NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Underrated WRs To Watch in Conference Championships

The 2012 NFL Playoffs have seen several stars shine bright, but in the AFC and NFC Championship games this weekend, there will be some underrated players that step up when their team needs them the most. 

Of course the elite players will perform at a high level, but since these teams are just one victory shy of reaching the Super Bowl, every player needs to be on their A-game and then some. 

Getting this close only to lose would be devastating, which is why each team is fully preparing itself to compete for all four quarters. 

With that said, here are three underrated players that you need to keep an eye on in the Conference Championship games this Sunday. 

Mario Manningham, New York Giants 

He may be listed as the No. 3 wide receiver, but Manningham is just as dangerous as Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. 

The San Francisco 49ers have a strong defense, but they're better at stopping the run than shutting down the pass. Still, they know they have to focus on it because that is the Giants' strength. 

Because of that, they will put all their attention toward Cruz and Nicks, allowing Manningham to get free and make big plays. 

The first time these two teams played this season Manningham played a vital role, bringing in 77 yards receiving and a touchdown pass. Manningham will thrive again out west to help the Giants stay competitive for all four quarters. 

Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens top wideout this year was Anquan Boldin, but Smith did make some big plays this season, so people remember his name. 

However, due to some dropped passes and the fact he is just a rookie, he takes a backseat to other players when mentioning the AFC Championship game, especially since he didn't wow anyone in his first playoff game. 

Since the New England Patriot's secondary has been awful this year, look for Smith to be a big difference-maker on Sunday. 

Smith excels at the deep-ball, and he is going to burst past the Patriots last line of defense, resulting in huge gains for Baltimore. His blazing speed makes him very dangerous, and he will come through for his team against New England. 

Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers 

The first time the 49ers played the Giants this season, Crabtree was held to just one 21-yard catch.

He has the big-play ability, which is why fans should keep an eye on him this Sunday. The Giants saw how bad Vernon Davis burned the Saints, and they know the key to slowing down San Francisco's offense is to stop Davis.

Because of this, Alex Smith will look to Crabtree more often in order to get the ball down the field. Davis will still make plays, but in the key moments New York will scheme against him, meaning Crabtree has to step up.

He has the speed to make a difference in this game, but it's all about getting separation from coverage. Crabtree will get more targets, and if he doesn't deliver for San Francisco, the 49ers will be in big trouble.

2012 NFL Playoff Schedule

Conference Championships

AFC Championship Game

Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots

Sunday, Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. ET on CBS

NFC Championship Game

New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers 

Sunday, Jan. 22 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX

Super Bowl XLVI

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium 

When: Sunday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC