Super Bowl 2012: Underrated Players Who Will Be Key in Taking Teams to Indy

Remember how great the little-known James Starks was during Green Bay's Super Bowl run last season? 

It seems like a player like that steps up every year and really propels his team to the next level at the best time possible. There's no question in my mind that will happen again this year.

But who will it be?

Here's a look into my fairly unpredictable crystal ball.

Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have an absolutely menacing defense, that much we know.

But who will step up on offense?

Joe Flacco has been a running joke with his atrocious playoff performances, so I wouldn't necessarily trust him.

Ray Rice is an absolute stud, but I have a feeling Houston and anyone who goes up against the Ravens will stack the box. 

Rice should still get his numbers, but he's not exactly an underrated player.

The Ravens' wide receivers are going to have step up and turn some short Flacco throws into big gains, and Smith, who averaged nearly 17 yards per catch this season, is a likely culprit to do just that.

Jake Ballard, New York Giants

The Giants have a ridiculous amount of offensive weapons and Ballard, their young tight end, is probably fifth or sixth among them.

Still though, he has the propensity to put forth a big game every once in a while, especially when those first four or five options aren't working. 

I suspect the Packers, who have had extra time to prepare for the Giants, will find a way to slow down Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. 

That's no problem for quarterback Eli Manning, however, as he has no problem moving through his progressions. 

Ballard will benefit.

Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots

The Patriots have an impressive passing attack led by Tom Brady and an unfair amount of terrific receivers, but if they want to have success in the playoffs they can't afford to be one dimensional.

That means they'll turn to Ridley, the rookie from LSU.

He's technically a backup to BenJarvus Green-Ellis, but the Pats will turn to Ridley if they actually want to move the ball on the ground.

The "Law Firm" is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry this season while Ridley has ripped off an impressive 5.1 per tote. I suggest New England keeps BJGE for the goal line, and uses Ridley in between the 20s. 

If they do that, a Super Bowl appearance is much more likely.