Ranking the 25 best players in the NFL playoffs

With the NFL postseason upon us, theScore ranks the top 25 players who are set to compete for the Lombardi Trophy. This list is not a ranking of their historical accomplishments - it's an assessment of their playing form right now.

25. Tre'Davious White, CB, Bills

Tied for the league lead with six interceptions in 2019, White combines advanced instincts and excellent ball skills to serve as one of the game's premier zone defenders - opposing quarterbacks have a 46.3 passer rating when throwing into his coverage. With White's seven pass breakups and stout tackling ability, offenses would be wise to look in the other direction.

24. Nick Bosa, DE, 49ersEzra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty

It's been a rookie campaign to remember for the younger Bosa, whose presence on the edge sparked a massive turnaround for the San Francisco 49ers' defense. The No. 2 overall pick accumulated nine sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and an interception in 2019. Only five edge rushers had more total pressures than Bosa's 80, and he rarely failed to beat nearly every blocker placed in front of him.

23. Chris Jones, DT, Chiefs

Jones followed up his 15.5-sack campaign last year with nine in 13 games, asserting himself as one of the game's top interior rushers. Simply too explosive and technically sound, the former second-round pick was a key factor in the Kansas City Chiefs' late-season defensive turnaround. Jones demands attention from opponents and makes everyone around him better.

22. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Ravens

As the Baltimore Ravens' offense took off in 2019, so did their left tackle. Stanley was the game's most efficient pass-blocker in his fourth NFL campaign, surrendering just six total pressures in 14 starts, according to PFF. The former first-rounder didn't allow a sack in 938 snaps and was a stellar run-blocker, too. Stanley is a shoo-in for All-Pro honors and will play a key role in the Ravens' playoff run.

21. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots

It may be surprising to see Brady so low on this list, but he certainly wasn't at his best this season. The six-time Super Bowl champion had issues running the New England Patriots' offense for much of the year, posting his lowest touchdown total, completion percentage, and passer rating since 2013. Brady's career may finally be entering its twilight, but you'd be foolish to count him out of one final title run.

20. Tyreek Hill, WR, ChiefsJustin Edmonds / Getty Images Sport / Getty

A shoulder injury cost him four games in 2019, but Hill remains one of the most dangerous playmakers entering the postseason. The wideout made the Pro Bowl in each of his first four campaigns for a reason, as he combines unique speed and ball-tracking skills to lead Kansas City's scoring attack. If Hill gets hot in January, there's no stopping the Chiefs.

19. Za'Darius Smith, OLB, Packers

Was there a better offseason addition on defense? Signed from the Ravens, Smith emerged as a surefire defensive MVP candidate with 13.5 sacks and league-leading 93 total pressures. The 27-year-old sparked the Green Bay Packers' defensive turnaround, making a handful of big plays every game.

18. Danielle Hunter, DE, Vikings

Even after four dominant NFL seasons, Hunter is somehow still overlooked among his peers. The Minnesota Vikings pass-rusher is the youngest player in league history to notch 50 career sacks, and he doubles as a stellar run defender. Technique, explosive athleticism, and violent hands have propelled him to back-to-back 14.5-sack campaigns, while only Smith had more total pressures this season.

17. David Bakhtiari, OT, Packers

Bakhtiari endured his struggles as a run-blocker in 2019, but he's still among the best pass-protectors in the league. The veteran has allowed just seven sacks over his last three seasons, illustrating on a weekly basis the importance of a competent left tackle. Aaron Rodgers will need Bakhtiari at his best if the Packers hope to make a run at the Lombardi Trophy.

16. Fletcher Cox, DT, EaglesIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

It was another year of dominance for Cox, especially in the pass rush. His sack total was down from a year ago, but the defensive tackle was often double-teamed and still delivered a number of tackles for loss against the run. Cox is an integral piece of the Philadelphia Eagles' defense and represents their biggest advantage in the wild-card matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. Look for a big game from the star defender.

15. Davante Adams, WR, Packers

Though a toe injury hindered his overall output in 2019, Adams once again cemented his place among the league's premier receivers. Arguably the NFL's best route-runner, Rodgers' No. 1 target dominated in one-on-one coverage while displaying improved skills after the catch. Adams caught 27 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns over his final three regular-season contests.

14. Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans

Watson's receivers and running backs battled injuries while his blockers surrendered pressures at a high rate, but you'd never know either of those facts while watching him play. The two-time Pro Bowler is a big play waiting to happen, avoiding tacklers with ease and delivering touch throws few others can make. Watson is one of the most valuable players in the league and cemented himself among the game's top passers in 2019. The Houston Texans are never out of a game when he's under center.

13. Cameron Jordan, DE, Saints

Sean Payton, Drew Brees, and the New Orleans Saints' offense receive most of the credit, but Jordan continues to dominate. The veteran rusher tallied a career-high 15.5 sacks in 2019, his third straight season with 12 or more. Jordan sets the edge in run defense as well, making him incredibly difficult to block on every snap. At a superstar-heavy position, Jordan deserves his place among the league's elite.

12. Richard Sherman, CB, 49ersLachlan Cunningham / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Just when Sherman appeared to be entering a decline, he put together an All-Pro season. The veteran's first year in San Francisco didn't go according to plan, but many forget he suffered a ruptured Achilles in 2017. Playing at full health in 2019, we saw vintage Sherman. He led the league by allowing just 0.44 yards per coverage snap, according to PFF.

11. Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs

Since he entered the league in 2013, no tight end has matched Kelce's production as a receiver. He just wrapped up his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season - the first tight end ever to do so - and enjoyed his third straight campaign with at least 80 receptions and five touchdowns. Thanks to his unique athleticism and route-running ability, Kelce is a matchup nightmare few defensive coordinators can slow down.

10. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers

Is this the year Rodgers finally makes it back to the Super Bowl? The quarterback's pairing with first-year head coach Matt LaFleur appears to be a strong one, as the veteran passer rebounded from a rough 2018 campaign to lead the Packers to a division title. Boasting all-world talent and an unmatched ability to avoid turnovers, Rodgers is the ultimate playoff X-factor.

9. George Kittle, TE, 49ers

Kittle's 2019 season was one of the best we've seen from a tight end. The 49ers star led his position in yards after the catch and yards per route run while absolutely dominating opponents in the run game; Kittle's impact as a blocker made him the most important aspect of San Francisco's breakout season. His abilities as an all-around tight end rival those of Rob Gronkowski, and he's on his way to earning an All-Pro nod.

8. Drew Brees, QB, SaintsChris Graythen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Still among the league's top quarterbacks at age 40, Brees continues to effortlessly break all-time records. The NFL's leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns is the very definition of accuracy, breaking his own completion percentage record in each of the last two seasons. Brees isn't going to wow anyone with deep downfield shots, but the Saints' offense clicks at an alarming rate with the veteran at the helm. Don't be surprised if he has one last Super Bowl run in him.

7. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans

Hopkins' 1,165 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2019 were his lowest totals since 2016, illustrating just how dangerous he's been in recent years. The star wideout's 104 receptions ranked third league-wide and only Michael Thomas and Julio Jones caught more passes for first downs. Hopkins is still elite and will be favored in any postseason matchup.

6. Bobby Wagner, LB, Seahawks

Beyond Aaron Donald, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more well-rounded defensive player than Wagner. The linebacker led the NFL with 159 tackles in 2019 while once again proving stout in coverage. Wagner is the heartbeat of Seattle's post-Legion of Boom defense and has Pete Caroll in position to make another playoff run.

5. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Patriots

A candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, Gilmore was the ultimate shutdown corner in 2019. Opposing quarterbacks completed fewer than 50% of their attempts when throwing at him and earned a measly 47.4 rating. He broke up 13 passes while shutting down nearly every receiver in his path.

4. Russell Wilson, QB, SeahawksAlika Jenner / Getty Images Sport / Getty

If not for Lamar Jackson's breakout campaign, Wilson may have found himself as the front-runner for league MVP. The dual-threat quarterback tossed 31 touchdowns to just five interceptions across 16 starts, continually battling through inconsistent blocking and injuries to his supporting cast. There isn't a player more important to his team than Wilson is; the Seahawks are headed to their seventh postseason in the last eight years with him under center.

3. Michael Thomas, WR, Saints

Thomas' 2019 campaign was truly historic. His 149 catches marked a new single-season NFL record, as he made opposing defenders look silly on a weekly basis. Emerging as the premier player at a stacked position, he simply couldn't be stopped. The 26-year-old caught an incredible 83% of his targets while thriving in the slot and on deep patterns. There weren't many better skill position players in the league this year.

2. Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens

Jackson was the league's brightest star in his second NFL campaign, scoring 43 total touchdowns and breaking Michael Vick's single-season rushing record for a quarterback. An unstoppable force on nearly every snap, Jackson combined a playmaking ability we've rarely seen with major improvements as a passer. The result was the most straightforward MVP conversation in years and a No. 1 seed for the Ravens. There's no longer an effective blueprint for slowing him down, so we wish good luck to the rest of the AFC.

1. Patrick Mahomes, QB, ChiefsJamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Mahomes didn't match last season's MVP numbers, but he's still the league's premier offensive player. He once again made a number of highlight-reel plays in 2019, but he also took care of the ball. Only 1% of his total passes were intercepted and he averaged nine air yards per attempt. With his rare touch, incredible arm strength, unique improvisation skills, and poise beyond his years, the Chiefs signal-caller has his team in position to capture its second Super Bowl in franchise history. In a 2020 postseason featuring a plethora of talented players, Mahomes is the best of the best.

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