NFL Playoffs 2012: Game-Changing Stars Who Will Paint Super Bowl Picture

First things first: I'm not going to list any quarterbacks here. It's too obvious that players like Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Drew Brees will have major says in whether or not their teams advance to the Super Bowl.

But, what other players from teams I expect to advance to the Conference Championship games will play a major role in determining whether their team plays for—and wins—a Super Bowl?

Let's find out.

Darren Sproles

How great has Darren Sproles been in the New Orleans offense?

His value is perfectly summarized by Roto World's post on him after the Saints' victory over the Lions:

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Darren Sproles rushed 10 times for 51 yards and two touchdowns and added four receptions for 34 yards against the Lions in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

Sproles entered the postseason with just two rushing scores all season, but he vultured a 2-yard TD from Pierre Thomas and ran untouched up the gut for a 17-yard jaunt. Whenever the Saints needed a key play, Sean Payton could simply call Sproles' number in a mismatch against a defense concentrating on stopping Drew Brees down the field. Sproles has six touchdowns in his last six games heading into next Saturday's game with the 49ers.

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Sproles' ability to be an effective receiver out of the backfield, along with the fact that he is nearly impossible to solo-tackle in space, creates nightmares for defensive coordinators.

But in turn, if you worry too much about Sproles, Brees will torch you down the field or find Jimmy Graham in favorable matchups.

If the Saints are going to win the Super Bowl, it will be in large part because Sproles either shreds defenses that aren't paying him enough mind or opens up the field against defenses keyed on stopping him.

Clay Matthews III

We know that the Green Bay Packers are going to score when they have the ball.

But for them to win the Super Bowl, their defense will need to continue doing the one thing they've done well this year: create turnovers.

Only the 49ers (plus 28) have a better turnover differential than the Packers (plus 24) this season. For that to continue, Clay Matthews will need to be a beast in the postseason.

His impact on a game can be felt in a number of ways.

Yes, his six sacks and 50 tackles this season were career lows. But, Matthews also forced three fumbles and intercepted three passes.

Even if Matthews doesn't get the sack, his ability to pressure the quarterback can cause a hasty throw and interception.

And if the Packers win in the turnover column, chances are they'll win in the points column, as well.

Aaron Hernandez

Okay, so the real stars in the New England Patriots passing game are Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady.

But, if a team focuses too much of its efforts on either Welker or Gronkowski, Hernandez can—and will—make it pay.

Consider this: Despite generally being Tom Brady's third option—and second option at tight end—Hernandez finished with 79 receptions for 910 yards and seven touchdowns.

He was the third-best tight end in standard-scoring fantasy leagues, for heaven's sake!

So ignore him at your own risk, AFC playoff teams.

Ray Rice

It cannot be stated enough that running the ball successfully with Ray Rice is the key to any success Baltimore will have this postseason.

In the Ravens' four losses this year, Rice averaged nine carries and 39 yards per game. In wins, he averaged 21 carries and 101 yards.

It doesn't get much more obvious than that.

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