2015 NFL Playoffs: top 10 performers of the Divisional Round

Dec 14, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

8. Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots

Needless to say, having Gronkowski in the lineup makes a huge difference for the Patriots. He’s a matchup nightmare for most linebackers, corners, and safeties. He’s Tom Brady’s go-to guy on third down and as we saw against the Ravens, adds an element to the New England offense that’s been absent for the last few years in the playoffs.

Gronkowski caught seven passes for 108 yards and a touchdown, including a game-long 46-yard pass. Nobody on the Ravens could cover him. Ultimately, he was a deciding factor for the Patriots. I know Joe Flacco threw a late-game pick to seal it, but without Gronkowski, the Patriots wouldn’t have put up 35 points on a Ravens’ defense that is arguably better than the one New England lost to in the 2012 playoffs.

Gronkowski is the best tight end in the league, and it isn’t even close. Forget being the league leader in virtually every tight end stat – his season statistics are better than those of most receivers. He’s essentially a receiver in a tight end’s body, and he could be invaluable in deciding how far the Patriots go in the playoffs.

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