What is the key theme for the AFC playoffs?
Quarterbacks. Quarterbacks. Quarterbacks. Five elite quarterbacks dominate the AFC playoffs: Manning, Brady, Rivers, Flacco and Carson Palmer of the Bengals. Having this many elite quarterbacks could make for some great football. The only one of that group who hasn’t won a playoff game is Palmer, who had his left knee blown out in the first quarter of the Bengals’ playoff loss to Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers after the 2005 season. Brady is 14-3 in playoff games, Manning is 7-8, Rivers is 3-3 and Flacco is 2-1. The key matchups could start in the divisional round. Rivers is 0-2 in playoff games against Brady. Manning is 1-2 against Brady but won their last playoff meeting — the 2006 AFC Championship Game. Rivers is 2-0 against Manning. [+] EnlargeDavid Butler II/US PresswireThe reliable Wes Welker won’t be part of the Patriots’ Super Bowl run. 2. What are the key injuries heading into the playoffs? Welker, the Patriots’ go-to receiver, appeared to blow out his left knee on a non
