Even the most casual NFL fan can probably point out the game’s superstars such as Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Adrian Peterson, Calvin Johnson, and even defensive standouts like Clay Matthews, Julius Peppers, DeMarcus Ware and J.J. Watt are nearly instantly recognizable to the average fan. There’s another group of NFL players that go largely unnoticed, and even though these under-the-radar types may lack the headlines or endorsement deals of their more recognized brethren, their contributions are as valuable (in some cases even more valuable) to their team’s overall success.

Undrafted out of little Coe College (Iowa), Fred Jackson got a break when then-Bills GM Marv Levy, himself a Coe alumnus, invited Jackson to Buffalo’s training camp in 2006. A longshot at best, Jackson defied the odds and made the team as third-string RB and special teams player. In 2009, Jackson rushed for 1,062 yards as well as recording 1,014 on kickoff returns (an NFL-first). The team subsequently drafted RB C.J. Spiller who was expected to become a star, but he found it impossible to unseat the once-again healthy Jackson. The duo eventually became part of a platoon system and are now regarded as one of the NFL’s better one-two weapons at RB.

Kick returners are certainly play a vital role in the NFL, but few are as productive or as versatile as Dwayne Harris of Dallas. Although Harris leads the league in kickoff return average (31.3 yards) and is second in punt return average (14.0), it’s his consistency and unique ability to “flip” field position that makes him a standout. In addition, Harris is one of the top gunners in the NFL, regularly “blowing up” opposing punt returners with his world-class speed.

Overlooked by players such as Cam Newton, Steve Smith and Luke Kuechly, Mike Tolbert’s importance to the Carolina Panthers is off the charts. Tolbert alternates between FB and RB for the team, and his bowling ball-like physique (5’9, listed at 245 lbs.) makes him quite a load for opposing tacklers. Whether it’s carrying the ball, hauling in short passes, delivering devastating blocks or breaking up kick returns, Tolbert is arguably the most valuable Panther not named Cam Newton.

Punters are among the most taken-for-granted of all NFL players, but one of Kansas City’s most effective weapons in 2013 has been P Dustin Colquitt who not only averages 45.4 yards per kick, but has placed an astonishing 43.7% of his punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, giving his defense an overwhelming advantage in field position.

With such standouts as Wes Welker, Danny Woodhead and Aaron Hernandez gone, Julian Edelman has proven to be invaluable to the “new look” Patriots. Through Week 13, Edelman has been a stats sheet stuffer, catching 70 passes and garnering 349 yards on punt returns. The 232nd selection in the 2009 NFL Draft, Edelman has proven to the demanding Bill Belichick that he belongs, not a small feat.

Surrounded by Pro Bowlers Patrick Willis and Novorro Bowman, it’s easy to overlook their fellow LBer Ahmad Brooks of the 49ers. Despite his lesser profile, Brooks is proving to be at least as effective as his more celebrated teammates, racking up 49 tackles, an INT and forced fumble to go along with 8.5 sacks through Week 13. He benefits from the extra attention Willis and Bowman receive, but he’s made the most of it in helping to make San Francisco’s LB corps one of the league’s most-feared and respected.

With such up-and-coming potential stars such as Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, Calais Campbell and probable Hall of Famer John Abraham, Arizona’s defense is among the league’s most effective, but an overlooked standout for the Cardinals is LB Karlos Dansby. The ten-year veteran fills up the stat sheet each week (92 tackles, 5 sacks, a forced fumble and recovery and two INTs, one returned for a TD), and is a big part in helping the Cards to a 7-5 record.

The latest batch of future NFL star QBs (Newton, Kaepernick, Tannehill, Luck, Griffin, Wilson) has caused Cincinnati’s Andy Dalton to be routinely overlooked. Now in his third season, all Dalton has done is throw for over 10,000 yards and 69 TDs, and most importantly, he’s led the Bengals to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons. If (and when) Cincinnati advances past the first round of the postseason, Dalton may finally get his due.

Playing alongside Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley is often over-shadowed, both by Suh’s brilliance (as well as on-field antics) and production. But Fairley, an intelligent and shockingly quick athlete for his size (6’4 300 lbs.), has become a run-stuffer supreme for the Lions. Clogging up the interior isn’t all the third-year Auburn product contributes however, having racked up 3.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.

Usually the only time an NFL center’s name is mentioned is if they make a bad snap, but Seattle’s Max Unger has not only become (at least in Seattle) almost a household name, he’s developed into one of the league’s more versatile and effective centers, anchoring the 11-1 Seahawks O-line. His importance in creating holes for Marshawn Lynch as well as providing protection for Russell Wilson is invaluable.

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Tom Brady lead another fourth quarter comeback in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints. His touchdown pass to Kenbrell Thompkins with five seconds left in the game sealed an improbable victory and cemented Brady’s status as one of the best in the game. In fact, you could argue that he is the MVP of the league this season. Here are some reasons why that is.

1) The Patriots Are 7-2

New England has won all but two games despite losing Aaron Hernandez and Wes Welker in the offseason. Although they struggled against the Bengals and the Saints, they are two of the best teams in the league. Few teams would be able to get through that stretch without at least two losses. On top of being 7-2, they are 2-0 in the division. That gives them some breathing room as they shoot for the top seed in the AFC.

2) Not A Single One Of Brady’s Top Receivers Returned

Danny Amendola was a free agent pickup who played in St. Louis last season. Josh Boyce, Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins were draft picks or undrafted free agents who were in college last year. Rob Gronkowski has been out of the lineup since last season with forearm and shoulder injuries. Aaron Hernandez was arrested on murder charges. Most quarterbacks wouldn’t be able to put up the numbers that Brady has. While he has struggled at times, he has made the plays that the team has needed to win games.

3) The Offense Has Been Riddled With Injuries

The previously mentioned Gronkowski has been out for most of the year while he was rehabbing from forearm and back injuries. Amendola has missed a few games already due to groin and other injuries. It looks like he won’t be able to play next week due to a concussion. Shane Vereen is on the IR designated to return due to an injury suffered against Buffalo in Week One. With so many guys missing due to injury, Brady has been forced to rely on guys such as Julian Edelman. He isn’t a guy who would start or play for many teams.

4) The Defense Has Been Riddled With Injuries

Typically, a defense can make an offense look good as it tries to discover its identity. While the Patriots have played well on defense this year, injuries are starting to pile up there as well. Vince Wilfork is out for the season and Jerod Mayo looks like he may be out for awhile too. Aqib Talib is nursing an injury that could keep him out for a few weeks as well. Injuries on defense mean that they are at risk of giving up more points. This puts even more pressure on Brady to be at his best if the Patriots are to win games.

5) You Can Never Count Him Out

No matter how poorly he plays in the first three quarters, you can never count him out when the fourth quarter rolls around. That is the definition of the MVP. There isn’t another player in the league that you fear more with the ball in his hand with less than two minutes left to go in a game.

There is no question that Tom Brady is the MVP of the league this season. Although Peyton Manning is putting up great numbers, he has the luxury of several dominant playmakers on offense and a defense that should be getting healthier as the season wears on. Therefore, Brady is the man who will wind up with the award when it is handed out at the end of the season in January.

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Football fans of all ages have heard the name Deion Sanders. He was celebrated for his ability to return kicks, play wide receiver and notably for his ability to play the role of the shutdown corner on defense. In 2011, the Arizona Cardinals drafted a player who could very well be the the 21st century version of Primetime. What makes Patrick Peterson such a special player?

1) He Can Make Plays In All Facets Of The Game

In his rookie season, he wasn’t much to write home about as a defensive back. However, he still managed to help his team win by returning two punts for game-winning touchdowns. Overall he returned a record-tying four punts for touchdowns while setting a rookie record with 699 punt return yards. His speed and vision allowed him to make it look easy to score a touchdown whenever he had the ball in his hands.

2) Teams Won’t Throw At Him Anymore

Quarterbacks were scared to throw the ball in the direction of Deion Sanders. This is because most of those passes would be intercepted and returned for a touchdown. In his two seasons in the league, Peterson has already recorded nine interceptions.

3) Both Men Saw Time On Offense

Another huge similarity between the two is their ability to make plays on offense. Sanders would amass 60 catches for 764 yards and three touchdowns during his career. Starting in 2013, Peterson is expected to be given several offensive packages in which he will be used as a receiver, running back and possibly even a quarterback. If Peterson can live up to the hype, it may solidify him as an even better player than Deion.

4) Peterson Has A Unique Swagger To Him

There is no doubt that Patrick Peterson is one of the most confident players in the league today. Opposing receivers know that they aren’t going to get many looks during the game. Safeties know that they can cheat to the other side of the field because Peterson can handle players by himself. This gives him a swagger that is visible on the field from the opening kickoff to the final play in the fourth quarter or overtime.

5) He Will Be The Best Cornerback Of His Era

With all due respect to Darrelle Revis, Patrick Peterson will be the best cornerback of this era. His ability to play offense and special teams puts him on a level that few other players can match regardless of what position they play. Only Devin Hester comes to mind when trying to compare him to players of the last five years. However, Hester was never able to be a dominant force on offense or defense.

There is no doubt that Patrick Peterson is a dominant player. His heroics on special teams and defense have quickly earned him a reputation as one of the best young players in the game today. As time goes on, he will most likely establish himself as the best of this generation and a player who is equal to or better than Deion Sanders himself.

It was reported a couple of weeks ago that Bill Belichick “hated” Tim Tebow as a player. Last week, it was reported that Tim Tebow’s representatives thought he was done as a player. Knowing how human nature works, does it surprise anyone that Tim Tebow signed with the New England Patriots on June 11th?

New England Is The Perfect Fit

The Patriots are going to be the perfect fit for Tim Tebow for a variety of reasons. First, there is no chance that he becomes the starting quarterback. At best, he will be a wildcat quarterback or a goal line threat. Secondly, the Patriots are good at squashing the media buzz surrounding their star players. Lastly, the Patriots are a team that doesn’t need Tebow to sell tickets or create a buzz around the team. These three things allow him to simply learn how to play football at the NFL level.

Belichick Knows How To Use Players

Players such as Danny Woodhead have thrived despite not having produced in the league prior to joining the team. If he can get production from a 5’7 running back from Chadron State, is there any doubt that he can get production out of a former Heisman trophy winner and national champion from Florida? Look for Tebow to be split out as a tight end in the goal line or as a fullback who will be tasked with getting tough yardage on third and short.

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Tim Tebow Works Hard

Regardless of what he is asked to do, Tim Tebow will do it with a good attitude and to the best of his ability. This makes it easy to fit in with a team like New England where you have to fall in line quickly or risk being left behind. On a team that has played Troy Brown and Julian Edelman at defensive back, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Tebow playing defense if that is where the coaches ask him to play.

He Plays On A Team With Multiple Threats

If Tebow were to line up with Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski, which players are you going to worry about guarding first? The answer is most likely not Tebow. This will give him the space that he needs to be productive on the field regardless of what position he plays. With Brady on the field, he could even be used effectively as a decoy because no defensive coordinator is going to look for Tebow to throw instead of Brady.

Josh McDaniels Has Faith In Him

Playing up to your potential is much easier when the coaching staff has faith in you. John Elway and John Fox hated Tebow in Denver. Rex Ryan didn’t like Tebow when he was with the Jets. In New England, he will have the only coach to take a chance on him scripting his plays and handling his development. That is going to be the one thing that can help Tebow become the quarterback his fans think he can become.

The AFC East Is A Relatively Weak Division

The Jets, Dolphins and Bills haven’t shown a propensity to play defense over the past couple of seasons. Although the Bills did handle Tebow pretty well when he was with the Broncos, it will be a completely different story asking a third or fourth cornerback on a poor defense to guard him running a route or taking a run up the middle after Tom Brady has abused them through the air.

Tim Tebow is going to thrive in New England because the coaches and players demand greatness. The media will be pushed aside to allow him to focus on his game and helping the Patriots win. After a year or two in New England, he could become the legitimate superstar that he thinks that he can become.