NFL Playoffs 2012: Rob Gronkowski and Divisional Round's Most Vital Performers

With just eight teams remaining in the NFL playoffs, the stakes are extremely high. While a total team effort is needed in order to advance to the conference championship round, every team must get great contributions from its star players. If those players fail to show up, then anything can happen.

There are four distinct favorites this weekend, and if the players that got them into that position succeed, then they should have no issue moving on. At the same time, though, even the underdogs have game-changing players. Here are the three most vital non-quarterback performers in the divisional round.

RB Ray Rice (BAL)

It may be true that the NFL has developed into a pass-first league, but the Baltimore Ravens continue to live by the mantra of playing strong defense and running the ball on offense. Make no mistake that quarterback Joe Flacco will have to perform well against the Houston Texans this weekend, but Baltimore's offensive success largely relies on the performance of star running back Ray Rice.

Few backs are more heavily involved as a runner and a pass receiver than Rice. Not only did he rack up an impressive 1,364 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground this season, but he also managed to catch 76 passes for 704 yards. The Texans boast one of the best defenses in football so things won't be easy for Rice. If he can gain yardage consistently, though, it will be huge for the Ravens.

DE Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG)

On a team full of elite pass-rushers, none is better for the New York Giants than Jason Pierre-Paul. JPP, as he is affectionately known, racked up 16.5 sacks on the year and happens to be perhaps the most athletic player at any position in the entire NFL. He'll have his hands full against quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers offense this weekend, but he could be the key to a Giants upset.

Rodgers is able to avoid a pass-rush better than almost any quarterback in the league, so not only will Pierre-Paul have to beat blockers, but he'll have to find a way to hit Rodgers. Even if he can't physically sack Rodgers, simply knocking him down can throw him off his rhythm. Green Bay's offense is all about timing, so if JPP can throw that timing off, then the Giants will be in business.

TE Rob Gronkowski (NE)

When the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots meet this weekend, all the talk will be about quarterbacks Tim Tebow and Tom Brady. While both are deserving of the hype surrounding them, they're weapons are of equal importance. Perhaps no non-quarterback was more vital to his team's success this season than Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronk set single-season records for tight ends in receiving yardage (1,327) and touchdowns (17) during the regular season.

Denver has a solid defense, although they were picked apart a bit late in the game last week against a hobbled Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben found tight end Heath Miller for a few big plays in the game, but he probably could have been utilized better. No tight end in the game utilizes the seam better than Gronkowski, and you had better believe that Brady will be looking his way early and often.