Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Chad Ochocinco and XLVI's Top Super Sleepers

We know Eli Manning and Tom Brady are going to make big throws.

We know Hakeem Nicks, Wes Welker, Victor Cruz and Aaron Hernandez are going to make catches (and Rob Gronkowski if he is healthy).

We know we're going to talk about Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Vince Wilfork.

But which players that we aren't talking about are going to step up? Who is going to be this week's Devin Thomas or Sterling Moore? Or this year's David Tyree? Following are three players that could make an impact on Super Bowl XLVI.

Chad Ochocinco, WR, Patriots

Ocho is not a sleeper in terms of reputation, but he is a sleeper in terms of recent production. He caught only 15 footballs all year and wasn't even active in the AFC Championship Game.

He's struggled catching the football this year when he was targeted and he truly hasn't grasped the Pats' offense.

But in the Super Bowl, anything goes. We've seen crazier things happen. We've seen Bill Belichick pull out all the stops before.

Don't be shocked if Ochocinco makes a play on Super Bowl Sunday.

Travis Beckum, TE, Giants

Jake Ballard was the guy who made the game-winning catch against the Patriots in Week 9. But the Giants started looking to Beckum more and more down the stretch and he could be a factor on Sunday.

He isn't a true tight end and can line up in a number of spots. He's sneaky and knows how to slip behind linebackers and in front of safeties.

Eli is going to see pressure of some kind on a number of his drop backs, and Beckum is one of those guys that can matchup on a hot route and make a big play.

Belichick will be damned if Nicks and Cruz are going to run free in his secondary. So don't be surprised if the Giants have a few tricks up their sleeve.

Danny Woodhead, RB, Patriots

The Giants shouldn't have trouble with Woodhead on the ground. But Belichick's offensive staff will look to exploit the Giants' linebacking unit in coverage with the diminutive target.

Woodhead isn't an elite receiver that will get up the sideline, but he can leave linebackers behind in the flat rather quickly.

Big Blue will likely use three safeties exclusively to handle the Pats' tight ends, so it will be on the linebackers to deal with Woodhead's versatility.