Playoffs: Top QBs

Not a bad quarterback playoff class as only one unappealing (Christian Ponder) and one suspect (Joe Flacco) option are in the bunch. Of course, the rankings depend largely on how one views the postseason might unfold. Playing in the Wildcard round makes Aaron Rodgers, Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson and Matt Schaub arguably the most intriguing choices. That is unless one believes New England, Denver or Atlanta are Super Bowl bound..

1) Tom Brady, New England - The Patriots have already defeated the No. 1 and 3 seeds in the AFC and now the Golden Boy has his Gronk back. Even with a potential road game in the AFC Championship, Brady is the top QB.

2) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay - On the one hand, the Packers losing in Week 17 eliminate their first round bye. However, who doesn't like the idea of the prolific Rodgers potentially playing 3-4 games? The trickiest matchup could be in the divisional round, but the Northern California native surely loves the idea of winning at San Francisco

3) Peyton Manning, Denver - The Broncos have the easiest on-paper matchup in the divisional round, not to mention home field throughout the AFC postseason. Those factors (plus Denver's potent wide receivers) help to counter Manning's semi-suspect playoff history. So does the ubiquitous pitchman being very, very good.

4) Matt Ryan, Atlanta - Many remain dubious about the Falcons' credentials and expect plenty of "upset" talk should either Washington or Seattle visit in the divisional round. Also expect Ryan to find Julio Jones and Roddy White early and often for however long Atlanta stays in the playoffs.

5) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco - Lost some luster as the season progressed, but makes for an upside pick if he directs the 49ers into the NFC Championship game.

6) Robert Griffin III, Washington - RG3 clearly is not 100 percent, though his ground game improved against the Cowboys in Week 17 and he still posted credible fantasy numbers in the Redskins' seventh straight win. The top fantasy QB on the season before sitting out Week 15 with a knee injury, Griffin's toughest test could come in the opener against Seattle

7) Matt Schaub, Houston - Few would pick the Texans over the Patriots in a potenital divisional round matchup, but suggesting that of the remaining quarterbacks Schaub is the best bet for at least two games is hardly a stretch.

8) Russell Wilson, Seattle - Sleep on the Seahawks rookie at your own risk. Likely not playing at home in the postseason limits Wilson's potential, but doesn't crush it. Actually, this ranking could look silly low if the Seahawks win at Washington, because then Wilson has tremendous shot for three or four games.

9) Joe Flacco, Baltimore - Fantasy players are looking for two games and hoping for the best out of the Ravens non-elite passer.

10) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis - The former Stanford star is no mere rookie and the Ravens defense is hardly playing at high level, but going on the road makes for a challenging situation.

11) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati - Houston's secondary is certainly beatable, but winning away from home in the opener is a daunting task..

12) Christian Ponder, Minnesota - The second-year quarterback turned in a credible and winning Week 17 performance against the Packers. Don't count on a repeat from Ponder or the Vikings.