A team can’t win a playoff game in today’s NFL without a lesser-known player stepping up and making some big plays. Here are some non-star players worth keeping an eye out for as we enter the Divisional Round.
WR Kenny Stills, New Orleans Saints (2013 stats: 32 receptions, 641 yards, 20.0 yards/catch, 5 TDs)
In his rookie season, Stills has emerged as a dependable target for Drew Brees. His ability to make big plays will serve him well against the top-ranked Seattle defense. If New Orleans is to have any hope of winning this game in the league’s toughest environment, they will need Stills to get behind the Seahawks’ secondary and take advantage.
CB Byron Maxwell, Seattle Seahawks (2013 stats: 28 tackles, 4 INTs)
When the Seahawks lost corners Brandon Browner (injury) and Walter Thurmond (suspension) in quick succession, there was doubt as to who would step up and fill the void. Maxwell has been up to the task to say the least, intercepting passes in each of his first three games as a starter. Seattle will be counting on him to keep up the good work as the Seahawks look to squash the Saints.
WR Da’Rick Rogers, Indianapolis Colts (2013 stats: 14 receptions, 192 yards, 13.7 yards/catch, 2 TDs)
While much of the attention this week has been focused toward newly signed Colts receiver Deion Branch, Rogers will be more of a factor this weekend. The former Buffalo Bill has been a contributor in the Indy passing game since early December, and his speed could cause problems for the Patriots’ secondary.
LB Dane Fletcher, New England Patriots (26 tackles, 2.0 sacks)
Fletcher has played well in limited action this season, most notably in New England’s comeback victory over Denver when he forced a crucial fumble in the third quarter. Without standout run stopper Brandon Spikes in the lineup, the Pats will be relying heavily on Fletcher to make a difference on Saturday night. He will likely be seeing a lot of Colts tight end Coby Fleener.
S Eric Reid, San Francisco 49ers (77 tackles, 4 INTs)
The LSU product has been impressive in his rookie season, but the playoffs are an entirely different ball game. Reid will have to be ready for the full force of the Carolina offense, and that starts with running back Mike Tolbert, who delivered a concussion-inducing blow on the rookie when these two teams met in the regular season.
WR Brandon LaFell, Carolina Panthers (49 receptions, 627 yards, 12.8 yards/catch, 5 TDs)
While Steve Smith is likely to play on Sunday, it’s hard to imagine him having much of a role in this game considering that he won’t be at 100%. That opens the door for LaFell to see a lot of targets, as he is the Panthers’ third-leading receiver behind Smith and tight end Greg Olsen. If the 49ers are without tight end Carlos Rogers, LaFell will really be a player to watch.
CB Shareece Wright, San Deigo Chargers (2013 stats: 55 tackles, 1 interception)
Wright has had an up-and-down season at corner for the Chargers, but he had a pick against the Bengals on Wild Card Weekend, so his confidence should be high going into the Broncos game. And he will need it, that’s for sure: Peyton Manning and his receivers have no plans to lose in the Divisional Round for the second year in a row.
RB Montee Ball, Denver Broncos (2013 stats: 561 yards, 4.7 yards/carry, 4 TDs)
One sure way for the Broncos to steamroll by the Chargers is to establish a running game. If Ball can rip off a few big gains early in the game, San Diego won’t be able to contain both him and Peyton Manning at the same time.
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