NFL Playoff Predictions 2011: 6 Backups Who Will Play Big Roles

The NFL playoff picture is clearer after Week 16, but the postseason field is still not yet set.

While we still don't know all 12 teams that will make up the 2012 playoffs, we know enough to start making predictions about the postseason.

Here are six backups who will play big roles in the upcoming playoffs.

Jacquizz Rodgers, Running Back, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have big plans for the rookie running back and this year's playoffs may be a great place for his coming-out party.

Rodgers is sitting behind Michael Turner and Jason Snelling in Atlanta's backfield, but he has something those two don't.

He has speed.

Rodgers' speed and agility can create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. Plus, Turner is battling a lingering groin injury that has impacted his numbers over the last four weeks (73 carries for 241 yards and a touchdown).

The Falcons are likely going to face some high-powered offenses in the playoffs. They may need Rodgers' playmaking ability to help them keep up with the likes of Green Bay, New Orleans and Detroit.

James Jones, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers

After a dismal three-game stretch, Jones scored two touchdowns in Week 16 against the Chicago Bears and finished with four catches for 50 yards.       

Jones has been filling in for the injured Greg Jennings over the last two games, and he looks to have gained back the trust of Aaron Rodgers.

The Packers expect to have Jennings back for the playoffs. However, after missing four weeks—which includes Week 17 and a first-round playoff bye—Jennings may be rusty. That is, if he's even 100 percent.

If that's the case, Jones will continue to get snaps for the Packers.   

Stevan Ridley, Running Back, New England Patriots

It's starting to become clear in New England that there's a changing of the guard happening in the Patriots backfield.

Ridley, a third-round runner from LSU, led the Pats in carries in Week 16 with 13 to his name. He also led New England running backs with 28 offensive snaps against the Dolphins, which included 20 in the second half. He finished with 64 rushing yards.

Ridley has 360 rushing yards on the year and a lofty five-yard per-carry average.    

The 22-year-old has more talent and upside than starting running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who finished Week 16 with just three carries for 10 yards.

While it took 16 weeks, it appears Ridley has finally earned the trust of Bill Belichick.

Kendall Hunter, Running Back, San Francisco 49ers

Hunter had a season-high 12 carries in Week 16 and turned in his best performance of the year. He finished with 73 rushing yards against a red-hot Seattle defense.

Hunter is not in line to unseat Frank Gore as the starting running back, but he does offer the Niners flexibility come playoff time.

Gore has been bothered by an ankle injury for much of the season and Hunter has helped carry some of the load.

Hunter has 97 carries for 397 yards and two touchdowns. He's also emerged as a reliable target out of the backfield. After just four receptions in his first eight games, Hunter has caught 10 passes since.

While Gore should be 100 percent healthy for the playoffs, expect the Niners to continue to find ways to keep Hunter involved.  

Ben Tate, Running Back, Houston Texans

With third-string rookie quarterback T.J. Yates leading the Texans into the playoffs, look for Houston to rely heavily on their running backs this postseason.

Tate has emerged as a nice compliment to Houston's all-pro starting running back Arian Foster. The Houston duo has combined for 2,069 rushing yards this season and 13 rushing touchdowns.

With four 100-yard rushing games this season, Tate has shown he can handle a heavier workload.

His rugged running style should soften up defenses for Foster and help close games for the Texans.        

Isaac Redman, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers

Rashard Mendenhall is the unquestioned starter in Pittsburgh. However, Redman proved in Week 16 that he can be a nice compliment come playoff time.

Redman finished with 35 rushing yards and a touchdown on Saturday against the St. Louis Rams and upped his season rushing total to 387 yards.

While Redman isn't going to become the Steelers' feature back, he could provide Pittsburgh with a nice one-two punch.

Redman is averaging 4.2 yards per carry this season, which is a shade higher than Mendenhall's average of 4 yards per carry. 

Also, with a hobbled Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers may rely on the run more come playoff time.