Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Unlikely Players Who Will Step Up in Big Game

There are the superstars everybody expects to play well in Super Bowl XLVI, and then there are the players who will surprise.

As the New England Patriots get set to face off with the New York Giants, here's a look at three stars who will make big impacts on Sunday night.

3. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, New England Patriots

Nobody expects this to be a run-heavy game, but the Patriots are facing a Giants defense that ceded 4.5 yards per carry, 15 rushing touchdowns and a long of 80 yards in the regular season.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis is an adept running back who will make you pay if you ignore him. Against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game, Green-Ellis rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.

Green-Ellis won't be a central figure in Super Bowl XLVI, but he will make an impact.

2. Aaron Hernandez, TE, New England Patriots

Rob Gronkowski's mere presence is a threat to defenses, high ankle sprain or not. You can bet the Giants will focus on the dynamic second-year pro.

In that regard, Aaron Hernandez should break free for a couple of big plays. Remember, despite Gronkowski's huge season, Hernandez caught 79 balls for 910 yards and seven touchdowns during the regular season.

I expect Hernandez to score on Sunday and have a bigger day than Gronkowski (I know, it's bold).

1. Justin Tuck, DE, New York Giants

Justin Tuck has been a bit overshadowed by Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora this season. While he collected five sacks in the regular season, Pierre-Paul had 16.5 and Umenyiora had nine.

But Pierre-Paul and Umenyiora will be going up against star left tackle Matt Light on Sunday, and Tuck will be matched up with rookie Nate Solder.

Solder may have lived up to his first-round selection this season, but he's going to have trouble against the experienced Tuck. Plus, Tuck had 1.5 sacks against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game and sacked Tom Brady twice in Super Bowl XLII.