NFL Playoff Predictions: Jermichael Finley and More Set to Shine in Second-Round

Come playoff time, teams are preparing to take away their opponents' major weapons. It then becomes an interesting topic of debate: Who will step up and be the game changers for their respective teams?

With the Divisional Round of the 2012 NFL Playoffs just around the corner, there is no question opposing teams are taking the extra time to plan for players like Tim Tebow, Greg Jennings, Arian Foster and other top talents left in the field.

Green Bay Packers TE Jermichael Finley is one of several players expected to be key difference makers in their Divisional Round game against the New York Giants, as he has had much success against the Giants.

These are the three players expected to be the unsung heroes of their Divisional Round games.

Jermichael Finley, TE, Green Bay Packers

Talk about a player going under the radar in this one.

With heavy coverage expected on WRs Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson, there will be plenty of opportunities for a player like Jermichael Finley to cash in and have himself a solid outing.

Consider this: In the last meeting against the Giants in the regular season, Finley put up six catches for 87 yards and a touchdown. Outside of Greg Jennings, Finley was the most targeted option for QB Aaron Rodgers in the passing game.

Coming off two straight games with a TD reception and two weeks to tend to his injured knee, expect the young TE talent to rise to the occasion and make big plays against the Giants defense.

Will Smith, DE, New Orleans Saints

With Drew Brees at QB, a star-studded group of wide receivers and a dynamic RB in Darren Sproles, it's tough for the defense of this team to get much recognition.

Yet this unknown defensive line is led by DE Will Smith, who has posted a strong season with the team. His 6.5 sacks are the second most on the team, while also posting two forced fumbles and three tackles for a loss.

Smith and company will look to put pressure on young QB Alex Smith from the beginning, as an experienced defense will look to get the best of Smith in this battle.

Will Smith's ability to get to the QB will pressure Alex Smith on several throws in this contest, and will be the X-factor in a Saints victory.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, New England Patriots

Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis has made a name for himself since joining the New England Patriots in 2008. With a 1,000-yard season in 2010 and over 600 yards in 2011, Green-Ellis has been a workhorse for this team at the RB position.

Not to mention, this is a player that has picked up his game as of late. In his last six games, Green-Ellis has recorded six touchdowns and three catches for 85 yards.

The three catches are big numbers for the Patriots, as his ability to catch and run with the ball is a significant asset for this team. His ability to open up the screen game for Brady and the Patriots could make or break several drives for the Patriots against the Broncos. 

In their previous meeting in the regular season, Green-Ellis recorded a TD and two catches for 32 yards.