Most passing TDs in a playoff game: Where Jordan Love ranks on all-time list

The NFL is a passing league. And although postseason play typically proves more physical than its predecessor, teams need talented quarterbacks to lead them to the promised land.

There are a fair few factors that can limit a passer's effectiveness during the playoffs. Games tend to take place in frigid conditions, making it that much harder for signal-callers to drop passes within their teammates' grasps. Defenses also stiffen up, sending all sorts of different packages in the hopes of preventing the game's best QBs from getting into their rhythm.

Still, some rise to the occasion. When the lights are at their brightest, a precious few passers have made their mark. They still dance in the league's tomes, QBs who found the end zone when it seemed most unlikely.

With that, here's a look at the players who have recorded the most passing touchdowns in a single postseason game.

Most passing TDs in an NFL playoff game

Tom Brady

Brady struck gold against the Broncos' weary defense during the 2012 AFC Divisional, recording half a dozen scores as the Patriots cruised to a 45-10 win in front of their home fans.

Five of Brady's six touchdowns came in the first half, with the then-New England ace setting Denver's rearguard aside with a barrage of darts.

Brady's outburst represents the best performance of his glittering postseason career and the joint-best outing in NFL postseason history by passing touchdowns.

Steve Young

Joining Brady in the record books is Hall of Famer Steve Young, who found 49ers pass-catchers in the end zone six times in their Super Bowl 29 triumph over the Chargers. Young predictably earned MVP honors for his display, the crown jewel in a trophy chest that included two regular-season MVPs.

One of the greatest dual-threat hurlers in league history, Young made his mark with his golden arm against San Diego. He found nine different San Francisco receivers on the day, none more often than Jerry Rice, who collected 10 catches for 149 yards and three touchdowns.

Daryle Lamonica

Rounding out the list of six-TD talents is Daryle Lamonica, who struck six times in the Raiders' 56-7 beatdown over the Oilers in the 1969 AFC Divisional. Much like Brady and Young, Lamonica enjoyed a decorated career, capturing three AFL titles as well as two AFL MVPs. He was the sport's best passer in 1969, leading the league in touchdowns (and interceptions) while leading Oakland to a 12-1-1 record in the regular season.

Houston was unable to blot his influence in their December matchup, with Lamonica recording four touchdowns inside the game's first 15 minutes. He recorded the fewest pass attempts of any of the passers to join him in the holy trinity of playoff performances, completing 13-of-17 passes for 276 yards in the contest. The Raiders went on to win the 1969 AFL Championship.