POWER RANKINGS: Where every NFL playoff quarterback stands heading into the divisional round

Matt Rourke/AP

The NFL season has been narrowed down to just eight teams, and a lot of what happens over the next few weeks will be decided by the quarterbacks.

The list of quarterbacks still standing in the playoffs includes the best in the game. It consists of quarterbacks who have combined to win eight Super Bowls, 12 conference championships, and four MVP awards. It also includes a rookie and a signal caller who lost his job just four weeks ago.

Here is a look at the quarterbacks and where they stand heading into the divisional-playoff round.

9. Brock Osweiler, Houston Texans

One thing to know: Osweiler started just 14 games after signing a $72 million contract as a free agent before being benched by the Texans. He returned to the starting lineup when Tom Savage suffered a concussion in the final game of the regular season. But while he helped the Texans beat the Raiders in the Wild Card round, Osweiler, who threw 15 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in the regular season, and ranked last in yards per attempt (5.8), now gets to face the Patriots in Foxborough. The Texans are a 15.5-point underdog.

Playoff record as a starter: 1-0; threw for 168 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions in Houston's Wild Card win over the Raiders a week ago.

Team's chances to win Super Bowl (via FiveThirtyEight): 2%

8. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

One thing to know: No team has ever won a playoff game with a rookie starting quarterback and a leading rusher who was also a rookie. Romo isn't expected to play, but you can expect him to be mentioned often during the broadcasts. And if the Cowboys do find themselves down big, it is not out of the realm of possibility that Romo will be called upon to try and lead the Cowboys back.

Playoff record as a starter: 2-4; The Cowboys went to the playoffs just once in the last six season, losing to the Packers in the divisional round in 2014. That was the game that was effectively ended with the infamous Dez Bryant catch near the goal line on fourth down that was overturned on replay and ruled incomplete.

Team's chances to win Super Bowl: 12%

7. Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

One thing to know: Smith threw a pedestrian 15 touchdowns and 8 interceptions this season in 15 games and ranked just 20th in the NFL in adjusted yards per attempt (adjusted for interceptions).

Playoff record as a starter: 2-3; This is the fourth time Smith has led a team into the playoffs, including three of the last four seasons. He nearly led the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2011, losing to the Giants in overtime in the NFC championship game. He has thrown 11 touchdowns and just 1 interception in five career playoff games.

Team's chances to win Super Bowl: 15%