In every playoff game, just as surely as so many of the stars of every team will stand out, there are those unexpected contributors who will rise out of the status of the relatively unknown to make game-deciding impacts. With four NFL teams left in the tournament, here are 12 players who could tilt the field and help their teams on the way to Super Bowl LIII.

Los Angeles Rams

EDGE Dante Fowler, Jr.

Though they have the NFL’s most dominant defensive lineman in Aaron Donald, Wade Phillips’ defense was pretty light on edge-rushers early in the season. Putting Ndamukong Suh on the edge at times was an interesting solution, but more was needed. Trading for ex-Jaguars pass-rusher Dante Fowler, Jr. in late October was a bit of a risk given Fowler’s inconsistent production and off-field travails with his former team, but so far, Fowler has provided what the Rams have needed. Per Pro Football Focus, Fowler has amassed 25 total pressures and 13 stops in nine games. Given Drew Brees’ sub-pas performance under pressure this season, Fowler must maximize his efforts against the Saints in the championship round.

S John Johnson III

While most of the talk about the Rams’ secondary is about which cornerback will cover Saints superstar Michael Thomas (based on past performance, it really should be Aqib Talib instead of Marcus Peters), having great safety play against Sean Payton’s multi-level offense is also a must. Johnson has 90 tackles and 33 stops this season per PFF, and though he’s struggled in coverage at times, he’s an excellent middle of the field defender, especially when the Rams turn to their nickel and dime packages. Given how often the Saints exploit defenses with short and intermediate passes, Johnson’s performance will be key.

RB C.J. Anderson

So, where did this guy come from? Released by the Broncos, Panthers, and Raiders this season, Anderson was signed by the Rams on December 18, and all he’s done since then is rush for 299 yards and two touchdowns on 43 carries in two regular-season games, and 123 yards and two more touchdowns on 23 carries in the Rams’ divisional win over the Cowboys. Acquired primarily due to Todd Gurley’s late-season injury issues, Anderson now presents defenses with a new problem—with a passing game as diverse as any in the league, and a heathier Gurley ripping it up outside, one now has to prepare as well for Anderson’s inside power. If he’s able to replicate his previous feats against a Saints defense that will definitely miss injured interior lineman Sheldon Rankins, Anderson may be the force that propels his new team to the Super Bowl.

New Orleans Saints

CB Eli Apple

When the Saints traded a couple of low draft picks to the Giants for Apple in October, it wasn’t seen as a big deal. But Apple has allowed the team to do more of what it does well—play man defense. Per Sports Info Solutions, the Saints moved from a 31.7% man coverage rate to 43.3% since acquiring Apple. This has resulted in a drop of 26 passing yards per game, 21 points in opposing quarterback rating, and a jump from 30th to fourth in Pass Defense Points Saved. One of the higher-targeted cornerbacks in the second half of the season, Apple has allowed just 48 receptions on 83 targets for 657 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions, and an opposing passer rating of 85.3. Those aren’t lockdown numbers, but Apple has taken this secondary from below average to above, and that may be all the Saints need.

EDGE Alex Okafor

When the Saints lost defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to a torn Achilles tendon in their win over the Eagles in the divisional round, it put a severe stress on the front seven, as the team doesn’t have another transformational interior player. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen may adjust to this by playing end Cameron Jordon inside more often, because Jordan is excellent in both spots. If this happens, someone’s going to have to pick up the slack in the edge-rush department, and Okafor is qualified to do that, along with first-round rookie Marcus Davenport. This season, Okafor has been good for 40 total pressures and 19 stops.

ILB Demario Davis

Sometimes, it’s the little-heralded signings that make the biggest difference on your defense. New Orleans inked Davis, the former Jets and Browns linebacker, to a three-year, $24 million contract in March, and he’s been a mainstay all season. He’s able to bring pressure on blitzes, fly from sideline to sideline against the run, and provide credible coverage on short and intermediate passes. One of the most underrated defenders in the NFL, Davis will be a huge factor in stopping the Rams’ awesome rushing attack.