Broncos vs. Patriots: Demaryius Thomas and Unheralded Players That Must Produce

Heading into the playoffs it is usually pretty easy to say who the most important players are to particular teams. For instance, quarterback Tom Brady, wide receiver Wes Welker and tight end Rob Gronkowski pretty much form the core of the New England Patriots.

As far as their opponents, the Denver Broncos, go, quarterback Tim Tebow proved his worth last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While all of those players are sure to play important roles this weekend, there are several less talked-about players that will need to make plays as well. No matter how well or poorly the marquee names play, there is always the possibility that somebody can come from out of nowhere to steal the game.

Here are three unheralded players that will need to come up big.

RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE)

It's no secret that the Patriots are a pass-first offense with Tom Brady under center, but without the threat of a running game, Brady is much less effective. Although the Pats like to employ a running-back-by-committee approach, the powerful BenJarvus Green-Ellis is whom head coach Bill Belichick turns to when he needs to grind out a yard on third down or near the goal line.

While "Law Firm" wasn't leaned on heavily during the season and he didn't exactly set the world on fire in averaging 3.7 yards per carry, he has always been a very consistent and dependable runner. Green-Ellis found pay dirt 11 times during the regular season, so it stands to reason he could play a big role in the red zone. Provided Green-Ellis can grind out some tough yardage, Brady will be under much less stress.

DE/LB Mark Anderson (NE)

The Patriots' defense faced plenty of scrutiny over the course of the season as it was routinely scorched in the passing game by opposing offenses, but not every aspect of the defense was negative. One shining light was hybrid defensive end/linebacker Mark Anderson, whom the Pats signed off the scrap heap during the offseason.

Anderson enjoyed his best season since his rookie campaign in 2006 as he tied for New England's team lead in sacks with 10. The Patriots' secondary has struggled all season long and it may continue to do so against the suddenly red-hot Tim Tebow, but Anderson can put a damper on Denver's plans. If Anderson can provide a consistent pass rush, it will really disrupt the Broncos' offensive rhythm.

WR Demaryius Thomas (DEN)

For much of the regular season, Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was an afterthought. He was a first-round pick a couple years ago, but he hadn't really shown signs of living up to his immense potential. That started to change late in the year, though, as quarterback Tim Tebow clearly began to take a liking to him and started to look his way with much more regularity.

That trend continued on Wild Card Weekend as Tebow hit Thomas for three passing plays of 50 yards or more, including an 80-yard score to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime. All told, Thomas reeled in four passes for an astonishing 204 yards. Thomas abused New England's secondary for 116 yards a few weeks ago, but he will have to play closer to his form against the Steelers for Denver to pull off the road upset.