2010 NFL Season: Four Players to Watch

The 2010 NFL season is merely six days away and while prognosticators generally have a "sexy" pick for MVP or surprise play-off contender, the dust generally settles around week six and everyone starts to see clearly.  Here are four players that could determine their team's play-off push and success and directly or indirectly effect other teams in the league.

1. Peyton Manninig

Manning is thirty four years old and is also playing behind a sub par offensive line.  Reggie Wayne is another year older and, although, Manning has other numerous weapons at the receiver position, the Colts' running game has not been a factor this preseason. 

This season for Manning could be a mirror image of Brett Favre's 2005 season with Packers when he was surrounded by young receivers and played opposite a weak defense.  Favre was thirty six at the time, but it was the first year his team had dramatically changed.  The Colts are not very deep and if injuries start to mount, it could be a long season for Manning.  Without Manning last year, the Colts were a 6-10 team at best.  Also, Manning's 16 interceptions were his most since his 2002 total of 19. 

2. Troy Polamalu

Anyone who believes the Steelers' defense does not begin and end with Polamalu is kidding themselves.  The Pittsburgh defense was completely different and not nearly as intimidating with Polamalu on the sidelines.

With Polamalu injured, the Steeler defense not only lost a talented safety, but possibly the most versatile player in the league.  With number forty three out, the Steelers not only lost one position, but also a player who could effect the game with the pass rush and with pass coverage.

3. Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers is seemingly every pundit's pick for league MVP this year, although Vegas isn't as convinced since they set his odds at 12 to 1.  Regardless, Rodgers seems poised to take the next step in becoming an elite quarterback. 

After throwing thirty touchdowns and only seven interceptions (a would be record if not for Brett Favre's thirty three and seven tally), Rodgers clearly has a grasp of the Packers' quick strike offense.  One of the smarter quarterbacks in the league, Rodgers has a high football IQ along with deceptive athleticism.  If his offensive line can hold up, the Packers may be 2010's version of the New Orleans Saints.

4. Adrian Peterson

While Peterson's final statistics looked very impressive at season's end, overall, it was a sub par year for the running back.  The Vikings morphed into a pass first offense around week 4 and never looked back.  Peterson was relegated to less carries and less touches than he had been used to. 

Fumbles plagued Peterson all year and never more so than the NFC Championship game against the Saints.  In that same game, Greg Williams (New Orleans Defensive Coordinator) may have unveiled the blueprint for beating Brett Favre...which is to "beat" Brett Favre senseless over the course of the game.  If other teams decide to blitz more, Peterson should see his carries increase along with his receptions.  He will have to be effective running the ball and catching the ball if the Vikings want to take the next step.