Packers vs. Bears: 5 Players To Watch For in NFC Championship Game

The 2010-11 NFC Championship is filled with storylines and historical backdrops. 

First, there is the fact that the Packers and Bears, while being the most storied rivalry in all of professional football, have only met once in the postseason prior to today. This is despite the fact that they not only play in the same conference, but also the same division within that conference, the NFC North.

Then there are the quarterbacks for the two teams, each of whom has something different to prove.  

For Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers, getting to the Super Bowl means he will be one step closer to making the Cheeseheads in Wisconsin forget about a certain former quarterback who use to wear No. 4. 

For Chicago's Jay Cutler, he is out to prove that he can lead his team to the promised land despite what the critics say about him.

Finally there are the two defensive units, both of whom rank in the top 10 in the league.  At the end of the day, the winner just might be whomever finds a way to crack the opposing defense first.

However, with all the hoopla surrounding today's NFC Championship game, a contest that is already a given to be epic, here are five lesser known players worth watching:

James Starks, RB Green Bay

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: James Starks #44 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

When Ryan Grant went down with a season-ending injury in Week 1, the Packers figured to be a mathematical long shot to make the NFL playoffs this season.

Backup Brandon Jackson, while decent in his own right, was seen as not good enough to help the Packers run game.  It was thought that without a run game, the Packers season was all but done.

The Packers were able to make it into the playoffs anyway on the strength of Aaron Rodgers' arm and a hard-nosed defense led by DB Charles Woodson and LB Clay Matthews.

Fast forward to the playoffs, where it was assumed that even if the Packers managed to get by Philadelphia, their lack of a consistent running game would doom them against No. 1 seed Atlanta.

Enter James Starks, the little-known sixth round pick of the Packers out of the University of Buffalo.  Starks had not even played that much for the Packers in 2010, only being activated from the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list in November. In two games against the Eagles and Falcons, Starks has gained 123 yards and 66 yards, respectively. 

And even though Starks' yards per carry (2.6) against the Falcons was not necessarily all that impressive, the fact that the Packers were able to run the ball against Atlanta let Rodgers do what he does best: carve up the other team's secondary.

For the Packers to do well this afternoon, they will have to find a way to get Starks involved in the offense.

Olin Kreutz, C, Chicago

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears tosses the ball to Matt Forte #22 as teammate Olin Kreutz #57 moves to block against the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38

Kreutz is a perennial Pro Bowl player and the anchor of the Chicago Bears offensive line.  As important as it will be for Jay Cutler to have a good game against the Packers, it will be equally important for Kreutz and his mates to give Cutler the time to succeed today.

Green Bay is likely to send multiple blitz formations at the Bears in an attempt to confuse Jay Culter.  It will be imperative for Kreutz to recognize these formations and make sure that he and his cohorts on the line are ready for Woodson, Matthews or whomever the Packers defense decides to send.

Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Jordy Nelson #87 of the Green Bay Packers runs for yards after the catch against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Packers won 48-21.

Nelson, a third-year player out of Kansas State, has become sort of the go-to possession receiver for the Packers and Aaron Rodgers.

The weather in Chicago today may make it difficult for either team to effectively throw the ball down the filed.

If that ends up being the case, it will be imperative that the Packers find Nelson open, and that he comes up with the big catch if the Packers are to have a chance.

On the other side of the ball, the Bears secondary better be aware of Nelson's position on the field regardless.

Chris Harris, S, Chicago

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 21: Chris Harris #46 of the Chicago Bears tackles Rock Cartwright #25 of the Oakland Raiders during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Raiders defeated the Bears 32-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel

Most of the time when the Chicago Bears defense is mentioned, the conversation starts with linebacker Brian Urlacher and ends with defensive end Julius Peppers, and for good reason. 

Not too many quarterbacks have found success against these two, and that includes someone as skilled as Aaron Rodgers.

Yet it is the play of safety Chris Harris that makes the Bears defense truly a force to be reckoned with.

Not only are Harris' five interceptions tied for the team lead with corner Charles Tillman, but it is his ability to fly all over the field that allows Tillman and fellow defensive back Danieal Manning to be so effective.

Brandon Manumaleuna, TE, Chicago

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DETROIT - DECEMBER 05: Brandon Manumaleuna #86 of the Chicago Bears runs for a fourth quarter touchdown as Greg Olsen #82 blocks during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 5, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Bears defeated the Lion

The other tight end for the Bears, Manumaleuna will not blow by people like his counterpart Greg Olsen.  Heck, Jay Cutler may not even look to him that often.

But, as the Bears get into the red zone, look for Manumaleuna to get his number called. If the Bears end up victorious, don't be surprised if Brandon Manumaleuna is on the receiving end of a Jay Cutler touchdown pass.