Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Players Who Will Have Breakout Games

Once you enter the postseason, it's a whole different ballgame.

As the New England Patriots face the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI, there are several key players who have yet to explode in the playoffs.

And what better time to explode than in the Super Bowl?

Here are three players who will finally break out in the Big Game.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots

BenJarvus Green-Ellis actually had a pretty good game against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship, rushing for 68 yards and a touchdown.

He hasn't exploded yet in the playoffs, so I could see him having a big game Sunday against the Giants.

First of all, it's worth noting that while the Giants' pass rush is explosive, the rush defense allowed 4.5 yards per carry and 15 rushing touchdowns during the regular season.

The Giants' pass rushers have even been known to over-pursue on passing downs, allowing for effective draws. 

San Francisco 49ers' running back Frank Gore had 74 yards on 16 carries in the NFC Championship.

Green-Ellis isn't a big part of the Patriots' offense given they have Tom Brady, but he can definitely make you pay if you don't pay attention.

Justin Tuck, DE, Giants

Justin Tuck has 1.5 sacks in the playoffs.  All 1.5 sacks came in the NFC Championship against the 49ers.

Tuck may have had a ho-hum five sacks in the regular season, but he's a veteran who steps up when it really matters.

Remember, Tuck had 12 sacks last season and sacked Brady twice the last time these two teams met in the Super Bowl. 

Plus, he's faced up with rookie tackle Nate Solder, who is good but still growing.

Wes Welker, WR, Patriots

Wes Welker has 108 receiving yards in two playoff games this season.  For a guy who racked up over 1,500 receiving yards in the regular season and was an All-Pro, that's peanuts.

When Welker faced the Giants in the Super Bowl four seasons ago, he racked up 11 catches and 103 receiving yards.

The Giants aren't that strong in the secondary; I expect Welker to have a similar performance.