Patriots RB Stevan Ridley

Most Important Non-Quarterbacks on Championship Weekend

The Ravens' run defense was uncharacteristically ranked 20th this season. The Patriots were seventh in rushing. Ridley, who had 1,263 and a big game in the divisional round, could be in for a monstrous game. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

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Most Dangerous N... By Jordan Raanan, XFINITY Sports

It's not all on Tom Brady, Joe Flacco, Colin Kaepernick and Matt Ryan. Here are eight other players that could make a huge difference on championship weekend.

(AP Photos)

Jordan Raanan has covered the NFL since 2005. Follow him on Twitter @JordanRaanan, on Facebook or email him at jraanan@hotmail.com.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
49ers CB Carlos ... The 49ers' physical cornerback will be matched against Roddy White or Julio Jones in some one-on-one coverage. Rogers will either be the hero or the goat. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

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49ers TE Vernon ... Atlanta's linebackers are a liability in coverage. They couldn't stop Seattle tight end Zach Miller on Sunday. Miller had eight catches for 142 yards and a touchdown despite tearing his plantar fascia on the third play of the game. Davis should have similar success. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

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Falcons LT Sam B... San Francisco's weak spot is their secondary. If Matt Ryan has time to find Julio Jones and Roddy White downfield Atlanta will put points on the scoreboard. If Baker limits pass-rushing monster Aldon Smith (19.5 sacks), the Falcons offense could do damage in the NFC Championship game. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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Falcons SS Willi... The 49ers pound the ball on just about everybody. Moore, the Falcons' starting strong safety, is going to need to be all over the field in order to slow down Colin Kaepernick, Frank Gore and the rest of San Francisco's run-first offense. (Gregory Bull)

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Ravens WR Torrey... Nobody on the Patriots can handle Smith's athleticism. Champ Bailey certainly couldn't last week in Denver. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

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Ravens DT Haloti... If the Ravens want to have any chance of beating the Patriots, they need to pressure Tom Brady. For Baltimore, that starts up the middle with Ngata. Without his push they're in big trouble. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

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Patriots RB Stev... The Ravens' run defense was uncharacteristically ranked 20th this season. The Patriots were seventh in rushing. Ridley, who had 1,263 and a big game in the divisional round, could be in for a monstrous game. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

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Patriots LB Rob ... The Patriots linebacker is far from a household name, but he is the their top defensive playmaker. Ninkovich can be a factor as a pass rusher, pass defender or stud against the run. Just the type of versatile defender Bill Belichick loves. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.