Playoffs' most important players

BySTEVE PALAZZOLO
January 10, 2014, 12:00 PM

— -- There's no doubt that the NFL is driven by quarterbacks, perhaps the most important position in sports, but the playoffs have to be more than a one-man operation. While the signal-callers will lead the way, and each one is a three-game hot stretch away from a championship, we'll likely look back at the playoffs and pinpoint one of his top playmakers or perhaps a defensive teammate who played a major role in the team's Super Bowl run. With quarterbacks removed from the equation, here's a look at the most indispensable players for the remaining playoff teams.

Indianapolis Colts

It's rare to find a receiver who is capable of working in a move-the-chains role while doubling as an outside deep threat, but that's exactly what Hilton has done, as evidenced by his 64-yard, game-winning touchdown a week ago. For the season, Hilton ranks 18th in the league with 2.03 yards/route run overall, and that number jumps to 2.20 while in the slot, good for third in the league. Beyond Hilton, the Colts are thin at the position with the inexperienced but promising LaVon Brazill, Griff Whalen and Da'Rick Rogers rounding out the depth chart. So look for Hilton to be leaned on heavily if the Colts expect to advance this week and beyond.

New England Patriots

San Diego Chargers

What does this mean for the Chargers' defense? Weddle provides as much range as any safety in the league when playing deep, but he brings linebacker-like skills when playing in the box while also showing the ability to match up with tight ends and slot receivers. His plus-9.5 coverage grade ranks seventh, but San Diego will also blitz him quite a bit; his 50 pass rushes rank fourth. He has gotten home, as well, notching a sack, two hits and eight hurries. Weddle is a rare talent who is comfortable playing deep or in the box, and his performance will be instrumental to San Diego's playoff chances.

Denver Broncos

Denver's defense took a major blow when it lost All-Pro linebacker Von Miller to a season-ending knee injury, but Harris may be the next-most-important player on that side of the ball. With players like Hilton, Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and Eddie Royal manning the slot for the AFC's remaining teams, Harris will be challenged to maintain his status as one of the league's best slot cornerbacks.

San Francisco 49ers

For the season, Boldin's plus-20.3 receiving grade ranked third among wide receivers; he caught 85 passes for 1,179 yards and seven touchdowns. Though he wasn't as sure-handed as last season, when he dropped only two of 67 catchable passes for a league-best drop rate of 2.99 percent, he still ranked 13th in 2013 with six drops on 91 attempts. Boldin does a lot of his damage in the slot, where he lines up 48 percent of the time, as his 2.88 yards/route run leads the league. While Kaepernick has two other strong targets in Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis, Boldin may be the best chain-mover of the bunch and will be relied on heavily throughout the rest of the playoffs.

Carolina Panthers

While he's primarily a defensive end, Hardy is capable of rushing from a number of places along the defensive line, often lining up inside, where he has recorded 24 of his 82 pressures this season. His ability to move allows fellow defensive end Charles Johnson to stay at his more natural left end spot, where he's also one of the league's best off the edge. The Panthers' front seven is as formidable as any in the league and Hardy has been their top performer this season.

Seattle Seahawks

While Sherman isn't deployed in the same manner as other top cornerbacks who track opposing top wide receivers, his presence on the left side allows Thomas to make best use of his freelancing style. Both the Seahawks and their opponents know the left side is well-manned by Sherman, and sometimes we don't even see much of Seattle's top defensive player if opposing quarterbacks choose to avoid him altogether.

New Orleans Saints

Graham pairs with running back Darren Sproles as two movable chess pieces who must be accounted for by opposing defenses. Both players are as efficient in their more traditional positioning as they are out wide or in the slot, making game-planning a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators. Graham's ability in the red zone could be the X factor for New Orleans, as the Saints will often split him out wide with an option to run a slant or a fade that is nearly impossible to defend. While Brees is one of the league's best at spreading the ball around to his many options, Graham is clearly his favorite and most important target.