The One Player Each NFL Team Can Least Afford to Lose to Injury

Unsurprisingly, quarterbacks dominate the list of players NFL teams can least afford to lose to injury. However, there is still enough room for those players more valuable to their teams than the men under center.

These include two running backs vital to success in both Northern divisions. There are also two defensive linemen whose absence would be more significant than the loss of a quarterback.

Here are the players NFL teams can least afford to lose to injury, beginning with those in the AFC East.

1. Buffalo Bills: Marcell Dareus, DT

The Buffalo Bills needs Marcell Dareus in place if they hope to field a strong defense in 2013. His indifferent form last season was one of the main reasons Dave Wannstedt's unit floundered.

Dareus will be even more important this season. New coordinator Mike Pettine will direct an attacking scheme, based on multiple fronts.

Pettine will need a natural focal point for each of the lines he deploys. Dareus can be that player if he stays healthy.

2. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB

Ryan Tannehill may not have entirely convinced as a rookie, but the Miami Dolphins cannot afford to lose their young passer.

The Dolphins hardly boast strength in depth at quarterback. Tannehill was drafted in the top 10 in 2012 to boost an anaemic offense.

He knows the system and play-calling of coordinator Mike Sherman, his former college head coach. The Dolphins also spent the offseason investing in better receivers, like Mike Wallace and Dustin Keller.

Those efforts are designed to get more out of Tannehill. They will be wasted if he is languishing on the treatment table.

3. New England Patriots: Tom Brady, QB

The New England Patriots still managed double-digit wins when Tom Brady missed the 2008 season. However, they also missed the playoffs.

Losing Brady for another season would again doom New England's postseason hopes. Arguably the best quarterback in the game, Brady is still the driving force for the Patriots.

Bill Belichick needs Brady under center, no matter what hopes the organization might have for Ryan Mallett. No Brady means no fourth Super Bowl triumph for Belichick and the Patriots.

4. New York Jets: Antonio Cromartie, CB

Trading away Darrelle Revis was a move the New York Jets could afford to make with Antonio Cromartie on the roster. He is now the best cornerback on Rex Ryan's defense and crucial to Gang Green's coverage schemes.

His stellar cover skills have helped Ryan's defenses compensate for the lack of an elite pass-rusher. If Cromartie went down, the Jets would be relying on Dee Milliner and Kyle Wilson.

Their coverage would not be as strong. So the defense, the undisputed strength of this team, would suffer.

5. Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo, QB

Tony Romo is a polarizing figure, but the Dallas Cowboys are not going to win big without him. Head coach Jason Garrett needs Romo under center if he hopes to take the Cowboys to the postseason.

They have not been to the playoffs since 2009 and Romo has taken a lot of the blame. However, even with a clutch of talented bodies on both sides of the ball, Romo determines success in Big D.

6. New York Giants: Eli Manning, QB

The New York Giants are struggling to agree new deals for wide receivers Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. However, their presence will be immaterial if Eli Manning is not throwing the passes.

Since the playoffs in 2007, Manning has blossomed into the star of the franchise. His mechanics are still sometimes untidy and he has never quite shaken the turnover bug.

However, few quarterbacks in the NFL can match his prowess in clutch situations. The Giants simply do not contend without Manning.

7. Philadelphia Eagles: DeSean Jackson, WR

He has had issues with his contract and effort, but DeSean Jackson is vital to the Philadelphia Eagles offense. That will not change even with Chip Kelly in charge.

Kelly has options at quarterback with Michael Vick, Nick Foles and Matt Barkley. The running game will also be strong with LeSean McCoy, Bryce Brown and Felix Jones.

No matter who he chooses at quarterback, Kelly needs a big-play receiver. Jackson is exactly that, thanks to his skill stretching the field.

The vertical threat he poses frightens defenses and will open up room for the run. With Jackson on the field, opponents have to keep safeties deep and cannot stack up against the run.

He also brings big plays in the return game. A team recovering from a 4-12 record will need those kind of game-changing contributions.

8. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB

Everything the Washington Redskins do on offense is determined by Robert Griffin III. The young quarterback's dual-threat skills define success on the ground and through the air.

It is no wonder then that Griffin's recovery from a serious knee injury has received so much attention. Kirk Cousins filled in admirably last season, but the Redskins are not the same without Griffin.

Their read-option, zone-based ground game is effective thanks to the threat of Griffin as a runner. His superb play-action skills create numerous huge gains through the air.

The Redskins would not be the free-scoring force they were in 2012 without Griffin.

9. Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco, QB

The Super Bowl champions spent years building their roster and tweaking their schemes around Joe Flacco. They could ill afford to lose their starting quarterback for long.

In previous years Ray Rice would be the one player the Ravens could not cope without. However, the emergence of youngster Bernard Pierce gives them good cover at running back.

The defense proved last season that it can recover from the loss of some of its best playmakers. The offense would find it hard to do the same without the man who came on strong in the playoffs.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR

The Cincinnati Bengals offense would become one dimensional without the contributions of dynamic flanker A.J. Green. The prolific wide receiver is the most obvious source of big plays for the Bengals.

The team has a strong defense in place, as well as a solid offensive line and running game. They could handle the loss of quarterback Andy Dalton, so long as it wasn't prolonged.

However, if Green was condemned to the sidelines for a lengthy spell, things would look different.

11. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB

It won't be a scheme change that makes the Cleveland Browns offense better. It will be the production of running back Trent Richardson.

The second-year rusher will be vital to new coordinator Norv Turner's system. He struggled with rib injuries in 2012, but still proved his potential for dominant production.

Turner has always relied on a strong ground game to make his offenses work. He needs Richardson to stay healthy and become his Emmitt Smith or LaDainian Tomlinson.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger, QB

Love him or hate him, Ben Roethlisberger is vital to the Pittsburgh Steelers. A strong defense can carry them through some games, but the six-time Super Bowl winners will not consistently win without Roethlisberger.

His knack for manufacturing big plays and penchant for late-game heroics win the Steelers the big games. He is even more important now that the dynamics of Pittsburgh's usually run-first offense have changed.

Talented receivers like Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders mean the Roethlisberger-led passing game will determine success in The Steel City.

13. Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler, QB

Jay Cutler will always divide opinion, but the Chicago Bears need him if they are going to win. His value has only increased since Marc Trestman was hired as head coach.

His fondness for the West Coast offense demands a competent, playmaking quarterback. Cutler thrived in a similar scheme under Mike Shanahan with the Denver Broncos.

The Bears need Cutler to curb his gunslinger tendencies. He must also display greater accuracy and a more varied passing range.

Cutler is certainly talented enough. If he makes the grade in the new scheme, Cutler will be indispensable to the NFC North club.

14. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB

Matthew Stafford has not quite lived up to expectations as 2009's first overall pick. Yet he is still the determining factor in the Detroit Lions becoming a consistent playoff team.

Stafford threw for nearly 5,000 yards, even in a 4-12 season, in 2012. Throwing to wide receiver Calvin Johnson would certainly help any quarterback.

However, despite Johnson's awesome stats, the Lions could cope with his loss. They have other good pass-catchers on the roster in the form of Ryan Broyles, Brandon Pettigrew and Reggie Bush.

However, it is difficult to imagine Shaun Hill being able to lead this team to success.

15. Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers, QB

Matt Flynn might have cashed in on being his understudy, but the Green Bay Packers would not survive without Aaron Rodgers. The star quarterback is the Packers offense.

He has delivered spectacular results, despite a sometimes suspect supporting cast. Rodgers has not always had the benefit of a stout offensive line or a prolific ground game.

Yet he still takes the Packers to the playoffs and dominates highlight reels. Rodgers makes wide receivers better and defines what his team runs on offense.

Take him out of the lineup and Mike McCarthy's team would struggle to stay relevant in the NFC.

16. Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson, RB

The Minnesota Vikings go only as far as Adrian Peterson will take them. That is still true even after an offseason spent recruiting better wide receivers.

The Vikings may have signed Greg Jennings and drafted Cordarrelle Patterson to help improve quarterback Christian Ponder. However, the running game led by Peterson will still define the offense.

Ponder is not yet a game-changer. If the Vikings are forced to be without Peterson for a long spell, Ponder won't win enough games in his absence.

17. Houston Texans: J.J. Watt, DE

The Houston Texans did not make the playoffs until their defense improved. Their defense did not improve until they drafted J.J. Watt in 2011.

The versatile and dominant defensive lineman is essential to coordinator Wade Phillips' defense. His 1-gap 3-4 front relies on Watt's talent for splitting gaps and crushing the pass pocket.

The fact that he consistently draws double teams creates pass-rush lanes on the outside. When Watt moves inside, he is vital to the success of Houston's nickel and dime schemes.

The offense would cope without quarterback Matt Schaub, as T.J. Yates proved in 2011. The powerful running game is based on a zone system and is not totally reliant on Arian Foster.

Ben Tate has proved an able deputy to Foster and any Texans runner would benefit from the strong O-line. Yet the defense would soon go from stout to feeble without Watt causing consistent havoc up front.

18. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB

Only a healthy Andrew Luck can return the Indianapolis Colts to consistent playoff participation in the AFC. Luck overcame a stale running game and a revolving door of an offensive line to throw for 4,000 yards as a rookie.

In the process he turned the Colts from 2-14 to 11-5. Luck is going to be the driving force of this team for the next decade.

The Colts have brutal experience of what losing a star quarterback is like. They cannot afford a repeat of that lesson with Luck.

19. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jason Babin, DE/OLB

He was a veteran castoff when he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2012 season. Now Jason Babin is vital to the team's rebuilding efforts.

He will occupy the key position in new head coach Gus Bradley's hybrid defense. Babin will play the "Leo" role, as the roving outside linebacker/defensive end.

He will be counted on to be the chief pass-rusher on Bradley's defense. His contributions will be key for a unit that managed a pitiful 20 sacks last season.

The Jaguars are still working things out on offense, so the defense will have to carry the team in 2013. That means they need Babin to stay on the field.

20. Tennessee Titans: Chris Johnson, RB

They may have signed Shonn Greene, but the Tennessee Titans need Chris Johnson to carry the running game and the offense.

The Titans underlined Johnson's importance this offseason when they added offensive linemen Andy Levitre and Chance Warmack. They also used free-agency dollars to acquire blocking tight end Delanie Walker.

Those moves put the focus firmly on Johnson. They show the Titans are committed to getting the most from their star running back.

That plan would be derailed with Johnson on the treatment table.

21. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, QB

The Atlanta Falcons would quickly go from legitimate Super Bowl contenders to also-rans without Matt Ryan. The young quarterback spearheads the league's most talented passing game.

His arm strength and accuracy rival every other top NFL starting quarterback. Wide receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones need Ryan firing the vertical strikes all season.

His running game is strong, but Ryan has become the key figure on Atlanta's offense. Dominique Davis, Sean Renfree and Seth Doege would all struggle to live up to that role.

22. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB

The style and dynamic of the Carolina Panthers offense would break down without quarterback Cam Newton. His dual-threat skills are an essential catalyst for big plays.

Newton's presence keeps the running game strong. His threat on the ground prevents defenses from stacking up against DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.

That duo could expect to see plenty of eight-man fronts if Derek Anderson was under center.

23. New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees, QB

They struggled without their coaches in 2012. However, the New Orleans Saints would be simply dire without quarterback Drew Brees on the field.

The diminutive veteran is arguably the best pure passer in the game. His range, touch and accuracy are all without equal.

The Saints' diverse passing attack would falter badly without Brees. If the offense came unstuck, there would be even greater pressure on a sub-par defense and no Saints fan should want that.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Doug Martin, RB

They may have Mike Williams and Vincent Jackson at wide receiver, but Doug Martin defines the offense for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A true workhorse, Martin succeeds between the tackles and on the edges. Aside from his versatility and production as a runner, Martin also boasts vital receiving skills.

Without his influence in both the ground game and air attack, Tampa Bay would find points a struggle.

25. Denver Broncos: Peyton Manning, QB

The Denver Broncos should not be in a rush to find out what life without Peyton Manning would be like. If this talented team is going to progress from playoff participant to Super Bowl winner, they need Manning.

The roster was strong enough to earn a playoff victory with Tim Tebow at the helm. However, Manning makes everyone around him better.

Wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker were the chief beneficiaries in 2012. This offense is now built around Manning's particular skills.

Losing him for a while would derail the progress of several of Denver's skill position players. A defense-led team would still push for the postseason, but would not be a major threat to the elite of the AFC.

26. Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles, RB

Many are often fond of accusing Andy Reid of ignoring the running game. However, the new Kansas City Chiefs head coach should make running back Jamaal Charles the fulcrum of his offense.

He did it with Brian Westbrook in Philadelphia. That would make Charles the one player the Chiefs could least afford to lose.

In truth, he was just that even before Reid was hired and traded for quarterback Alex Smith. Reid needs Charles to lead his offense in year one of his rebuild.

Without Charles and the big play skills he offers, the Chiefs would find it difficult to get up off the mat in the AFC West.

27. Oakland Raiders: Matt Flynn, QB

He may have flopped in Seattle, but the Oakland Raiders cannot succeed without Matt Flynn. The Silver and Black need Flynn to prove he can be a legitimate starter.

Terrelle Pryor has so far struggled to prove he can lead the offense. Running back Darren McFadden is brittle and inconsistent. Flynn will have to carry an offense that is unlikely to receive significant support from a remodelled defense.

The Raiders acquired him to solve a problem position. If Flynn was on the sidelines for an extended spell, their rebuilding efforts would regress.

28. San Diego Chargers: Philip Rivers, QB

Like Romo in Dallas, Philip Rivers polarizes NFL fans. However, the San Diego Chargers won't be winners without him.

The strong-armed but temperamental passer has to define and lead San Diego's offense. New Chargers boss Mike McCoy was clearly mindful of that when he spent his first offseason in charge retooling Rivers' O-line.

When he is on form, the Chargers possess a prolific, vertical passing game. Remove Rivers from the lineup and much of that threat would go with him.

Ryan Mathews is too inconsistent at running back to compensate for mediocre quarterback play. McCoy's top priority has to be improving Rivers, but he certainly cannot afford to lose him.

29. Arizona Cardinals: Carson Palmer, QB

The Arizona Cardinals plummeted from NFC champions in 2008 to NFC West cellar dwellers, thanks to shoddy quarterbacks. That is why veteran Carson Palmer will be invaluable in 2013.

The regime led by new head coach Bruce Arians acquired Palmer to add some credibility to the position. It was a reasonable move, given Palmer's 29,465 career passing yards.

Talented receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Roberts would continue to be wasted if Palmer was confined to the treatment room. Arians has not yet settled on a definite leader in the running game and his defense is also being revamped.

The first-year Cardinals boss needs Palmer on the field to hold the rebuilding effort together.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Justin Smith, DE

Much like J.J. Watt in Houston, Justin Smith is essential to the success of his team's strength. The San Francisco 49ers win because of their powerful defense and Smith is the linchpin of the unit.

That was never more evident than when the veteran suffered injury against the New England Patriots in Week 15. The difference without Smith was shocking.

Every element of coordinator Vic Fangio's system suffered. The pass rush was not the same without Smith commanding double teams and pushing blockers back.

Even a usually fearsome run defense suffered without Smith forcing runners away from the middle. The offense is more dynamic with Colin Kaepernick taking the snaps, but Smith and the defense will keep the 49ers in contention.

31. Seattle Seahawks: Russell Wilson, QB

Before Russell Wilson, the Seattle Seahawks were a 7-9 team. Pete Carroll's squad still boasted a powerful ground attack and a smothering defense.

However, it was Wilson who sparked a tough group into true contenders. His accuracy and smarts revitalized a previously limited passing game.

Wilson's ability to make plays with his feet added a much need element of unpredictability to a workmanlike offense. Take those attributes away and the Seahawks go back to being a solid team, but one that struggles to win the big games.

32. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB

He may have been expected to do more since being drafted with the top pick in 2010. However, Sam Bradford is still the vital member of the St. Louis Rams roster.

The Rams continue to look for the right weapons to expand their offense. Their latest attempts led them to drafting wideout Tavon Austin and signing tight end Jared Cook.

Yet no matter who occupies the skill positions, their success will depend on Bradford. He has the ability to emerge as a high-quality starter and the Rams will not win without him.

When Bradford has played a full season, as he did in 2012 and as a rookie, the Rams have been one game shy of .500. When he missed six games in 2011, the team slumped to 2-14.

Head coach Jeff Fisher needs Bradford healthy and ready to take the next step.