Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Tom Brady and Most Dangerous Players

And then there were four. 

We're getting closer and closer to the Super Bowl, which means players are preparing themselves to perform at the highest of levels. 

The AFC and NFC Championship are sure to be great games, but it's the Super Bowl that everyone cares about the most.

With that said, here are the most dangerous players with the shot to play in the Super Bowl. 

Tom Brady 

Whether it's cold, warm or wet, Brady is going to come through for the New England Patriots. Fortunately for everyone, the Super Bowl is in a dome, so weather isn't a factor. 

Brady has had plenty of success playing in Lucas Oil Stadium, and now that he's picked up his first playoff victory since 2007, he will be unstoppable. 

Facing the Ravens is no easy task, but Brady will get the job done. He's fresh off a record performance, and with his confidence being sky high, he'll continue to shine all the way to Indianapolis.

Once there, it won't matter who he is playing because Brady is on a mission, and with the help of Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Wes Welker, the Patriots' offense will not be denied. The biggest question for them is whether or not their defense can make any stops. 

Ray Rice 

Even though the Houston Texans held Rice in check, he's still one of the most feared players in the playoffs. 

Since he did have a subpar performance this past weekend, look for Rice to breakout against the Patriots' weak defense. 

The versatile running back can beat you running north to south and east to west. What's more, he's a huge threat in the passing game for the Baltimore Ravens, which is why opposing teams try to scheme against him. 

With only one superb defense left in the playoffs (excluding his own), Rice will thrive the rest of this postseason no matter what. 

Alex Smith 

He had his doubters (and most likely still does), but he definitely proved them wrong by helping the San Francisco 49ers advance to the NFC Championship round. 

The 49ers haven't been this deep in the playoffs since 1997, and thanks to Smith, now they have a shot at playing in the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994. 

It's been rough times in San Francisco, but Smith is doing his part to carry the team back to glory. Jim Harbaugh deserves a lot of credit, but it's Smith who is making the big throws. 

Since he led the 49ers to a great comeback victory, he now has the confidence that he can dominate on offense, which makes him very dangerous. 

Before, he was just game managing, but after excelling on offense this past weekend, he knows he's capable of greatness, and that is why teams need to fear him moving forward.