NFL Playoff Predictions: 4 Players Who Will Step Up for the Playoff Race

With four games remaining in the NFL regular season, teams are fighting to hold onto first place in their division or are battling to get there.

While six of the eight divisions all have close races going on, this last leg will be crucial in determining playoff berths and positions.  Along with teams stepping up, big-time players will be looking to step up as well.

Here are four players who will step up for their teams in hunt for the playoffs.

1. Ahmad Bradshaw

The New York Giants rank dead last in the NFL for rushing yards, a stat that certainly doesn't help take pressure off their quarterback, Eli Manning.

However, after missing four weeks with a fractured foot, the Giants' starting running back, Ahmad Bradshaw, returned this week.

Bradshaw did not put up staggering numbers against the Packers, rushing 11 times for 38 yards, but he ran hard and displayed his bruising power crashing through players and breaking tackles.

The Giants, who have won just one game since Bradshaw's injury, nearly upset the 12-0 Packers and the running backs rushed for 100 yards for the first time since Bradshaw's departure.

Bradshaw's running may be the difference maker in the Giants' playoff hopes. 

2. Julio Jones

A nagging hamstring injury has put a damper on the Falcons' star rookie wide receiver Julio Jones season, but when he has played he has been a major factor in Atlanta's offense.

A deep-ball threat, Jones 16.6 yards per catch and has accumulated 498 receiving yards playing in just nine games this season.

However, in a three-game span which stretched between Weeks 10, 11 and 12, Jones' hamstring acted up again.  During that time, he caught just two balls for nine yards, both which came during Week 10 against the Saints.

This week though against the Texans, Jones seemed to be feeling good again grabbing four catches for 68 yards.

A dynamic, athletic receiver, Jones gives opposing defenses another offensive weapon to worry about when playing the Falcons.  Therefore, the Falcons' playoff chances will be boosted substantially if the rookie is able to step up and play healthy heading into the last four weeks.

3. Ben Roethlisberger

Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been pretty good for his team all season, leading them to a 9-3 record.

However, don't be surprised if Roethlisberger plays even better to finish out the season, or if he finds a way to edge out the Baltimore Ravens for the top spot in the AFC North.  After all, Roethlisberger has won at least three of his last four games in every season he's played in the NFL except 2007.

When it comes to winning late in the season, Roethlisberger knows how to get the job done.  In his seven year career, Roethlisberger has reached the playoffs five times and the Super Bowl three times, winning it twice.

4. Andre Johnson

Houston Texans' star wide receiver Andre Johnson is back and just in time to closeout the season and get ready for the playoffs.

While the Texans are 9-3 and atop 7-5 Tennessee Titans by two games, their inexperienced rookie quarterback, T.J. Yates, will take all the help he can get and Johnson is a big help.

Not only will the addition of Johnson give Yates an additional weapon, but it will also give opposing defenses a legit receiving threat to worry about, opening up the field even more for running back Arian Foster.

In his second game back Sunday, Johnson had four catches for 97 yards.

It is worth noting that he limped to the locker room with an apparent injury, but Coach Kubiak has said it did not appear to be serious.