2011 Playoffs Preview: Biggest Impact Player for Each Team of Wild Card Weekend

When playoff time rolls around, usually just a couple of key players end up making the largest impact on a game's outcome. Each of the eight teams competing for a spot in the Divisional Round of the 2011 NFL playoffs have guys who I think will be the deciding "X-Factor" for his respective team.

Here are the eight guys to keep a close eye on this Saturday and Sunday.

Saints (at SEA): Drew Brees

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates a touchdown pass to Jimmy Graham in the second half during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on December 27, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Phot

With the loss of New Orleans' top two running backs in 2010, Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas—both of whom will miss Saturday's game due to injury—even more pressure will be put on defending Super Bowl MVP, Drew Brees.

If he can't get off to a quick start, I don't see him having any trouble carving up Seattle's defense with quick, intermediate passes on the perimeter of the field. A couple of deep balls to Marques Colston could be a lethal weapon in the matchup with the league's 27th-ranked passing defense.

On the road this season, Brees has 16 TDs and 10 INTs (6-2 record).

Seahawks (vs. NO): Lofa Tatupu

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SEATTLE , WA - SEPTEMBER 13: Lofa Tatupu #51 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates sacking Marc Bugler #10 of the St. Louis Rams at Qwest Field on September 13, 2009 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Without an active Ivory or Thomas available this Saturday, and Reggie Bush (150 rushing yards in eight games this season) making the start at running back, Seattle's defense has their work cut out for them. They know Brees will be throwing the football freely and that if they can force a couple of Brees turnovers, they would give their offense a shot at putting points on the board.

That's why its up to Seattle's defensive captain—and leader—Tatupu to keep his 'Hawks in the game and make sure they are focused on stopping the pass. Tatupu (58 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT this season) doesn't specialize at rushing the passer, but is a great coverage 'backer and is the backbone of Seattle's defense.

Jets (at IND): Brad Smith

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Brad Smith #16 of the New York Jets throws a pass against the Chicago Bears out of the 'wildcat' formation at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/

The former quarterback out of Mizzou has had success against Indy before.

In fact, in last year's AFC Championship game he made a couple of big plays, albeit in a losing effort.

The Jets' defense as a whole will be a pretty big factor against the Hall of Fame-bound Peyton Manning, but the real X-Factor I believe will be the elusive receiver/return man. He can be used with trick plays and formations such as the wildcat and pistol. Out of those two formations, he has shown he can make an impact both running the ball and throwing it deep.

Not only that, but he also has three career kick return touchdowns, two of which he ran back this season. Head coach Rex Ryan has several ways of using Smith, and he will most definitely incorporate him into his game plan against Indy.

Colts (vs. NYJ): Dwight Freeney

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 26: Dwight Freeney #93 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after a sack against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 26, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty

On offense, Manning should be okay.

But on defense we all know that the Colts struggle stopping the run, and that the Jets will likely take advantage of that. It's so bad that the Colts may even just allow the Jets to run the ball and completely shut down Mark Sanchez's passing offense.

Last year, when Indy knocked New York out of the playoffs in the Conference Championship game, then-rookie Mark Sanchez threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns (1 INT), yet the offense still only managed 17 points against Indy.

With Freeney's nine sacks in 11 career playoff games, I don't expect him to lay off of Sanchez this week. Expect a couple of Freeney sacks, and a couple of New York turnovers at the expense of Sanchez, who still has a lot of maturing to do.

Ravens (at KC): Ed Reed

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CLEVELAND - DECEMBER 26: Safety Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens returns an interception as he is chased by defenders Alex Mack #55 and Eric Steinbach #65 of the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (P

This past Sunday against the Bengals, Baltimore's free safety Ed Reed posted his 11th career two-interception game. What's even more miraculous about this feat is that the Ravens are 11-0 when the seven-time Pro Bowler has at least two interceptions in a game.

On the defensive side of the ball, it isn't nose tackle Haloti Ngata, veteran Terrell Suggs or even the seven-time first team All Pro linebacker Ray Lewis that KC quarterback Matt Cassel needs to look out for.

It's the roaming ball-hawk Ed Reed that needs to be contained.

Chiefs (vs. BAL): Jamaal Charles

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Running back Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs down field in a game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)

After reading what I wrote about Reed in the previous slide, it's obvious that if Kansas City wants to win this game, they will need to have success on the ground.

With the league's top rushing attack, Charles' career-high 1,467 yards on the ground will surely be tested against Baltimore's fifth-best run defense, which allowed just 1,503 yards rushing all year. Despite topping the league in rushing yards, Kansas City struggled to get the ball in the end zone while running the ball.

Kansas City will need to get the ball to Charles 25-30 times in order to have a shot at controlling the clock—and the game.

Packers (at PHI): Clay Matthews III

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers tackles LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Packers defeated the Jets 9 - 0. (P

On defense, there's no doubt Matthews is the nucleus.

After a solid rookie performance in '09 (36 tackles, 10 sacks, 7 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR TD), Matthews one-uped himself with an even better 2010 season, quickly making a name for himself. His 54 tackles, 13.5 sacks and interception landed him a second straight Pro Bowl selection.

Not only have his numbers been solid, but he has also imposed fear in his opposition. Quarterbacks now need to know where No. 52 is at all times when they step on to the field. He's not all that large (6'3'', 246 pounds) in comparison to other linebackers, but his speed and strength are baffling.

He is the Packers' key to containing Vick and keeping him inside the numbers. Once Vick bounces to the outside, it is tough to stop him. Look for Matthews to be running sideline-to-sideline on Sunday.

Eagles (vs. GB): 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)

Vick says he has recovered from his thigh injury and is "100 percent" ready to go on Sunday.

But we should all still keep an eye on Vick's thigh.

If Green Bay's defense is all over Vick, he could re-injure his thigh at any moment. If he is ready to go like he says he is, though, Green Bay could be in for a long day. That's why, of course, Matthews is my X-Factor for Green Bay. The result of this game will vary depending on who shows up and is ready to play. If Vick can break out for a couple of big plays against Matthews' defense, Philly could take this one at home.