There are two who are stationed on that second level — you know, the tier behind Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees — and there are two others who have very curious credentials but can build their legacy with another victory or two in the coming weeks.
As the saying goes, the NFL has become a quarterback league, and if that's truly the case, two teams will have a tremendous advantage this weekend. With that, let's rank the four remaining signal callers.
1. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers has knocked off Michael Vick and Matt Ryan already this postseason, and his career playoff numbers are absolutely astounding. In three starts (2-1 record), Rodgers has completed 77 of 105 passes (73.3 percent) for 969 yards, 10 touchdowns and one interception.
The 27-year-old fell 78 yards shy of becoming the seventh player in NFL history to record three consecutive 4,000-yard seasons, which he would have accomplished if he didn't miss nearly two full games with a concussion.
Despite that statistical shortage, Rodgers really elevated his game in 2010 by carrying a team that lost starting running back Ryan Grant in Week 1 and tight end Jermichael Finley a month later. The Packers had the 24th-ranked rushing attack in the NFL this season, and they had to partially remodel an offense that was heavily schemed around Finley last offseason. Rodgers was not without weapons, as wide receiver Greg Jennings is one of the best at his position, while Donald Driver, James Jones and Jordy Nelson are nice complementary pieces.
If the Packers win the title, their defense will need to continue playing at a very high level, and Rodgers will likely have to win the Super Bowl MVP award.
2. Ben Roethlisberger
Roethlisberger is the only member of this group with a ring, and he has quickly become one of the most successful quarterbacks in playoff history. With a win against the Jets, the 28-year-old would record his 10th playoff victory, which would move him past Peyton Manning, Jim Kelly, Donovan McNabb, Bart Starr and Kurt Warner for ninth place all-time.
And if Roethlisberger wins Super Bowl XLV — which would be his third ring — he'd move into a tie with Troy Aikman for the eight-most playoff wins in history.
In 11 career playoff games, Roethlisberger has completed 191 of 310 passes (61.6 percent) for 2,465 yards, 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. While the numbers aren't overwhelming, he's got the wins to back it up, as well as a beautiful game-winning drive in Super Bowl XLIII.
3. Mark Sanchez
The second-year quarterback gets the nod for the third spot because of his 4-1 playoff record, and he's never had the luxury of playing a postseason game at home. In five playoff games, Sanchez has completed 75 of 124 passes (60.5 percent) for 922 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
Sanchez has a seriously long way to go in his development, but when the Jets can run the ball, the 24-year-old is usually efficient enough to manage the passing game.
Who knows how Sanchez's career will shake out, but for right now, if the Jets win Super Bowl XLV, he would be one of the most unlikely quarterbacks to win the title.
4. Jay Cutler
The Chicago quarterback has one of the game's great arms, and if he can ever complete his attitude adjustment and become a smarter quarterback, Cutler would have the makings for greatness. That, however, is a big if.
Cutler, who is 27, has a tremendous opportunity to take those steps in the next month, though. The Bears' defense is good enough to win a Super Bowl as long as Cutler and the offense keep doing their part. Therefore, Cutler's potential development could turn into one of the great storylines of this postseason.
He made his postseason debut last week against the Seahawks, completing 15 of 28 passes (53.6 percent) for 274 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Do you think Aaron Rodgers is the best starting quarterback still playing in the NFL postseason? Share your thoughts below.
