NFL Playoff Picks: Big Performances from Next Year's Breakthrough Fantasy Studs

Even when my fantasy football league ends, it nonetheless remains a part of my life.

I read up on news from other cities to identify breakout players for the following year. I go back and study statistics to find players who had solid seasons below the radar.

And I watch the playoffs carefully, hoping to spot a big performance from a young player with heaps of potential that might forecast a big year to come.

Here are a few players I expect will show their potential in this year's playoffs that you need to be prepared to snag at next year's draft.

Antonio Brown

Brown had a solid season as Ben Roethlisberger's second option at wide receiver, finishing the year with 69 receptions for 1,108 yards.

I know what you're thinking—that sure sounds like a breakthrough season to me, Tim.

While you're not wrong, Brown only scored two touchdowns this season while fellow wideout Mike Wallace—good for 72 receptions and 1,193 yards—scored eight.

The Broncos and Patriots—who the Steelers will play after they beat the Broncos today—will have a hard time accounting for the two wide receivers and will likely focus on taking Mike Wallace out of the game.

That should mean additional looks for Brown, and thus, a few touchdowns. Next year, expect the touchdown output from the two receivers to be closer, and expect Brown to be a top-15 fantasy wideout in standard-scoring leagues.

Michael Crabtree

I have a confession to make—Michael Crabtree had a far better season than I thought he did this year.

I'm not saying 72 receptions for 874 yards and four touchdowns is an amazing year, but it does mark the third straight season in which he's improved his catch and yardage totals.

And did you see what the Lions and Calvin Johnson did to the Saints secondary? He only caught 12 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns, or as Johnson likes to call it, just another day at the office.

Now, Crabtree is no Megatron. But against a suspect Saints pass defense, he should be able to post big numbers.

And in the process, he'll show you the ability that will make him a breakthrough fantasy stud in 2012. So keep your eye on Crabtree, all you fantasy fanatics.

Torrey Smith

Smith and the Ravens passing game will face a tough task against the Texans and their third-ranked pass defense.

But look for them to advance behind a stout run defense and the efforts of Ray Rice, only to have the Patriots second-worst pass defense in the wings.

Which should spell the end zone for Mr. Smith.

Smith became the Ravens deep threat this year, finishing with 50 catches for 841 yards and seven touchdowns. Look for him to have himself a big day and solidify himself not only as Baltimore's best deep threat, but also the team's primary target in 2012.

Hit me up on the Twitter—it's the best way to spend the last year of existence.