Sure, we know all about the superstar quarterbacks playing in the NFL Conference Championship games this week, but what about the lesser known players? Here are my picks for the unheralded players who could make a big difference this week.
4 underrated players to watch in the NFL Conference Championship games
These teams are more than just a superstar QB, you know.
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ATLANTA FALCONS: LB Deion Jones
Jones' teammates think he deserves to be Rookie of the Year. Defensive ROY is definitely a possibility. He's come up big for the Falcons over and over again, most recently with his interception against the Seahawks last week.
GREEN BAY PACKERS: CB Micah Hyde
Hyde's small-town roots have come up big for the Packers. The Packers cornerback has been the right man in the right place at the right time during Green Bay’s incredible eight-game winning streak.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: OLB Rob Ninkovich
Someone is going to have to keep Le'Veon Bell from bouncing outside and breaking off big chucks of yardage. That's Ninkovich's job. Last week, he got a third-down sack and forced a holding penalty that added to the Texans' offensive woes. He'll have to make some plays this week, too.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: TE Jesse James
James had five catches for 83 yards last week against the Chiefs. The Steelers offense will have to lean on James and others because the Patriots defense is going to be keyed in on Bell and Antonio Brown.
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Julio Jones did not practice Wednesday, still on track to play. Four Falcons either missed practice or were limited, but there’s no indication that any of them will miss this critical game.
Jordy Nelson: I can’t be out there moving slowly. Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson returned to practice on a limited basis on Wednesday, marking the first time that he's been on the field since breaking his ribs against the Giants in the Wild Card round.
Bill Belichick was caught laughing, expressing happiness in latest mic’d up video. Belichick’s coding must have experienced a temporary breakdown because he showed joyful emotion on the sideline.
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