NFL Playoffs: The 10 Players Most Likely to Have a Clutch Game This Weekend

So the NFL playoffs are finally here, and if you're like me your team will be watching the games from the same place you are. The couch.

But, if you're one of the lucky ones, your team will be taking the field this weekend looking to further their Super Bowl hopes. If you're even luckier, your team has a bye and is preparing for next weekend. 

So which players are most likely to put their team on their backs and carry them into the next round?

10. Matt Hasselbeck

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks jogs during warmups before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

The Seattle Seahawks don't stand much of a chance against the New Orleans Saints.

But for them to have a chance at all, Matt Hasselbeck needs to return.

In his first game against the Saints he threw for 366 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. For the Seahawks to win, he needs a similar performance with a few more touchdowns. 

9. Dwight Lowery

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Dwight Lowery #26 of the New York Jets runs across the end zone after interceptiong a pass for a touchdown against the Chicago Bearsat Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (

Lowery, the safety for Jets, has quietly become their biggest impact player on defense.

In the last two weeks he has recorded an interception in each game and also recovered a fumble this past Sunday.

Of his team-leading three interceptions he returned two for touchdowns. He also recorded two sacks and recovered two fumbles on the season.

8. LeSean McCoy

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on December 28, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Maybe the Philadelphia Eagles didn't realize what they had at running back when they only rushed McCoy seven times in his first game against the Green Bay Packers. 

But after a 1,000-yard season in which he averaged over five yards a carry the Eagles certainly won't hesitate to lean on McCoy this week.

McCoy is a player who can drag a defender on his back or break the big run, and is dangerous every time he touches the ball.  

7. Jamaal Charles

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a catch in the endzone for a touchdown as Gerald McRath #51 of the Tennessee Titans defends during the game on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missou

For the Kansas City Chiefs to have a chance at beating the Baltimore Ravens, Charles has to have a huge game.

Charles has averaged an incredible 6.4 yards a carry this season, carrying 230 times for 1,467 yards. If he can do that against the Ravens' defense it will be impressive, but probably necessary if the Chiefs are to have a chance.

He also can't afford to lose a fumble like he has on three separate occasions this season.

6. Clay Matthews

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 05: Troy Smith #1 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 5, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the 49ers 34-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Ge

Clay Matthews found himself as the leader of a Green Bay Packers defense that surprisingly found themselves as one of the league's best in 2010.

In Matthews' first game against the Philadelphia Eagles he led the team in tackles, recorded two sacks and forced a fumble. 

That's a game-changing performance if I have ever heard of one. If he can repeat it, the Packers will stand a good chance to win.

5. Joe Flacco

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BALTIMORE, MD - JANUARY 2: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens passes against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Bengals 13-6. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

With every season that goes by, it seems like Flacco looks more and more like a Super Bowl quarterback.

This year was by far Flacco's best as he compiled 25 touchdowns in contrast to just nine interceptions.

Flacco has been awful in the playoffs the last two seasons, throwing for six interceptions and just one touchdown, but maybe a first round game against the Kansas City Chiefs can get him rolling. 

4. Peyton Manning

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass the ball during NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

OK, so Peyton Manning has had one of his worst seasons in forever.

But, who can doubt him in the playoffs?

Of all the quarterbacks in the playoffs he has more experience than everyone but Tom Brady, and experience is half the battle. 

Manning has 5,164 passing yards in the playoffs to go with 28 touchdowns and a surprisingly high 19 interceptions. I still wouldn't bet against him.

3. Aaron Rodgers

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GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers attempts to break free from Tommie Harris #91 of the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on January 2, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers is an incredible quarterback. The NFC is just full of them.

When he and Michael Vick square off it will be two of the league's best trying to top one another, and I think the winner will be Super Bowl bound. 

In his first game against the Philadelphia Eagles Rodgers had one of his worst games of the season, throwing for just 188 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

He will be looking for redemption in Philadelphia this week.

2. Michael Vick

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Eagles have had two rough weeks in a row, but Vick didn't even play in this week's game against the Dallas Cowboys.

After getting a chance to recover from the bumps and bruises of a long season, will Vick return and lead his team to triumph over the Green Bay Packers?

Following Vick's resurgence in 2010, nothing should be ruled out. 

In the first week of the season Vick played well against the Pack after relieving Kevin Kolb in the second half, throwing for 175 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 103 yards in just two quarters.

A repeat performance spread over a whole game might be enough to carry the Eagles over the Pack.

1. Drew Brees

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints warms up before playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Brees won a Super Bowl MVP last season and his first game is against the Seattle Seahawks.

Do you have any doubt he will turn in a good performance?