leads the NFL and is 11 full points higher than second place (Drew Brees, 109.1). 

Last year during Green Bay's run to a Super Bowl title, Rodgers took his game to another level. He led the Packers to three straight road wins before guiding them to a 31-25 win over the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.

There is just something about Rodgers' demeanor; he is never shaken. As long as his top receiver, Greg Jennings, is back for the postseason (and he should be) expect Rodgers and the Packers to be very hard to beat.

Terrell Suggs

While his numbers may not jump completely off the page, Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs has turned up his game as much as anyone in the NFL over the past few weeks.

In his past four games, Suggs has racked up seven sacks and four forced fumbles. He has stepped up and become a leader for Baltimore's defense while Ray Lewis has been sidelined and is clearly peaking at the end of the regular season.

For the year Suggs has 60 tackles, 13.0 sacks, six forced fumbles and two interceptions. Again, his numbers may not be as gaudy as a few other guys, but he has been as important a defensive player as anyone in the league. Thanks to his efforts, the Ravens have maintained their dominance on that side of the ball and currently rank third in the NFL in total yards allowed (287.9 per game).

With Lewis now back, I expect Suggs to play even better in the postseason.

Drew Brees

If not for Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees would be the runaway favorite to win the NFL's MVP award this season. 

Entering Week 16 Brees leads all NFL quarterbacks in completions (417), attempts (583), completion percentage (71.5) and yards (4,780). He has also thrown for 37 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and boasts the league's second-best passer rating (109.1).

He is in command of the NFL's top offense, a unit that is averaging 456.7 yards per game. Meanwhile the Saints are also leading the league in passing offense (331.4 yards per game). 

Brees led the Saints win in Super Bowl XLIV in 2010, and along with Rodgers and Brady, he is one of the steadiest hand under center.

New Orleans is 11-3 right now and looks like a real threat in the NFC. If they make the big game, it's almost sure that Brees will be the reason.