Packers Vs. Bears: 10 Players To Watch In the Epic NFC Championship Contest

When the Packers take on the Bears in Chicago this weekend, the rivalry will be in full force.

There's a good chance this game will be one to remember, and whoever comes out on top gets to go to the Super Bowl. The stakes don't get any higher than this in the rivalry.

The Packers and Bears both have rosters full of stars, but we'll highlight 10 players to keep your eye on who could make the game-changing play that brings victory to their team.

Think we missed somebody, throw their names in the comments, there are no wrong answers here. This is smashmouth football at its best.

10. Brandon Jackson

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Brandon Jackson #32 of the Green Bay Packers runs down field against the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by

Brandon Jackson emerged as the season went on as a viable backfield threat. How he performs versus the Bears formidable defensive line will be a storyline in the game.

9. Devin Hester

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Kick returner Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears returns a punt in the first half against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jona

Devin Hester can change the course of the game every time the ball is kicked to him, and he is just as big of a threat as a wide receiver.

8. Donald Driver

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Donald Driver #80 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates as he walks off the field after the Packers own 48-21 against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta

If Donald Driver is having a good game, than that usually means so are Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the offense.

Driver is a big playmaker, and expect to see the ball thrown his way a lot.

7. Brian Urlacher

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Linebacker Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears stares at field judge Gary Cavaletto #60 in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago,

Brian Urlacher is a core player in the Bears defense. He will make his presence known on Sunday.

6. James Starks

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: James Starks #44 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball against Curtis Lofton #50 of the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Gra

This rookie running back only played in three games during the regular season before letting everyone know who he was versus the Philadelphia Eagles when he ran for 123 yards, including a 27-yard scamper.

He had 66 yards last week against the Falcons, and his fresh presence gives the Packers another option out of the backfield.

5. Julius Peppers

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Julius Peppers #90 of the Chicago Bears runs onto the field during player introductions before a game against the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Pho

Julius Peppers didn't have any sacks against Green Bay this year, but he'll be looking to change that this week in the AFC Championship Game.

With eight sacks, three forced fumbles and two picks on the season, Peppers knows how to make plays.

4. Matt Forte

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Running back Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears runs the ball as Lofa Tatupu #51 of the Seattle Seahawks attempts to tackle him from behind in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago

If Matt Forte is successful against the Packers defense, that will go a long way toward making the Bears path to victory easier.

The Packers defense will have a target on Forte to prevent him from breaking into the open field and gaining big yards.

3. 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 quickly has become one of the most dominant defensive lineman in the league. He will be hunting Matt Forte and Jay Cutler.

He brings chaos with him, and he might be one of the Four Horsemen. I wish this guy was on my team.

2. Jay Cutler

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears talks with offensive coordinator Mike Martz in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago,

Jay Cutler is playing some of the best football of his career the last few weeks. He has to keep doing that, or the Packers defense will eat him alive.

As with any team, the quarterback is the most important player on the field. As he goes, so the team usually goes.

1. Aaron Rodgers

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers calls signals out at the line of scrimmmage against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by

Aaron Rodgers is having a great year, and if it weren't for two concussions, his season numbers would be even more impressive.

Rodgers IS the Packers offense, although Matt Flynn showed he is capable of running it should Rodgers go down again.

But Packers fans don't even want to think about that, and Rodgers performance will determine if the Packers win or lose.

Let the games begin.