NFL Playoffs 2012: 6 Most Exciting Players to Watch

This slideshow has a disclaimer: There are no quarterbacks on it. That would be too easy. Four of the six on this list could have been a gunslinger and well, they aren't the ones making catches or taking the ball to the house.

This list is about players who have become the staple of excitement and with that comes the hope they will not disappoint this playoff weekend (I may have just jinxed all of the them).

While there are 12 teams in the NFL playoffs, there are six who could make the difficult look spectacular or the common look unreal. Whatever their reasons for what they do, they will have a significant say in the outcome of their team's success and failure in this year's playoff hunt.

Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers

Nelson quietly led the Packers in receiving this season. And had 15 touchdowns in the process.

Nelson may have come into his own in the Super Bowl last season against Pittsburgh.

He is quick and runs better patterns than most in the league and is one of the faster receivers in the league.

He could be trouble for the team that comes to Lambeau Field in the next round.

Arian Foster and Ben Tate, Houston Texans

The two-headed combination of Foster and Ben Tate has been a problem for NFL teams all season.

But when the game is on the line, Foster is the back the ball is given to.

Foster had 1,224 yards and 10 scores—and was hurt at the beginning of the season. And when Foster is not in the game, Tate gives the team a bowling ball for a back who rushed for 942 yards as well.

A lethal combination.

Victor Cruz, New York Giants

Cruz came out of nowhere (Massachusetts) to become the Giants record holder in receiving yards in a season (1,536 yards).

Not bad for an undrafted player.

While the Giants used draft pics on Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham in the past, it is Cruz who has set himself apart as the leader of the receiving corps.

Cruz uses his speed to break from the defender and has become Eli Manning's favorite target. Cruz could give the Falcons secondary nightmares this weekend.

Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos

This is one list where Tebow will be used as a runner, not so much a passer.

He has a tall task this weekend against the Steelers top-ranked defense.

As a passer, Tebow may have issues standing in the pocket while the defensive line and linebackers bare down on him.

With great speed and power to run through the line, Tebow will be counted on to make things happen not only with his arm, but mainly his feet this weekend.

Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, New England

Never have two tight ends meant more to a team than these two with the New England Patriots.

They are scoring machines.

Gronkowski set an NFL record for touchdowns scored by a tight end this season with 17. He added 90 catches to the offense and has become a cult hero of sorts in the NFL.

Hernandez is more workman-like. He caught 79 passes and seven touchdowns.

While Wes Welker spreads the field across the middle, it becomes easy pickings for Tom Brady who has to decide which tight end to throw the ball to in the red zone.

Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons

Roddy White has been the center of the Falcons passing attack all season, hauling in 100 receptions.

But the Falcons traded this year's first round pick for a chance to select Jones out of Alabama.

Jones may have only had 54 receptions this year, but those catches were for 959 yards, a 17.8 yard per average clip. Those are some pretty gaudy numbers if you ask me.

Jones could be the break out player the playoffs always showcase, and he could spell disaster for the Giants secondary with Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan having a hot hand of late.