The Quarterback Wars

The NFL playoffs reach a boiling point, as the top two teams in the NFC and AFC will finally see action in the divisional playoffs. The focus of attention will be the quarterback wars, wherein three playoff-tested vets face off against three rising quarterbacks with something to prove, and, in the case of Texans and Ravens, two young QBs with a chance to enhance their reputations.

Aaron Rodgers vs. Eli Manning

Packers vs. Giants

Both have won Super Bowl rings and MVP honors, and have two Pro Bowl selections on their belt. Manning has started seven playoff games for the Giants, while Rodgers has started five. While Manning played more games than Rodgers, he has never been named to the All-Pro team, something that Rodgers had earned this year. Rodgers is also the league leader in passer rating, which makes him difficult to intercept or sack, and also led the league in TD passes. Manning also has the tendency to throw long passes; his favorite targets include Victor Cruz, DJ Ware and Brandon Jacobs, and is known for game-winning drives and comebacks. Their reputations may well be enhanced with a win.

Tom Brady vs. Tim Tebow

Patriots vs. Broncos

Tebowmania caught fire around the world in 2011, thanks to Tebow's comeback wins and a pose that has grown into a fad. In Tebow's playoff debut he did it again, leading the Broncos to a comeback win over the Steelers in the AFC wildcard playoffs. But in this matchup experience will be the key, as Brady, already three Super Bowl rings richer and two MVPs to boot, has shown a quiet but effective job of leading the Patriots to consistent wins. Plus he has logged a lot of playoff minutes, passing yards and touchdowns. It will take a miracle for Tebow to beat Brady and the AFC top seed Patriots in their divisional playoff series.

Joe Flacco vs. T.J. Yates

Ravens vs. Texans

Both are young quarterbacks with something to prove. Flacco has appeared in seven playoff games for the Ravens, while Yates, a late-bloomer due to injuries to Matt Leinart and Matt Schaub, has only one game logged. The Texans as a team have something to prove as well, that their playoff debuting victory over the Bengals is no fluke. But they face the Ravens who have been playoff regulars the last three years, and have a deeply experienced roster to boot. Flacco now has a chance to extend his own streak of winning a playoff game in each of his appearances, while Yates seek to lead the Texans to unchartered waters. 

Alex Smith vs. Drew Brees

49ers vs. Saints

Again this will be a matchup of experience against youth. Smith is making his playoff debut, while Brees has been a Super Bowl winner with the Saints. Both teams end up 13-3 at the end of the season, but the 49ers finished with a first-round bye based on the conference record. Smith had been a struggling QB prior to the hiring of Jim Harbaugh, but his ascension to an elite QB has helped the 49ers. But in the playoffs he may have a hard time leading the defense-focused 49ers to victory over the offensive attack of the Saints, with which they set numerous offensive records during the season. 

The divisional playoffs get underway this weekend, and the winners of each series advance to the conference championship games, where the winners will then advance to the Super Bowl in Indianapolis's Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5.