NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Saturday's Wild Card Studs to Watch for

What makes the playoffs great isn't just the sense of urgency that goes into every game. It's also fun to watch the game's best players get the chance to ply their craft on the greatest stage. 

That's the opportunity that these players will all get on Saturday. Not only will they get the chance, they'll take full advantage of it. 

A.J. Green

It's hard to imagine a more impressive rookie than Green. On his own, he's worth the price of admission, and will only get better in time. That's nothing short of frightening for defensive backs.

This is the guy to watch from the Bengals. Saturday's game will be low scoring and decided by one or two big plays. That's where Green will step in and win the game for his team. 

Arian Foster

While I don't like the Texans to win or score a lot of points, Foster will be a strong player in this one. He's going to get a ton of carries, as the Texans can't rely on T.J. Yates against the Cincinnati secondary. The majority of whatever the Texans do get will come from Foster and the running game. 

Foster is a star. While Ben Tate does sit behind him, Foster is one of the NFL's only true featured backs, and that will show on Saturday. He'll get plenty of yards against the Bengals, giving us a glimpse of future postseason glory for both Foster and his team.

Darren Sproles

Sproles set the NFL record for all-purpose yards in a season. On Saturday night, we're going to see exactly why. There is nothing that this guy can't do. He returns kicks, runs and catches passes. 

More importantly, when the ball is in Sproles' hands, he's a genuine threat to score at any time. If he gets so much as an inch of breathing room, Sproles can easily score. Look for a few big plays through the night, and even more smaller plays that extend drives. 

Sproles, not Drew Brees, will be the player that Detroit most needs to control.

Calvin Johnson

Much like Foster, Johnson is going to thrive for the losing team in this one. Still, as is the case with many players in this year's playoffs, it will be fun to see him star on one of the game's biggest stages. And Johnson will do just that. 

All of New Orleans' defensive strengths will give Matthew Stafford trouble. They blitz and throw complex coverage schemes out there. That doesn't mean that the top receiver won't thrive. Johnson will have a huge game. 

If you haven't gotten a chance to really see him play since coming into the league, prepare to have fun. Johnson will not disappoint in his postseason debut.

Wild Card Weekend Schedule:

Date	Teams	Time (EST)	TV
Saturday, Jan. 7	Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans	4:30 p.m.	NBC
Saturday, Jan. 7	Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints	8 p.m.	NBC
Sunday, Jan. 8	Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants	1 p.m.	FOX
Sunday, Jan. 8	Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos	4:30 p..m.	CBS

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