NFL Playoff Predictions: Projecting the 4 Biggest Stars of Wild Card Weekend

As we near Wild Card Weekend, we look forward to two games that are regular-season rematches: Lions at Saints and Bengals at Texans.

Elsewhere, we have Pittsburgh at Denver and Atlanta at the NY Giants. With five wild-card teams making the Super Bowl in the last six seasons, it's clear some stars will shine.

So, here are four players that will dominate the stats during Wild Card Weekend.

Drew Brees: QB, Saints (vs Lions)

In their regular-season meeting with the Detroit Lions, Saints QB Drew Brees was 26-of-36 for 342 yards and three TDs.

New Orleans won 31-17 and finished the season 13-3.

This time around, don't expect anything different. Brees has thrown 10 TDs to zero picks in his last four postseason games, and the Lions' pass defense ranks No. 22, allowing almost 240 pass yards per game.

On the contrary, the Saints rank No. 1 in passing offense and average 334 pass yards per game. Also, Detroit allows 128 rush yards per game (ranks No. 23), while the Saints average 133 rush yards per game (rank No. 6).

Let's also factor in the arena.

It's a home game for the Saints and it's in a dome. Last week, the Lions allowed almost 500 passing yards to Green Bay backup QB Matt Flynn.

At home and inside in The Superdome, Drew Brees and Co. will eviscerate Detroit's ridiculously vulnerable defense. 

Victor Cruz: WR, Giants (vs Falcons)

For the 2011 NFL season, Giants WR Victor Cruz has 1,536 receiving yards on 82 receptions and has scored nine TDs.

He's clearly been Eli Manning's favorite, most productive and most reliable target for the Giants' No. 5-ranked passing offense (averages 296 yards per game).

On the flip side of that equation are the visiting Atlanta Falcons.

The Dirty Birds' defense allows 236.6 passing yards per game (rank No. 20), so expect nothing other than sheer dominance from the New York offense, especially the Manning-to-Cruz connection.

Atlanta doesn't have a consistent pass rush and Big Blue's offensive line has provided Eli with much protection in the pocket all season long. In order for Cruz to be stopped, the Falcons must double-cover him. However, that'll just open up the field for Eli's other targets.

The Falcons may rank No. 6 against the rush, allowing just 97 yards per game. However, New York has no reason to run the ball when they will just outscore Atlanta, who's not yet as explosive offensively.

Cruz has been on fire all season long for the Giants. Therefore, don't expect anything less in the postseason.

Calvin Johnson: WR, Lions (at Saints)

In their regular-season game against the New Orleans Saints, Lions WR Calvin Johnson was held to just 69 yards on six catches. It was clear the Saints wanted to minimize the damage from Megatron; although Matthew Stafford threw for over 400 yards, Johnson was held in check.

Well, if Detroit wants any shot at overcoming New Orleans in the Wild Card Round, Johnson must put on a show regardless of the Saints' defensive game plan.

Obviously, no one on the Saints will blanket Johnson in single coverage. Though he can still be averagely productive against double coverage, that won't be enough if the Lions are to keep pace with Drew Brees and Co.

The Saints rank No. 30 in pass defense, allowing almost 260 passing yards per game, so there's no reason for Detroit to beat them on the ground. Johnson needs to have a game like he did last week against Green Bay.

Against the Packers—in poor weather conditions—Johnson caught 11 balls for 244 yards and scored one TD. However, that was against some of Green Bay's backups and the Packers rank No. 31 against the pass.

In the dome, the best chance to silence Saints' fans is for Johnson to own the game. Detroit needs to come out attacking right away and hitting Megatron early and often. Double moves to the post, deep crossing routes and the quick slants will be the best way.

Stafford's arm is strong enough to connect downfield, but getting the rock in Johnson's hands fast from the snap is also a good idea, as he can outrun anyone.

TJ Yates: QB, Texans (vs Bengals)

Against Cincinnati—without Andre Johnson—Texans QB TJ Yates threw for 300 yards.

Last week, Johnson returned to the field, so we have to expect him to suit up this weekend. His presence will only help Houston and Yates beat the Bengals a second time.

Johnson's ability to stretch the field will no doubt move attention away from the rest of Houston's WRs, as well as Yates' most reliable target, TE Owen Daniels.

The Texans' running game will face less defenders in the box and Yates will be blitzed less, so he'll have a bit more time to throw. In turn, TJ will put on a solid performance for the home crowd.

In Yates' first game against the Bengals, six players had three or more receptions. Those numbers should increase because of Andre Johnson. The Texans will have AJ as the sole deep threat, Kevin Walter facing a lot of single coverage, Owen Daniels as the reliable threat on third down and RB Arian Foster on screens and check-downs.

Walter is good enough to beat single coverage more often than not with Johnson opposite him, and none of Cincy's linebackers can cover Daniels one-on-one.

Yates will have time to throw against the NFL's No. 9-ranked pass defense, mainly because Houston's Top Five defense will provide him with numerous possessions by forcing punts.

The Texans may not be an explosive passing offense. However, that will change thanks to Yates dishing the rock around the clock.