ESPN NFL Playoffs 2006

Many star players will be on display in Sunday's conference championship games. But instead of focusing on them here, let's take a look at four lesser-known players who could have a huge impact in a positive or negative way. Here is one X factor for each team vying for spot in Super Bowl XLI.

New Orleans C Jeff Faine: The best day in Faine's young NFL career must have been the day his former team, the Cleveland Browns, told him they were trading him. He is now on a Saints team that has a chance to do what was unthinkable months ago -- reach the Super Bowl. Faine has been an integral part of the success of the Saints' offense this season. He anchors a line that finished the regular season with the fourth-fewest sacks allowed. On Sunday, Faine could have the biggest impact in the run game. He has been excellent this season at getting to the second level and blocking the middle linebacker. His job this week will be getting to Bears MLB Brian Urlacher. If he can lock up Urlacher at the second level, the Saints will find success on the ground and ride that run game to the Super Bowl.

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