Broncos vs. Patriots: 4 Rookies in the Divisional Round Spotlight

As a season wears on, the play of rookies becomes very unpredictable. Many of them hit their "rookie wall" as a result of not being used to playing more than a dozen or so games in a season. 

However, in this weekend's divisional round many teams are going to be reliant on good performances from their rookies to advance to the championship games. In a high-stakes playoff atmosphere like this, you never know how a young man is going to react.

Here are four rookies that will be in the spotlight for the Broncos and Patriots.

Von Miller

The favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year will need to come up huge against the Patriots, and it won't be easy. He will face a good offensive line and Brady will get the ball out of his hands quickly. 

The Broncos' defense is weak in the secondary, but has been masked by the pass rush of Miller and Dumervil for most of the season. If Miller is unable to hit home, the Broncos are going to get gashed. 

Stevan Ridley

It has become clear that Ridley is the more talented runner than the "Law Firm," it is just a matter of whether or not he turns the ball over. Green-Ellis never fumbles the ball, which has been an underrated part of his game, and Ridley needs to prove that he is just as trustworthy with the ball in his hands. 

So far so good, but all it takes is one lapse in concentration for the ball to pop out. 

Nate Solder

Because of an injury to Sebastian Vollmer, rookie Nate Solder will start at right tackle. He will be matched up with fellow rookie Von Miller, who has given even the best offensive lineman fits all season long. 

Solder has been impressive when he has played, but going against a player like Miller may be his toughest test yet. 

Orlando Franklin

The Patriots may not have any bona-fide pass rushers like Denver does, but they will need to produce in the run game to make up for their deficiencies in the passing game. 

The Patriots may test how he does with Vince Wilfork, which will certainly be a tough matchup for the rookie.