The second round of the NFL Playoffs commences this weekend as fans get one step closer to this year’s Super Bowl.

Here are the key SEC players that will be participating in the Divisional Round.

  • QB Peyton Manning (Broncos) — The Denver QB was once again a force in the backfield, throwing for 4,727 yards and 39 touchdowns. As he gets older, Manning is beginning to experience a few more physical limitations, but he’s still one of the best quarterbacks, if not the best, in the league. He’ll face off against his former team and the quarterback who replaced him — Andrew Luck. If Manning is on, the Broncos could very well be on their way to another big playoff run.
  • QB Cam Newton (Panthers) — Newton earned his first playoff victory last week against the Cardinals, but he faces a much tougher challenge in the second round as he goes up against the Seahawks’ vaunted defense on the road. Not many are giving Carolina a chance in this game, but Newton will need one of his best performances to keep his team’s season alive.
  • RB Eddie Lacy (Packers) — With temperatures below freezing and weather playing a factor, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Eddie Lacy to have more touches than normal against the Cowboys. Green Bay’s offense will always be a pass-centered offense with Aaron Rodgers under center, but Lacy has the skills to be a game changer in his own right, especially if given enough opportunities.
  • WR Randall Cobb (Packers) — The do-it-all receiver for the Green Bay Packers has emerged as one of Aaron Rodgers’ most reliable offensive weapons. Cobb is a playmaker and an vitally important part of GB’s offense. He, along with Jordy Nelson, should be able to take advantage of an average Cowboys’ secondary.
  • WR Brandon LaFell (Patriots) — Tom Brady may not have the big names at receiver like he used to, but Brandon LaFell has carved out a significant role within New England’s offense. He’s third on the team in receptions and receiving yards. Watch for LaFell as a target downfield as he averages nearly 13 yards per reception.
  • DE Jeremy Mincey (Cowboys) — Dallas’ best pass rusher Jeremy Mincey is in doubt for this weekend’s game because of a concussion sustained in last week’s matchup against the Lions. Mincey’s presence will be crucial for the Cowboys as he is the team leader in quarterback sacks and hurries.
  • LB Rolando McClain (Cowboys) — The Cowboys defense has undergone a renaissance this season, but they could be without their second-best tackler for their game against Green Bay. Former Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain is currently dealing with concussion symptoms and is questionable. He’s been the anchor of a linebacking corps that appeared to be in shambles when Sean Lee suffered a season-ending injury in training camp.
  • LB CJ Mosley (Ravens) — Mosley had a bit of a quiet game by his standards in the Ravens’ first-round game against the Steelers. He recorded just nine total tackles, but he and the Ravens’ defense limited an explosive Pittsburgh offense to just 17 points. They’ll attempt to do the same this weekend against the Patriots.
  • LB Von Miller (Broncos) —  Miller should be very active this weekend against the Colts, considering how much they like to throw the ball. He will get plenty of opportunities to rush Andrew Luck and there’s a good chance he’ll be able to force some turnovers if the Denver front-seven can apply some pressure to Luck. Miller will be a key player for the Broncos moving forward if they are to make it to the Super Bowl.