NFL Playoffs 2012: Superstars Sure to Fizzle in AFC and NFC Divisional Round

The divisional round of the NFL playoffs will see several stars go head-to-head, and unfortunately for some teams, a few of those top players will fall flat on their face. 

These stars get paid the big bucks to perform at a high level on the biggest of stages, but occasionally they fail to show up. 

It really is quite sad because each team has worked so hard to get where they are, and falling short because the one guy you typically count on doesn't come through is tough to handle. 

With that said, here a few stars sure to fizzle in the AFC and NFC divisional round. 

Alex Smith, Quarterback

The San Francisco 49ers are feeling great after a fantastic season that resulted in the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye. 

Unfortunately, the 49ers now have the difficult task of trying to stop the New Orleans Saints and their red-hot QB, Drew Brees. 

He's been virtually unstoppable this season, breaking the record for passing yards in a single season. Since he is certain to shine, this means that Smith has to be on top of his game and then some. 

The Saints are going to put points on the board—it's just what they do. San Francisco hasn't faced a QB this season who is up to Brees' level, which is why Smith has to be equally as good as Brees, and that is where he will fail. 

The 49ers will look to Smith to make big throws to not only keep drives alive, but to also score touchdowns. However, Smith will choke on the big stage and the 49ers will go home empty-handed. 

Arian Foster, Running Back

The Houston Texans have their confidence back after thrashing the Cincinnati Bengals during Wild Card Weekend, and a lot of credit goes to Foster. 

Down to their third-string QB, Houston is relying on Foster and Andre Johnson to step up and be the elite players that they are. 

However, facing the stingy Ravens defense in Baltimore is not easy. Earlier in the year, the Ravens didn't have much trouble in shutting down Foster. 

The Texans' top running back only rushed for 49 yards and was held out of the end zone. If Houston wants any shot at pulling the upset, it desperately needs Foster to have a fantastic game. He'll open up the passing game more by consistently running well. 

Unfortunately, the Ravens will clamp down on the Texans' ground-and-pound, forcing T.J. Yates to make plays, which won't end well.

Eli Manning, Quarterback

The Green Bay Packers defense has been atrocious this season, which is why Aaron Rodgers has dominated so much on offense—because he's had to score a bunch just to win. 

The New York Giants are fully capable of beating the defending Super Bowl champs, but it all rests on the play of Manning.

Since the Packers defense is so bad (especially at stopping the pass), Manning will put up good numbers. 

However, look for the Giants QB to make costly errors, resulting in more opportunities for the Packers to score points.

Manning has had a good year and will make some big plays in this game, but when it matters most, he will drop the ball and lose the game for New York.