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Top 10 Players to Watch In 2015 AFC Championship Game

Top 10 Players to Watch In AFC Championship Game

Chandler Jones New England Patriots
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

We are about 120 hours away from kickoff between the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots. Star power will be on display at the quarterback position for both teams, but there are plenty of other players worthy of your attention. Here are the top 10 players to keep an eye on in the 2015 AFC Championship.

10. Hakeem Nicks

Hakeem Nicks Indianapolis Colts
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

10. Hakeem Nicks

Hakeem Nicks Indianapolis Colts
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2014 has been a largely forgettable season for Nicks; he recorded career lows in receptions, yards and yards per catch. However, his leaping touchdown grab last week against the Broncos was reminiscent of his back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2010 and 2011. Confident after reaching the end zone for the first time in a month, Nicks should be a factor in the AFC Championship.

9. Darius Butler

Darius Butler Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

9. Darius Butler

Darius Butler Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Some Patriots fans may recall Butler; New England drafted him in the second round back in 2009. After posting consecutive four-interception seasons in 2012 and 2013, Butler has yet to pick off a pass in 2014. You can bet that he would like nothing more than to snag one away from his former quarterback.

8. LeGarrette Blount

LeGarrette Blount New England Patriots
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

8. LeGarrette Blount

LeGarrette Blount New England Patriots
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Granted, running the ball was never part of the game plan against the Ravens’ stout front seven, but come on… 14 yards? The Pats will have a much smoother ride to victory if they incorporate Blount into the play calling more and have success on the ground. Mark these words: if Blount passes the century mark in rushing yards, the Patriots will win.

7. Arthur Jones

Arthur Jones Indianapolis Colts
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

7. Arthur Jones

Arthur Jones Indianapolis Colts
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Jones, brother of the Patriots’ Chandler, has been here before. As a member of the Ravens a few years ago, he defeated Tom Brady and the Patriots in the 2013 AFC Championship—in Foxboro. If the Pats are going to get Blount going, they will have to quell Jones.

6. Kyle Arrington

Kyle Arrington New England Patriots
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

6. Kyle Arrington

Kyle Arrington New England Patriots
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

No one has benefited more from the additions of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner than Arrington, as he has been able to play solely slot corner—and he’s one of the best in that business. Arrington matched up on T.Y. Hilton at times in the regular season meeting, and he will likely be tasked with that job again.

5. Dan Herron

Dan Herron Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

5. Dan Herron

Dan Herron Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots nearly lost to the Ravens last week because of their inability to stop the run, allowing Justin Forsett to rush for 129 yards. It will be interesting to see if the Indy offensive line can set the edge for Herron to similarly run wild on the Patriots. The third-year back has averaged a solid 4.5 yards per carry this season.

4. Danny Amendola

Danny Amendola New England Patriots
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

4. Danny Amendola

Danny Amendola New England Patriots
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

If Amendola continues to play at such a high level, the Patriots’ passing game will be very difficult to stop. Defenses already had their hands full with Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell; now that Amendola is contributing, someone will always be open. That much was clear when Gronkowski was shimmying up the seam uncovered on several plays against the Ravens.

3. Ryan Wendell

Ryan Wendell New England Patriots
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Ryan Wendell

Ryan Wendell New England Patriots
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

A sprained MCL will most likely prevent starting center Bryan Stork from suiting up this Sunday, meaning Wendell will be the first Patriot touching the ball on every play. He struggled at times against the Ravens, giving Brady a few errant snaps and blowing the occasional blocking assignment. Wendell is a good player, though, so keep an eye on how well he responds.

2. D'Qwell Jackson

D'Qwell Jackson Indianapolis Colts
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. D'Qwell Jackson

D'Qwell Jackson Indianapolis Colts
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The heart and soul of a Colts defense that is playing winning football right now, Jackson is new to the playoffs after seven years in snakebitten Cleveland. The Colts will go as Jackson goes on Sunday; he will be the one calling the shots and making pre-snap adjustments. And he’s also a tackling machine, as indicated by his 140 regular season takedowns.

1. Chandler Jones

Chandler Jones New England Patriots
Winslow Towson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Chandler Jones

Chandler Jones New England Patriots
Winslow Towson-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots’ inability to sack Joe Flacco nearly cost them their season last week. Jones, in particular, had his share of frustrations: two offsides penalties and several excruciating near-sacks. Be aware of Jones on Sunday, as he will play a major role in the outcome if he can disrupt Andrew Luck’s rhythm.

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