NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Aaron Hernandez and Key X-Factors in Divisional Round

In a 2012 NFL playoffs overwhelmed with top-notch superstars like Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis, there is no shortage of big names in this year's postseason.

Yet, of course, it takes a team effort to win a football game. 

There will be key players in each divisional round contest who will be making or breaking their team's chances to move on to the NFC and AFC championship games.

Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez will be a vital difference-maker in his team's divisional round matchup against the Denver Broncos—a team that boasts one of the better defenses in the NFL this season.

Hernandez and three key x-factors will need to bring their A-game in the divisional round contests of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Aaron Hernandez, TE, New England Patriots

It's tough to imagine that the team with arguably the best tight end in football this season will look to its second best tight end to lift them to victory. 

Second-year pro Hernandez will be the guy these Patriots have to look for early and often, as double-teams and tight coverage on tight end Rob Gronkowski will allow Hernandez room to operate in the middle of the field.

The Gronk will still get his fair share of catches in this contest, especially down in the red zone; his 15 touchdowns lead the league for all tight ends, and are the most by a tight end in NFL history.

Hernandez won't have to be catching touchdowns for this team.  His ability to move the chains and get big chunks of yards after the catch will make him the difference-maker in this one.

In the first meeting between the Broncos and Patriots, the coverage on Gronkowski was tight and aggressive as Hernandez led the way with a whopping 129 yards on nine catches, and a touchdown.

Talk about some impressive figures.

Darren Sproles, RB, New Orleans Saints

Darren Sproles and his Saints go up against the best run defense in the NFL—one that allowed a mere 77.1 yards per contest.

The secondary will try to make plays early and often against Drew Brees whose top-notch play will be something this team has studied time and time again throughout the course of the last two weeks.

Sproles' ability to hit the holes and get out to quick, long runs will help open up the passing game for Brees and company, ultimately helping the Saints have an easier time taking down the No. 2 seed 49ers.

Von Miller, LB, Denver Broncos

Von Miller becomes key in this matchup against the New England Patriots, considering captain Brian Dawkins continues to sit out due to injury.

Miller is the spark that fuels this Broncos' defense, putting together an impressive 11.5 sacks during the course of the regular season.

In the win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the playoffs, Miller also recorded a sack and three solo tackles.

His impact on the football field with his aggression and nose for the football make this Broncos defense a great one.

Expect Miller to step up his play against Brady and the Pats to try to help pull off an upset at Foxboro.