Top 5 QB performances of NFL Playoffs ranked feat. Tom Brady vs Falcons in Super Bowl LI

A competent quarterback wins you games, an elite quarterback takes you to that playoffs, while a star QB wins you Super Bowls. The NFL has had its fair share of stunning performances from the players under center, and with the 2024-25 playoffs around the corner, it's only right that we revisit a handful.

Hence, before the wild-card round, let's examine five phenomenal quarterback performances in the playoffs.

Top five QB performances of NFL Playoffs

5. Troy Aikman vs. Buffalo Bills (Super Bowl XXXVII)

Troy Aikman won three Super Bowl rings with the Dallas Cowboys and was impressive in every victory. However, if we were to put one performance on this list, it'd be his four-touchdown show at Pasadena, California.

The Hall of Famer was at his scintillating best, racking up 273 passing yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions against a hapless Buffalo Bills side. Aikman earned the MVP award for his efforts.

4. Drew Brees vs. Indianapolis Colts (Super Bowl XLIV)

Drew Brees was the most accurate quarterback of his era and remains one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Brees led the New Orleans Saints to a win in Super Bowl XLIV with a trademark performance against the highly favored Indianapolis Colts.

Brees completed a staggering 32 out of 39 pass attempts for 288 passing yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Of course, he was awarded the Super Bowl MVP.

3. Patrick Mahomes vs. Buffalo Bills (2021 AFC Divisional Game)

Patrick Mahomes has been the Achilles heel of the Bills throughout his career. Mahomes has been the architect behind multiple modern heartbreaks for the Bills, and the 2021 AFC Divisional Game is the most jarring example.

Josh Allen led Buffalo to what he thought was a famous victory in the game, but Mahomes had other ideas. The future Hall of Famer famously walked down the Bills with just 13 seconds to play in regulation time. He then guided the Kansas City Chiefs to an overtime win. His stats were 325 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a 127.6 passer rating.

2. Joe Montana vs. Denver Broncos (Super Bowl XXIV)

Joe Montana was considered by many to be the G.O.A.T before a certain New England icon arrived on the scene. Montana has won numerous big playoff games, with his clutch factor never in doubt. However, there's one game that perfectly encapsulates his legacy.

That game was Super Bowl XXIV against the Denver Broncos on January 28, 1990. Montana ended the game with 297 yards and five touchdowns, and the San Francisco 49ers recorded the largest blowout win in Super Bowl history, as his side ran out 55-10 victors. He earned his third Super Bowl MVP award in the process.

1. Tom Brady vs. Atlanta Falcons (Super Bowl LI)

28-3, that's the tagline. That was the score of Super Bowl LI before Tom Brady guided the New England Patriots to the greatest comeback in American sports history.

Brady reminded the world of his greatness on February 5, 2017, as he racked up 466 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. It's a game that'll forever embody the Bill Belichick and Tom Brady era Patriots, arguably the greatest dynasty in professional football.