NFL Playoff Picks: Unsung Heroes for Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants

NFL playoff games can be decided by people who don’t get a ton of recognition. Sometimes we rarely hear their name called, but they make a major impact on the outcome.

There are unsung heroes on each team in the playoffs, but these four players will have a humongous impact on their team winning Sunday’s Wild Card games.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Casey Hampton

Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos' rushing attack lead the NFL in rushing yards per game with 164 yards. You know that they will be running their option plays and pounding the ball with Willis McGahee to limit Tebow’s passing attempts.

Casey Hampton won’t get many tackles, probably won’t even get near Tebow for sacks, but what he does is clog up the middle of the defense with his massive frame. He eats up space and draws multiple offensive linemen, which opens up holes for the Steelers' line backing corp. in their 3-4 defense.

Hampton only has 31 tackles, 17 being solo, all season long. If the Steelers want to have any success stopping the rush, his 6’1” 325 pound body will have to take up a ton of space to free up their dynamic line backers.

Heath Miller

With Ben Roethlisberger hobbling on his high ankle, a security blanket needs to be available against the Broncos. Hines Ward used to be that guy and Antonio Brown, judging by 123 targets, was that guy during the season. But Heath Miller needs to step up and be that player for Roethlisberger.

Denver would be smart to take Brown away because he’s their best complete receiver. Mike Wallace is great, but he is still primarily a deep threat.

That leaves Miller across the middle. He should have a great day without Brian Dawkins in the secondary. Miller has caught 51 passes for 631 yards and two touchdowns this season.

Expect Miller to have his named call a lot because Roethlisberger should be getting rid of the ball early and often when he drops back.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 24, Denver 10

New York Giants

Jake Ballard

Having a tight end in the postseason can give you the security blanket quarterbacks need on hot routes. Jake Ballard has been decent this season posting 38 receptions, 604 yards and four touchdowns.

Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz should garner a ton of attention, so the 6’6” tight end should be able to have one-on-one coverage with line backers and safeties.

Ballard has 13 catches of more than 20 yards on the season and 191 yards after the catch.

His first playoff game might be a memorable one going up against the Atlanta Falcons No. 20 pass defense.

Mathias Kiwanuka

You hear a lot about Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul, but Mathias Kiwanuka has played underrated football this season.

He does it all on defense. Kiwanuka has 84 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. He has also batted down two passes, forced and recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass.

Kiwanuka isn’t getting the love he deserves, but he is every bit as important as any player on the defensive side of the ball. He will have a say in who wins on Sunday.

Prediction: Giants 31, Falcons 17