NFL Playoff Predictions: 3 Rookies That Will Catch Fire in Postseason

With established names like Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady in the postseason, it's easy to overlook some of the unheralded guys.

It's even easier to forget about the rookies who'll make their playoff debuts this season.

I feel obligated to bring these guys to light. 

They're the three rookies that will catch fire in the postseason. 

Julio Jones

Even if the Falcons lose on Monday Night Football against the Saints this week, they get the Buccaneers at home in what should be a playoff-clinching win. 

Although they were already loaded with stars on offense before Julio Jones was drafted, the former Crimson Tide standout elevates Atlanta's attack to a new level. 

He has had an up-and-down season, which is expected for a rookie, but he's reeled in eight passes for 189 yards with three touchdowns in his last two games. 

Jones is getting hot at the perfect time for Matt Ryan, and with most defenses still focusing the most attention on Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, No. 11 will have a huge postseason, gaining extra yardage on short underneath routes while catching the occasional deep ball down the sideline. 

Torrey Smith

Torrey Smith has been the deep threat the Ravens have been looking for since the dawn of the Joe Flacco era.

The rookie out of Maryland has caught 43 passes for 770 yards with seven touchdowns, a few of them coming in extremely critical moments.

He's got 11 catches for 125 yards with two touchdowns in Baltimore's last two games.  

With the Ravens looking to be dedicated to their running game, their playoff oppositions will be forced to send more defenders into the box to stop Ray Rice, which will lead to frequent play-action shots down field to the burner. 

Aldon Smith

I'd be stunned if Aldon Smith, with his 13 sacks and two forced fumbles, doesn't win the Defensive Rookie of the Year, and I'd be just as surprised if he doesn't have a monster postseason.

He's speedy enough to speed rush the bigger offensive linemen, but is deceptively strong and can be successful with bull rushes on stunts.

His linemate, Justin Smith may be the biggest factor in the rookie's ascension to stardom.

Justin creates so many problems for opposing offensive lines that they simply have to leave Aldon one-on-one and on some occasions, he can get to the quarterback unblocked.

Those two will be the key if the 49ers make a Super Bowl run.