NFL Playoffs 2011: Second Round's Biggest Potential Playmakers

It is now week two of the 2011 NFL playoff race.

Teams that have won Super Bowls in the past have fallen by the wayside, while teams that had no business being in the playoffs to begin with continue to prove people wrong.

We also have seen the emergence of playmakers in this past week, between Tramon Williams' timely interception and Marshawn Lynch's Tecmo Super Bowl run.

What other potential playmakers could emerge this week?

The following is a top 20 list looking at the biggest potential playmakers in this week's games.

I should note that quarterbacks will not be listed, simply because it's obvious that all eight are playmakers, even Mark Sanchez.

20. Earl Thomas

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: Safety Earl Thomas #29 and cornerback Marcus Brown #32 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrate a defensive play against the St. Louis Rams during their game at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Gre

Someone needs to take advantage of the Bears' offense after having faced the Saints. If anyone's going to do that, it's Earl Thomas, probably the best defender on a not-very-good squad.

19. Santonio Holmes

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets celebrates late in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. TH

We haven't seen too much of him outside of his couple amazing clutch moments. Having said that, if anyone's going to make a play in the playoffs to seal a game, it's this guy. Tough to say if he'll have the opportunity to do that this weekend.

18. John Abraham

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: John Abraham #55 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on in the final minutes of their 33-10 win over the Carolina Panthers at Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Abraham has been the anchor in Atlanta's defense this season, putting up double digit sack totals. If he can get to Aaron Rodgers, it could be a long day for the quarterback. Abraham against Green Bay's offensive tackles will be a battle to watch.

17. Brian Urlacher

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears brings down Shonn Greene #23 the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Brian Urlacher may be getting up in years, but he's still a force that could ravage Seattle's defense.

Despite missing nearly all of 2009, the Seahawks will keep an eye on him and the rest of the Bears' defense. You know he'll make at least a couple big plays.

16. Marshawn Lynch

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks runs for a 67-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter against Tracy Porter #22 of the New Orleans Saints during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on Janua

Could he pull off another Tecmo-type run like he did against the Saints?

Most likely not, but after the way he shook off the Saints' defense, you have to think that he could pull off at least a few breaks against the Bears.

15. Ray Rice

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Running back Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter of their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Misso

The only reason he's not higher is because he's going against the lockdown Steelers' run defense.

Nonetheless, he's always a force in the Ravens' running game, and has that big game potential in him.

He wasn't really used in the regular season games against Pittsburgh, so bringing him in this game could throw them off.

14. LaDainian Tomlinson

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets against the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won 17-16. (Photo by Jonat

LT has not had a big playoff game in a while.

His best was last week against the Colts, where he ran for 82 yards and two touchdowns. He could certainly duplicate that against the Patriots with a couple well-placed runs.

Even if the Jets lose, this could be the last game where he plays a major role, as Shonn Greene will probably start handling more carries over the next couple seasons.

13. Deion Branch

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: Deion Branch #84 of the New England Patriots scores on a 25-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against Antonio Cromartie #31 of the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (P

Deion Branch has been one of Tom Brady's biggest weapons, especially in playoff time. If Tom Brady gets in a tight situation, which is unlikely, Branch will be his safety net, and has the chance for a big game.

12. Rashard Mendenhall

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hands off to Rashard Mendenhall #34 during their game agasint the New York Jets at Heinz Field on December 19, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Image

Rashard Mendenhall and Ray Rice are both in similar situations. They can make big plays for their teams, but are facing tough defenses.

The Steelers running back is more likely to make a big play because the Ravens defense isn't quite as good as the Steelers'.

11. Devin Hester

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears runs against the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Devin Hester has the ability to make big plays on offense and special teams for the Bears. Against the Seahawks he should have no problem doing so. Perhaps we'll see a playoff punt return for a touchdown in this game.

10. Ray Lewis

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Linebacker Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reads the play in 2011 AFC wild card playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/G

Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs are the core of the Ravens' front seven, and both have the possibility to make some tough plays against the Steelers' offense.

Lewis, who has over 100 tackles and recovered three fumbles this past season, is more likely to make the big plays.

9. Devin McCourty

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DETROIT - NOVEMBER 25: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots celebrates a fourth quarter interception with James Sanders #36 while playing the Detroit Lions on November 25, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. New England won the game 45-24.

If there's one New England defender who I expect to have a big game against the Jets, it's McCourty.

He leads rookies with seven interceptions, and will be watching Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards like a hawk, just waiting to make that timely pick.

8. Troy Polamalu

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rolls out of bounds after intercepting a pass against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Pittsburgh

Polamalu is questionable for Sunday's game, so he isn't ranked as high as he could be—which would be around the top spot.

Nonetheless, you can't discount the seven picks and the energy he brings to the Steelers' secondary. If he can get on the field, then he'll be a playmaker while battling the injury.

7. Michael Turner

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Michael Turner #33 of the Atlanta Falcons runs upfield during the game against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Michael Turner has become the running back the Falcons were hoping for this season, leading the league in rushing attempts. He ran for 1,371 yards this year, so Matt Ryan will be giving him the ball early and often against the Packers.

6. James Harrison

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Linebacker James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on while playing against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. Pittsburgh won

James Harrison is a playmaker more often than not, and he'll have his game face on against the Ravens. He'd be higher on here if he was facing a weaker team, but a man who's gotten multiple fines for his play is always one to watch on the gridiron.

5. Greg Jennings

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball against the New York Jets on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers' main target this year has been Greg Jennings, who has 12 touchdowns and over 1,200 receiving yards. Rodgers had over 100 yards against the Falcons last matchup, and easily could get that again.

4. Roddy White

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons reaches for a catch during the game against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Who could possibly be a bigger playmaker this weekend than Greg Jennings?

Let's try Roddy White, the league leader in receptions.

Matt Ryan will utilize him as often as possible. He didn't get used much last game, but I see a big game from him, no matter which of Green Bay's corners try to guard him.

3. Matt Forte

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GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 02: Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears carries the ball after making a catch against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 2, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Matt Forte has been a great running back for the Bears this year, and has been what's kept their offense going. Put him against the Seahawks and watch the scoreboard light up. He'll have the best offensive stats outside of perhaps a quarterback or two.

2. Ed Reed

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Safety Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to playing the Kansas City Chiefs in their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Doug Pensinger

Ed Reed could be the No.1 playmaker if Ben Roethlisberger threw picks a bit more often. Nonetheless, Reed should be able to take out either the deep threat in Mike Wallace or the go-to guy in Hines Ward, making it harder for Pittsburgh to get the passing game going.

1. Clay Matthews

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after a sack against the Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelp

Clay Matthews may not have been quite the beast in the second half of the season as he was in the first half, but nonetheless he's been what has held the Packers' D together this year.

I could certainly see Matthews unloading a sack or two and getting in Matt Ryan's face several times in this weekend's matchup.

If there's going to be a game where we see the Clay Matthews we saw at the start of the season, it's now.