With the playoffs approaching, we asked a panel of coaches, evaluators and PFW staffers to give us their lists of playoff "X-factors" — players who could surprise with their play in the postseason. We asked our panelists to consider both young and improving players as well as overlooked veterans. All respondents participated on the condition of anonymity. Players are listed by conference, in alphabetical order:

AFC

Bengals DE Jonathan Fanene — He has filled in nicely for Antwan Odom, who was playing at a Pro Bowl level before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in October. Strong against the run, Fanene also has done well as a pass rusher, notching a career-high six sacks. His charge in January: keep getting pressure on the quarterback.

Patriots RB Kevin Faulk — "When you study film and prepare for them, he's someone you have to pay attention to," one AFC defensive assistant said about the Patriots' longtime third-down back. Faulk is best known for his pass-catching ability, but he also is an effective ballcarrier when called upon.

Colts CBs Jacob Lacey and Jerraud Powers — These rookies have been big contributors. Powers, who has started every game, has a veteran's instincts for the position. The athletic Lacey serves as the Colts' No. 3 cornerback.

Chargers TE Brandon Manumaleuna — The 6-2, 295-pound tight end is a very good blocker who also can contribute in San Diego's screen game on occasion. He gives the Chargers considerable schematic flexibility.

Colts TE Gijon Robinson — One panelist noted that the 6-1, 255-pound Robinson helps the Colts in two big ways. Firstly, his presence in two-TE packages allows them to split Dallas Clark out wide. Secondly, he's adept at "chipping," or getting a block on defensive ends, which allows RB Joseph Addai to be able to run routes in passing situations. "He's a stout guy," the panelist said. "He's better than people think he is."

Bengals RB Bernard Scott — He has missed some time recently with turf toe, but when healthy, Scott is a nice change-of-pace to the big, powerful tandem of Cedric Benson and Larry Johnson. Also, he has been a key contributor on special teams, returning a kickoff for a touchdown in Cincinnati's pivotal win at Pittsburgh earlier in the season.

Steelers WR Mike Wallace — The rookie from Ole Miss has fit the Steelers' offense to a "T." Very fast and sure-handed, he has become a dangerous vertical threat. QB Ben Roethlisberger has been willing to throw Wallace's way from the beginning, and he has made the most of his opportunities. He has played very well recently as the Steelers have rebounded from a five-game losing streak.

NFC

Cowboys TE Martellus Bennett — "If he can stay healthy," one personnel man said, "he can bring a different dynamic (to the Cowboys' offense)." Bennett, who missed time recently with a concussion, has very good athletic ability, and with opponents having to contend with WR Miles Austin and TE Jason Witten, he's likely to draw his share of favorable matchups when given the opportunity to play.

Cardinals DE Calais Campbell — At 6-8 and 290 pounds, Campbell has excellent size for a defensive end. Moreover, he's an effective pass rusher. "He is starting to learn the nuances of the position," one respondent said of Campbell. "He got by on his size early on. Now he is starting to put moves together."

Packers TE Jermichael Finley — "He can create such mismatch problems," said one of our panelists, noting that Finley's athleticism, coupled with the Packers' regular use of two-TE sets, gives Green Bay a big edge. If teams try to cover Finley with a linebacker — something that's likely to happen if a team stays in its base defense — "(he's) going to win that battle 98 percent of the time," the panelist said.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin — Whether Harvin is working out of the slot or taking back kickoffs, he's utterly dangerous. "I don't think he's under the radar by any means," one panelist said of Minnesota's star rookie, "but he's explosive, and he can change the game and momentum." The major concern with Harvin is his health; he has been plagued by migraine headaches at times this season, particularly in December. Also, keep an eye on Vikings WR Bernard Berrian, a deep threat who has been somewhat lost in the shuffle as Minnesota has rolled to the division title.

Eagles DE Darren Howard — He has found a niche as a pass-rushing threat for the Eagles the past two seasons and has picked up his play recently after notching just 2½ sacks in the first three months of the '09 campaign. Watch for him lining up as a "three-technique" defensive tackle when the Eagles use a five-man defensive line on some passing downs.

Packers DE Cullen Jenkins — Was a playmaking force earlier in the season, notching 3½ sacks and forcing three fumbles in Green Bay's first six games. One panelist called Jenkins "dominant," and he has flashed that ability at times. A player to watch on a stout, intriguing Green Bay defense.

Saints OLG Carl Nicks — "He's a guy who is under the radar who is playing some real good football," one evaluator said of the 6-5, 343-pound Nicks, a 2008 fifth-round pick from Nebraska who has been a key part of the Saints' offensive line for the past two seasons. He has played a major role in New Orleans' success in the running game.

Saints TE David Thomas — The ex-Patriot has been a key part of the offense, establishing a career high in catches. He has lined up at tight end and at fullback for New Orleans, and one panelist noted that Thomas has done an "unbelievable" job as a blocking back.

Eagles FB Leonard Weaver — Even with RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) returning to the lineup, Weaver is expected to continue to have a role as a ballcarrier. The 6-0, 250-pound Weaver, who has set career highs in carries and yards this season, provides a bruising complement to the quick Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy. Another under-the-radar Eagles back to keep an eye on is Eldra Buckley, whose biggest impact has come on special teams. 

Cardinals RB Chris "Beanie" Wells — Wells is injury- and fumble-prone but very talented, with the speed to get outside (unlike backfield mate Tim Hightower) and the power to run inside. He has started to play a bigger role in the offense in the second half of the season, routinely logging double-digit carries. Just 21, Wells could have a significant impact on a pass-heavy Cardinals offense if he continues to improve.

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