NFL Playoff Picks: James Harrison and Defensive Players That Will Dominate

When it comes to the postseason it seems like quarterbacks, and offenses in general, get most of the credit or blame for the performances of certain teams. While offense is incredibly important in today's high-scoring NFL, the old adage is that defense wins championships.

While complete teams actually win championships, defense is an important aspect.

Many of the league's top defenses, including the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers have made it to the playoffs this season, so that is a clue as to how vital defense can be.

With that said, here are three defensive playmakers who will dominate and lead their teams to victory on Wild Card Weekend.

CB Johnathan Joseph, Houston Texans

Most NFL players are measured by their statistics. That is understandable as that is the easiest and most convenient way to evaluate somebody. At the same time, not every player's value can be accurately depicted by numbers.

One of those players is Houston Texans cornerback Jonathan Joseph. While Joseph's four interceptions this season are nothing to sneeze at, they aren't representative of his actual worth.

Joseph has helped transform the Texans from one of the worst defensive teams in football to one of the best in just a year's time. His arrival from the Cincinnati Bengals immediately made the Texans better as they ranked third in the league against the pass this season.

Joseph will be facing his former team on Saturday and will have to cover freakishly big and athletic rookie receiver A.J. Green. While Green has had success against almost everyone he has faced, Joseph is one of the best cover corners in football and he'll prove why.

DE Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants

Entering the season everyone was fully aware of how good the New York Giants' pass rush was. Most of that was due to veterans like Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka and Chris Canty.

While all of them had effective seasons, none of them measured up to perhaps the most athletically gifted player in football, Jason Pierre-Paul. JPP, as he is affectionately known, had a coming-out party this season with an impressive 16.5 sacks.

Pierre-Paul will have a challenge on his hands this weekend as he will presumably have to work against Atlanta Falcons tackle Tyson Clabo, but he has conquered every opponent up to this point.

When the Giants won the Super Bowl four years ago the biggest reason was their dominant pass rush. That could be the case this season with JPP playing the role of Michael Strahan.

LB James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison may have a blatant disregard for the rules, but he is also a darn good football player.

The former Defensive Player of the Year struggled through injuries and hit-related suspensions this season, but he still managed to rack up nine sacks and remains one of the most feared defensive players in all of football.

Harrison has an interesting matchup this week as he will have to try and contain Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. While Tebow is mobile and has a stout frame, he has been sacked quite often this season, averaging about three per game.

That bodes well for the blitzing Steelers who will also get LaMarr Woodley back opposite Harrison. With Woodley commanding some attention in his own right, Harrison should be in line for a monster day.