NFL Playoff Predictions: Most Important Rookies of Conference Championship Games

The following rookies will be the most important during the NFL conference championship games this weekend:

Aldon Smith, 49ers

Smith got lost to start the season in the shadow of fellow rookie Von Miller. But as the season wore on, Smith became more and more dominant. On Saturday, he continually collapsed the pocket on Drew Brees. If the 49ers want to keep down Eli Manning and the Giants' red-hot offense, getting Manning uncomfortable in the pocket is priority No. 1. 

Kendall Hunter, 49ers

New Orleans Saints safety Roman Harper told Kenny Albert and Daryl Johnston, the FOX broadcasters who relayed that message during the Saints-49ers telecast Saturday, that his defense was as worried about Hunter in the 49ers backfield as they were about Frank Gore. While Hunter didn't have a huge impact, he does have game-breaking ability at any time. The Giants have to be cognizant at all times of when the rookie back comes on the field. 

Chris Culliver, 49ers

Culliver has taken hold of the 49ers' nickelback spot, and he should see plenty of playing time Sunday against both Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham in the slot. He's been a breakout guy for San Francisco in 2011, but the Giants receivers can put a lot of pressure on the cornerback covering the slot. 

Jacquian Williams, Giants

Williams was part of a Giants linebacking crew that made it their mission to beat on Packers tight end Jermichael Finley. Their plan worked, and Finley's biggest contribution to the divisional-round loss was a couple of dropped passes. We'll see if Williams and the Giants linebackers employ a similar strategy against Vernon Davis, who set an NFL record for receiving yards by a tight end in the postseason against the Saints.

Jimmy Smith, Ravens

It'll be interesting to see how many times the New England Patriots spread out the Ravens to isolate Smith in man-to-man. The rookie played well during spurts in 2011, but facing a Tom Brady-led offense on the road is a tough task. Smith doesn't need to win the game Sunday, but he can't be a big reason why they lose it. 

Torrey Smith, Ravens

Smith caught just one pass for nine yards against the Houston Texans Sunday, but the Ravens will need him to play a bigger role against a Patriots defense that allows big plays through the air. Let's see if Smith can get behind New England's pair of safeties for one of those game-changing catches we saw at times during the regular season. 

Nate Solder, Patriots

If there's one way to slow down Tom Brady right now, it has to be by getting consistent pressure on him in the pocket. Without it, even the Ravens will get sliced and diced. That makes it imperative for Solder to be on the top of his game Sunday at right tackle.