NFL Playoff Predictions: Projecting the Stars of Divisional Round Weekend

Drew Brees, Hakeem Nicks and Arian Foster were the stars of Wild Card Weekend. 

Who will shine brightest during the divisional round? 

Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos 

The 6'3'', 235-pound wideout from Georgia Tech will be a recurring headache for the inferior Patriots' secondary. 

Although I have faith in Bill Belichick and his game-planning ability, Thomas is simply too big and too physical for New England's defensive backs, and it looks like he has been regaining the speed he may have lost after injuring his knee last season. 

He caught seven passes for 116 yards in the Broncos' regular-season loss to the Patriots. 

Expect a similar outing on Saturday night. 

Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens 

Yesterday, I wrote about the importance of stopping Rice for the Texans. 

However critical, it's much easier said than done.

Even if Rice his corralled on the ground, you know Baltimore's coaching staff will feature him in the screen game, a place in which he's arguably the most dangerous.

With much attention being paid to Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith down the field, Joe Flacco will pick up a handful of first downs by getting the ball to his versatile running back in the flat with blockers in front.

In the red zone, Rice will get his fair share of touches, too.

Expect a big game from Terrell Suggs, as well. 

Robert Meachem, New Orleans Saints 

Marques Colston poses a ridiculously difficult matchup for any cornerback, even San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowler Carlos Rogers. 

Colston won't be totally shut down, but Rogers is a physical corner who will give the 6'4'' receiver trouble throughout the game.

Robert Meachem, the team's downfield burner, will see more favorable matchups.

With the 49ers defensively honed in on Colston, Jimmy Graham and the terrorizing screen game running backs, Brees will find Meachem on more than one deep ball.

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers 

Taking the easy route here, but actually with all the offensive fireworks from other clubs and the Packers' bye week, Rodgers is somewhat of an afterthought coming into this game. 

The Giants secondary was exquisite against Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons passing attack last week, but getting Greg Jennings back makes the world of a difference for Green Bay.

Expect over 300 yards and three touchdown passes for the probable league MVP.